borealis

Cheers MattW79

Hi all, I received a letter from Toyota Australia around two weeks ago regarding the 2007 Corolla's left hand drive shaft. It stated that the left hand drive shaft used in the car manufactured within a specific period might not be according to Toyota's specifications. The car needs to get inspected at the nearest dealer, and if the drive shaft is affected, it will be replaced with no cost. So I went to the dealer this morning and got it inspected. Unfortunately, the label on that drive shaft is crinkled and illegible. They said they will have to contact Toyota Australia and ask if they need to proceed (seems like they are kept in the dark by Toyota Australia as well), and they will contact me soon. I trust my dealer because we go waay back. Has anyone else in this forum received the same letter? Does anyone know what might happen if the drive shaft doesn't get replaced? I mean, replacement with no cost sounds like it's a very big thing, or maybe I'm just too paranoid? Cheers..

Cheers for the link sugizo! I'd love to storm their office with you guys, but sorry mate, I'm in Queensland. It seems that that fix in the UK works wonders! So when they told me they called Toyota International, they must have just called Toyota Australia because they said they only have the same type of brake pad and 'Toyota is still researching for new brake pad material since the use of asbestos on brake pads were forbidden since a couple of years ago.' This UK forum proves otherwise - There IS a fix, a replacement brake pad. I think what I might bring a hard copy of the UK forum conversation and ask them to call Toyota UK. Hopefully they will comply. Hmmm, I think it's worth a try. I'll get back to you when I get the results!

Hey I have exactly the same problem! Glad I'm not alone! Sometimes rear wheel makes rotational noise...very sharp but short, metal grinding noise, I can even hear it with my windows closed (Not to mention everyone else turning their heads to look at my car when I drive out of the parking lot after work!!!). I've been very persistent with this problem as I bought the car brand new from the dealer and I have never got a brand new car which makes this kind of noise. Bought it in September 2007. I went to get it checked at the dealer more than 3 times, insisting that it only happens when it has been parked at least for half an hour with and the handbrake was used. It also happens randomly, not every time I hear the noise after the car is parked with handbrake applied. So it was difficult for the dealer to replicate the noise. The last time I went to the dealer I actually escalated the problem to one of the managers and he called Toyota International. That time he was told that the brake pad compound can leave smudges or the brake pad's residue on the disc brakes when the disc brakes are still hot, thus creating the noise when the wheel turns. That was the best they could come up with, and I kinda believed that and concluded that it is not a safety concern. Lately it's been making that noise every time I go home from work, so I decided not to use the handbrake, and put my car in first gear instead when I park it every morning since two days ago. It still makes the same noise for about a minute or so! sugizo, have you found a better solution that can eliminate the noise yet? get new brake pads from third parties? Do you have the link for that 'auris' forum? I only see 'aurion' and 'yaris' in the forum's TOC.