Tailshaft clunk in 3 door 150's

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

Had my SX in for it's 18 month/30,000klms service today (even though I have only done 21,000klms - Oh well). I had advised them when booking the service a few weeks ago, that the "Clunk" returned after only travelling approx 200klms since the last service when the tailshaft was "greased". I told them I wasn't happy with that and they should report to Toyota and find out if they have changed their policy on replacing the Shorty's tailshaft.
I was told today that the policy had not changed and would not unless Toyota received a lot of complaints from Shorty owners who are experiencing the same problem. Until then, all they can do is "grease" it at every service.
So, all you Shorty owners out there, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN and tell everyone you know who has a Shorty to do the same and we might get some action.
I also asked, if the tailshaft is not replaced and the warranty expires, would I be charged extra for the greasing of the tailshaft at each service. The reply was that if it comes to that then they would get a “Toyota Special Technician” (I think that was the term used) to come up from down south and take the vehicle for a test drive to ascertain the extent of the problem and assess if the tailshaft should be replaced or not.
Not to happy with that but will keep on complaining at each service if it continues.
Regards
Bassett

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

Since the above post I have traveled another 12000klms and have not experienced the dreaded "clunk" at all.
Of the 12000klms about 5000klms was towing caravans.
My old van, a Jayco Destiny, weighed about 1800kgs, and the new van, a Nova Terra Sportz, weighs about 2500kgs.
Just had the SX serviced again a couple of weeks ago and got the tailshaft "greased" again. So hopefully this will continue to do the job.

[jayden82 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jayden82]

Good news Bassett, doesn't sound as major as first thought to get that many Kay's out of it and no clunking.
My LWB was a nightmare from day 1, pretty sure when the techs greased and test drove it, it was a no brainer to swap.
It's unfortunately economies of scale with the shorty for Toyota to acknowledge a tailshaft swap.
Hope the grease does the trick.
Cheers
PS worth the trade off - you get 3 tonne towing!!!