campbeam

I have just viewed this YouTube video about BYD planning to bring a new electric car to the Australian market. Range of 600kms is a worthwhile consideration. It will be interesting to see when this actually happens and the usual stumbling block of price. Expecting that the early adopters will get stung/price gouged.

I have just had a look at this YouTube video which is a history of Toyota's involvement in racing. If I had deep pockets, I would be after some of those limited edition vehicles from the TRD factory. Looks like TRD is now a marketing legacy for recent cars. If you are now after a performance street car then look to the Gazoo Racing versions/models.

I have previously switched the vacuum lines around but did not notice any difference so switched the lines back. As I do mainly short distance urban driving, I was not expecting any difference. Last weekend, I was checking the oil catch can and noticed an air intake noise which I was attributing to the vacuum line from the PCV valve to an inline filter then to the oil catch can. Ended up noticing that a vacuum line for the intake flap had come undone. After putting that line back into place the engine is idling more quietly.

I am guessing that the foam rubber pad that you are referring to is that black item near to the knock sensor. I would definitely leave it on the block because it will help to keep any debris out of that void in the engine block. Any debris could potentially knock and vibrate as it moves around thus giving a false reading to the knock sensor. I was previously wondering if there would be any cooling benefits from removing the engine cover. I reckon that this is a good reason to keep it in place so that there is less chance of debris material getting into that void space near the knock sensor.

I also have a dash protector mat fitted on my Aurion.

Following YouTube video may be useful. Particularly note the 3:35 timing where it briefly shows the tool getting past that 2nd ridge in the fuel line.

Welcome to the Forum. Similar to yourself, I spent a lot of time lurking in another overseas Toyota Forum before joining this Forum. Always want to read the experiences of others, both good and bad. There usually seems to be 1 pesky bolt to be overcome on the more involved DIY tasks.

Trade Tools currently have their Renegade brand torque wrenches on special for this week. I have definitely got the 1/4" and 3/8" Renegade torque wrenches. 1/2" torque wrench is a different brand.

Looks like lithium iron phosphate batteries have great potential for use in standard EV with a range of 250-300 miles and to lower the cost for these vehicles. Still a case of potential being turned into reality for a lower priced EV to hasten the adoption rate of EVs. Something else to watch for in the next year or so.

Excellent that you have achieved the sound that you have wanted. Nothing unusual for me to be skeptical so always nice to be proven wrong again. I was certainly expecting more drone with the removal of the resonator. Looks like the recently replaced rear resonators/mufflers are able to deal with/eliminate the expected extra drone. Interested to read a follow up on whether you have noticed any change with more torque at lower rpm or in the higher rpm range.

Another Repco weekend sale ending Sunday 9th May which includes 30% off transmission fluid and also coolant.

I have been thinking about the synergy benefits for Tesla and Toyota. Tesla excells with software and adopting new manufacturing processes while Toyota excells in producing a quality reliable product. Following video gives some insights that Tesla is having upon Ford EV.

Following video [not exactly the most detailed] indicates that the job should be straight forward. Your swear counter should be less than her's.

I have now viewed this video a few times. Puts a lot of current developments into perspective.

After looking at this video, I have a better appreciation of the sustainability of recycling and why it will be so essential in future years for the supply chain.

When I am cleaning and being a bit OCD [i.e. putting in the extra effort for better results], I am thinking of Tony. She is a beast, engaged self-propel and she took off very smartly. It will be a brisk walk around the yard. Yes, they are cup holders between the handles. Doubt if they will get much use while mowing. Probably need the 2 cans while cleaning the car. 😄😄

So much easier to maintain the coating so that is what I will be doing.

My new mechanical girlfriend got delivered Friday afternoon. Gross weight of 45kgs is a bit more than expected. Assembly was done on the weekend. Before adding the oil and petrol, I gave it a detail. Something that I would not have even thought about doing before joining this Forum and reading Tony's posts. Have to admire his OCD. Started with a 9H ceramic coating for the underneath of the chassis, the grass catcher and then the rest of the mower. Following day, I applied P&S Beadmaker all over as a top coat. All of this simple to do detailing should make any future cleaning very easy.

I viewed a YouTube video about BYD in which Toyota was mentioned about being a "licensed" user of their electric vehicle platform. Now just viewed this following YouTube video. Looks like Toyota is making a lot of strategic survival partnerships foe EV manufacture. For Tesla, it looks like a potential foothold into the Japanese auto market to increase production volume and achieve further economies of scale to reduce production costs.

It has been superceded by the RE004. https://tiresvote.com/articles/bridgestone-potenza-adrenalin-re004/

Hopefully you have at least 17" rims. https://www.michelin.com.au/auto/tyres/michelin-pilot-sport-4

Only noise that I have noticed when accelerating hard is the engine intake. How complete is the service history of your AT-X and how many kms on the odometer? Has the Automatic Transmission Fluid been changed? Regular oil and filter changes using a quality engine oil, preferably a full synthetic is essential.

Welcome to the Forum. There a lots of recent posts for Aurion maintenance. You should be able to locate these threads using the Forum search functionality as well as a Google search.

I would recommend that you email Toyota Australia Customer Service. Definitely keep a record/copy of the email reply. Always handy to have documentation.

No direct experience but my immediate thought is that at 70K on the odometer, I would be considering changing the transmission fluid in transfer case. https://www.testingautos.com/car_care/when-to-change-transfer-case-oil.html