What's That Smell?
Q:I bought an '03 4Runner Sport, and when I accelerate hard, I notice a bad smell, like rotten eggs, in the vehicle. I took it to the dealer who told me this is a known issue but Toyota will not fix it. They gave me an information sheet and sent me on my way. Does this sound right?
A:I'm assuming the information sheet they gave you was Toyota Technical Service Bulletin EG003-03, which came out last February. The TSB applies to all Toyota vehicles and explains the connection between the odor and the sulfur content in gasoline. The more sulfur in the fuel, the more rotten-egg smell comes out of the tailpipe. Sulfur is a normal part of crude-oil products, and the amount present in gasoline can be decreased through the refinement process. Currently, California is the only state that has regulations to limit the gasoline sulfur content for emissions purposes. The remainder of the country's gas-pump standards vary between companies and locations. Assuming your MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) hasn't come on and pointed to a problem in the powertrain-control system, it's time to try a different fuel source. Empty your tank as much as possible, then fill up from one location and gas company at a time to determine which reduces or eliminates the smell.
Steer Me in the Right Direction
Q:I own an '02 Silverado 1500 4x4. Since it reached 2000 miles on the odometer, it's been plagued with a steering knock at the joint of the intermediate steering shafts. Inside the joint is a grease knuckle that can only be filled by disassembling the entire upper steering column--a very poor design. I've had it back to the dealer several times. Do you know of any company that manufactures an aftermarket steering column for a late-model Silverado 1500?
A:If your truck is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty, or if you had the complaint documented prior to the expiration of the warranty, you shouldn't be looking to buy anything at all. The problem involves '99-'02 Chevy and GMC pickups and '00-'02 SUVs. Chevy Technical Service Bulletin 00-02-35-003A details the installation of a steering-column intermediate shaft-lubrication kit (Part #26098419) to repair what it describes as a clunk-type noise coming from under the hood that also can be felt in the steering wheel. These conditions may be more noticeable when turning at low speeds on rough road surfaces. An experienced GM technician told me the lubrication kit usually eliminates the noise when done correctly. He also mentioned something you won't find in the TSB: If any binding of the shaft is noted, the intermediate steering shaft may need to be replaced to avoid a repeat failure. If it hasn't been done already, request the shaft be replaced. If it has been replaced and lubricated properly, the problem may exist elsewhere.