BajaNomad

Toyota design flaw

Ken Cooke - 3-8-2015 at 02:00 PM

While at TIERRA DEL SOL in Truckhaven, Ca yesterday, I saw a driver pound his windshield washer reservoir - as its stock placement is inside the passenger front wheelwell - really? Are Tacomas set up like this???

You would think Toyota's Engineers would better protect this vulnerable plastic part...

[Edited on 3-8-2015 by Ken Cooke]

David K - 3-8-2015 at 03:23 PM

Nope, inside engine comportment. The wheel well is separated from the engine. However, if that barrier was removed, you would think it is near the wheel well... Of course that is NOT stock.

chuckie - 3-8-2015 at 04:26 PM

OF COURSE!

chippy - 3-8-2015 at 04:45 PM

DK why is Spanish spelling so important you? Your English spelling is not very good.

tobianogreg - 3-8-2015 at 04:54 PM

Personally I just love the fuel pump in the gas tank as the design flaw (not!).

Ken Cooke - 3-8-2015 at 05:06 PM

4Runner reservoir diagram. Rock crawlers be advised!


J.P. - 3-8-2015 at 06:11 PM

Translation for TOYOTA = DESIGN FLAW.

BooJumMan - 3-8-2015 at 06:44 PM

LOL - Ever see where JEEP put the reservoir on the Grand Cherokee's? They are huge and in the same spot and not easy to put someplace else. You have to remove it to replace the horribly designed steering box that dies every 10 years.

At least the 4runners are easily relocated to another place in the engine. I enjoy offroading and have owned a few of them. If you're actually doing hardcore stuff then relocating a stupid little washer reservoir is the least of your worries. But yes, I know what you're talking about -- Horrible location. I did run 35's and only 2.5" lift and never hit it. I had a steel bumper that covered it too.

[Edited on 3-9-2015 by BooJumMan]

Pappy Jon - 3-8-2015 at 07:13 PM

I don't think I've seen a car built in the last 20 years that didn't put the washer rez in the fender.

bajatrailrider - 3-8-2015 at 07:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Pappy Jon  
I don't think I've seen a car built in the last 20 years that didn't put the washer rez in the fender.
Ha then you dont know Mexican trucks 2014 Nissan pick up.Its on the radiator core support. All cars /trucks here old school.You can buy a brand new 2014 Nissan Sentri Its a 1986 model from the us. 8500$

David K - 3-8-2015 at 09:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
DK why is Spanish spelling so important you? Your English spelling is not very good.


It is not, but place names are... Coco's Corner isn't Spanish, but mispelled would be something that would need correcting.

The typo in the English is my bad... on a phone. Thanks.

StuckSucks - 3-9-2015 at 01:56 PM

Here's the location of the washer reservoir on the newer Tacomas (on top of the washer motor):

David K - 3-9-2015 at 02:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks  
Here's the location of the washer reservoir on the newer Tacomas (on top of the washer motor):



Yes, and that is in the engine compartment, not exposed to the tires, as Ken seemed to think...? If it was a bad place, Toyota would move it or never put it there. I have a Toyota and not a Jeep (anymore) because it is built better, with better parts, and doesn't break down or need mods to go where I like to go. Even better, it is also my daily driver, so it has to be reliable. Nothing is 100% perfect, but Toyota sure comes close and gives its owners the kind of satisfaction that make it #1, in the world.

[Edited on 3-9-2015 by David K]

Ken Cooke - 3-9-2015 at 05:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks  
Here's the location of the washer reservoir on the newer Tacomas (on top of the washer motor):



Yes, and that is in the engine compartment, not exposed to the tires, as Ken seemed to think...?
[Edited on 3-9-2015 by David K]


Toyota of Riverside is one block away. I'll snap a picture for you.

chuckie - 3-9-2015 at 06:05 PM

Don't waste your time...Toyotas are perfect..If DK didn't keep up the phony mantra he wouldn't get his checks....

David K - 3-9-2015 at 06:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks  
Here's the location of the washer reservoir on the newer Tacomas (on top of the washer motor):



Yes, and that is in the engine compartment, not exposed to the tires, as Ken seemed to think...?
[Edited on 3-9-2015 by David K]


Toyota of Riverside is one block away. I'll snap a picture for you.


Why, I have one in the parking spot outside my apartment. If I can do all that I did and have never come close to touching the washer reservoir (as well as all the other Tacoma owners I know and run with), why are you concerned? Trading in the Rubicon for something new, with room and comfort?

David K - 3-9-2015 at 06:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
Don't waste your time...Toyotas are perfect..If DK didn't keep up the phony mantra he wouldn't get his checks....


Nothing I do is phony... and you missed where I said (above) nothing is perfect.

I send them checks... I WISH it was the other way around!!:light:

Friday afternoon Toyota engineering

Ken Cooke - 3-9-2015 at 06:29 PM






mtgoat666 - 3-9-2015 at 08:49 PM

Ken,
Sure, if you remove the wheel well paneling, then the reservoir is now in the wheel well. On your jeep if you remove the fire wall then your entire engine is in the passenger compartment. That's a serious design flaw!

I owned a jeep Cherokee, and most of the electronics began breaking at 90,000 miles, including the washer pump. My Toyota 4Runner is at 139k miles and never had a problem. Which would you rather own?

easy choice !!

captkw - 3-9-2015 at 09:12 PM

A Heep (of junk) or a nice TOY !! seems simple to most....

Ken Cooke - 3-9-2015 at 09:13 PM

At the Truckhaven Training Area on Saturday, a driver of a 4Runner smashed his washer reservoir/pump combo on a concrete pipe. I was amazed at how little protection exists behind the front bumper, under the wheelwell. His 4Runner was stock, not modified. It just wasn't the sort of vehicle meant for off roading at Truckhaven. As for Cherokee's, they aren't serious off road vehicles, either.

ehall - 3-10-2015 at 09:19 AM

I am hoping the PLR is a complete rockcrawling nightmare so we can settle this Jeep vs. Toyota competition. ( at least temporarily) lol

sd - 3-10-2015 at 10:45 AM

My 2014 standard cab 4WD Tacoma-
Reservoir is at top, directly behind passenger side headlight.

David K - 3-10-2015 at 04:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sd  
My 2014 standard cab 4WD Tacoma-
Reservoir is at top, directly behind passenger side headlight.


Yup, far from the tire...

Ken Cooke - 3-10-2015 at 05:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by sd  
My 2014 standard cab 4WD Tacoma-
Reservoir is at top, directly behind passenger side headlight.


Yup, far from the tire...


The 4Runner and the Tacoma were engineered for different uses. The 4Runner appears more like my Honda Pilot under the hood.

CortezBlue - 3-10-2015 at 07:28 PM

Buy a F150 and

foe-get-about-it

dtbushpilot - 3-10-2015 at 08:20 PM

My new 4Runner TRD PRO will be here the end of the month, I'll be interested to see if they have more protection for it in a dedicated offroad design. Anyone looking for a 2007 FJ Cruiser in excellent condition?

MMc - 3-11-2015 at 08:25 AM

If the only thing wrong with the Taco is where the windshield water is stored. It must be pretty good. After all, they are just a way to get somewhere. If I need to get out and wash my windows so be it.
Two pages on a window washer? WTF.

David K - 3-11-2015 at 10:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MMc  
If the only thing wrong with the Taco is where the windshield water is stored. It must be pretty good. After all, they are just a way to get somewhere. If I need to get out and wash my windows so be it.
Two pages on a window washer? WTF.


Seriously, right? :lol:

It is Ken justifying his Jeep love, but it isn't necessary. People like me, John M, Marian Johns who used to own Jeeps and now own Tacomas just are a lot of pressure to bare. So, any flaw is going to be brought up, and that's okay with me. Seriously, the Rubicon and 4WD Off Road Tacoma are not even the same class vehicle for the same purpose. What they share is four wheel drive, rear locker, and about the same min. ground clearance (I think)... mine with stock tires was 9.25 inches under the differential.

I love Jeeps, because they are historic... the first civilian mass produced 4WD vehicles/ SUVs. My love for Baja took place in a Jeep Wagoneer in the 60's. If Jeep made quality and reliable vehicles, I would own one... well if they made pickups again. I almost bought a Comanche.

How Rubicons and Tacoma Off Road 4WDs are different is: Lack of cargo room. The Rubicon is really just for two people with hardly any room for camping comforts. The Rubicon is SHORT wheelbase and thus can maneuver much, much better off road. The Rubicon has a front locker, where as the Tacoma has A-TRAC (like an automatic anti spin system on the front and rear).

So, really different vehicles, but for a small truck, the Tacoma is amazing in comfort, off road ability, cargo carrying, reliability.

The Rubicon is amazing on off road ability (greater than the Tacomas) if you want to do something tougher than the road to Mission Santa Maria. Makes a great weekend fun vehicle (as long as you own another car for the rest of your transportation needs). Plus it is a Jeep, with roots that go back to 1940 and '41 with the first prototypes created for the army...



The first 'Jeep', American Bantam Co. #1 Pilot Model 1940



The second test model 1940 Bantam BRC-60 (Mark II)



Willys-Overland 'Quad' test model, 1940



Ford 'Pygmy' test model, 1940


Here is the Universal Jeep chart...


sd - 3-11-2015 at 11:46 AM

Well said David.

I purchased a new Rubicon in 2003, kept in in Baja for much of the 3 1/2 years I owned it. Short wheelbase was great. I was a dirt road explorer, not an off road guy. Bugged me that it needed a new water pump at 13,000 miles, but was over 3 years old so out of warranty. Jeep dealer thought they would pay for it, but no, bill was mine.

Now have the 2014 Tacoma, just one Baja trip so far. 20,000 miles on it, comfortable and happy with the purchase.

Both I could recommend, and agree I would not want to use the Rubicon as a daily driver, where the Toyota is fine. Just my thoughts having owned both.