I totaled my 2024 Sequoia Installing Front aFe Tow Hooks

Hi all,

Crazy, so I carry Kayaks on the roof rack on my new 2-month-old 3rd Gen Sequoia. Since there are no front attachments for the front rope of my Kayaks on the Sequoia, I decided to install aFE front tow hooks instead of attaching the rope to the bumper, which could break the plastic.

I did the right front without issues. On the left front, however, removing one of the bolts coming out was a bit harder. When I was putting the bolt back in, there was a bit of resistance, but the bolt was screwing with the wrench. I didn't use any power tools, just my right arm. then suddenly I heard a "SNAP" with the bolt halfway in.

I took it to the dealer, and the tac-welding that had attached the nut to the frame broke.

be careful INSTALLING FRONT TOW HOOKS - the tac-welding of the nut on the frame could break like it did mine without a proper fix besides replacing the frame or cutting into the frame.

Unfortunately, my 2 month old 2024 Sequoia is now considered totaled because the cost of frame replacement with labor outweighs it's value.

Really Toyota? I was able to total my car from a failed tac-weld on a nut frame? Really? nuts


*** update- I'm considering a class action lawsuit against Toyota as there are multiple people affected and the repair is not existent. Contact me if you want to be part of it.

 

Thats insane....I would cut a hole, enough for a wrench, and use a normal nut. Thats crazy, write off for a broken .03 nut

 

Post some pics, if it's a tac welded bolt some welder can fix that right up, unless there going to give you a new tree to take home.

 

How does a tac welded nut total a sequoia?

 

Screw it.
Let insurance total it. Buy it from the insurance.
Enjoy it forever.

 

Post some pictures. That sounds odd. It takes all of 5 minutes to grind that spot on the frame and weld a new nut on.

Edit: Realized this is on a 3rd gen with the boxed frame. I can see how that would be a lot more difficult. Odd to total it out though.

 

I deleted the video I uploaded as it had my license plate on it.

 

Yikes, that's some wild stuff. I would imagine a welder or a machine shop should be able to come up with a solution.

 

That is insane. I know this has already been said, but it definitely bears repeating.

 

Beat me to it!! There is no way that I would take a hit like that unless you overplayed that much because of dealer mark up. I would see about buying it back and cut into the frame re weld the piece/s and weld it shut again.



OR!!!!!! Argue about getting morning money and then don’t look back, that would be enough to leave Toyota behind Good luck.

UnFrickenBelieveable!!!!!

 

Wait. You agreed let them total your vehicle because of a broken nut that doesn't hold anything? That's kind of stupid.

 

front swaybar

 

Solutions

https://youtu.be/cBpo8MFBfIw?si=2EwpF9DGfEeG45Gi

 

Yeah that truck is done. Might as well just send it to the crusher.

 

I could see it being costly to swap a frame out but more than the value of the car? Also, like others said, cut, weld, done. No way I’m totaling anything for that.

 

I see there is a plastic cover on the frame. That can come out and probably, might be hard or impossible, but could find a way to grab the nut.

 

If you can get it out, you can get one in.

 

Sucks for him though since the bolt is still attached to the nut. I broke my front sway bar end link welded nuts. Luckily, There is room to grab it. Still a shit design. those nuts need to be completely welded and not some shit spot weld.

 

Agreed. My pic is from the shitty bump stop welded nut. Pain in the ass to fix but it cost less than $62,000.

 

Now that you say that. I cant imagine a nut costing $62k in a Toyota. I dont think even a nut on the space shuttle cost that much.

 

There’s only 2 nuts in this world that’s worth $62k to me.

 

2024.

 

This.

 

I’m really trying not to be rude here, but the fact you filed a claim is beyond me.

No visual evidence, but with how loose that bolt sounds I can’t help but wonder if it’s cross threaded.

 

Yup

 

There has to be a way to cut that bolt and fish out the other end from a frame hole in close proximity. I have used nuts that have a stick (bendable metal that is welded to the side of the nut) on the end of it and can fish it through frame holes. In my wife’s 1990 wrangler I used one of the those once you start the three you can put downward pressure while you tighten it and it will seat against the frame. There really is no need to weld it although it makes it easier to install the bolt.