Is the 150 showing any signs of cracked inner guards

[smakb]

What did ARB say?

I didn't ask. From what I have seen, Toyota are blaming ARB and ARB are blaming Toyota. I didn't have the time or money to fight them. I dumped the car as quick as I could to cut my losses. Even if I had a positive outcome, I would not be comfortable investing more money into the car to fit it out the way I wanted it.

There is a chance that someone will find a good fix in the future, but if could not wait to see and risk it.

[rob_macca67]

What battery tray did u have installed?

+ what vehicle did u buy after off-loading the Prado?

It's interesting why some crack and others don't...... I haven't heard of any cracking where they have a TJM battery carrier installed, but that doesn't help where they crack on the LHS under the OEM battery.....


Rob

[D4D]

What did ARB say?

[smakb]

These photos are not the best, but you can see that they are not just a little crack.

[smakb]

I was running a 100 amp/hr sealed unit, bit it was in the back. The starter battery was the original factory one.
Tyre pressures on the Simpson were 16psi front and 18psi rear for most and then 14psi front and 16 rear for the last part and Big Red.

Toyota didn't give a response. I have read enough and seen enough to know that I was not going to win any argument. The car was traded within a week of seeing the cracks. Cut my losses and run was the safest thing for me (whilst a cut and polish would still make the car look good).

If I had my time again I would go with a TJM bar (just in case that helps) but I don't know if it would make a difference.

[REV]

Good Questions and do you have some pictures please?

I check mine lots and so far so good.
I have an allrounder battery and a TJM carrier.

Cheers
REV

[rob_macca67]

I put the battery in the back and I still think that it's a good idea, but it was not enough for me and the recent Simpson trip was enough to do the damage.

Both sides.

Curious.... What pressure were u running in your tyres and what size AUX battery were u running + what type of battery carrier do u have?

Rob

[Steve M]

What is Toyotas response ?? Or was it not good hence selling the Prado and not buying another Toyota ?? I come across an 2010 150 today with 100 thou on it GXL for 35 k which looks immaculate in the pictures. I'm going to have a look on the weekend but this cracking seems to be a bit of a worry. I know some of the 120's do it as well but you don't even have duel batts under the bonnet ?? I'm still liking the Dmax though !!! That's not a good thing with the cracking .... Cheers Steve. I should add that is for an auto V6 I'm referring to

[smakb]

I put the battery in the back and I still think that it's a good idea, but it was not enough for me and the recent Simpson trip was enough to do the damage.

Both sides.

[outback7]

I did what the Roo suggested and put the battery in the back. Have done the Simpson, the Flinders, no cracks. It would be good though, if Toyota did a recall on those affected......Lets wait and see. I don't think this cracking problem on the 150's is a wide spread problem.

[rob_macca67]

Did you manage to pick one of the current designs up? Would like to check yours out one day to have a look at the cracking issue.

Yeah, I got one of the last designs where u can install a 12in battery if u want.....

I still think the top support brace that holds the battery down and that is also bolts to the front radiator panel goes a long way in helping to prevent some of the issues too

[Rogerthatv2]

Yeah, So Darren told me..... still, reduces options for those wanting to have a larger battery though

Did you manage to pick one of the current designs up? Would like to check yours out one day to have a look at the cracking issue.

[Schniff]

Rob, you're right about 'starting from scratch', It's a PITA.
My lease was up so I took the opportunity to move on.
Lucky in a way with the FBT changes, not that they will last after Sep 7!

[rob_macca67]

The Pic that I posted was from a Hire Company that hires out to the mining industry..... A mate gave me the pic to help me in my discussions with Toyota and from memory & looking at that pic, it too is of the MAIN Battery on the Passenger's side.....

We came back from a outback trip in June where the car got a good workout on corrugated roads and at the end of each day I checked for any signs and thankfully there were none. I also checked on the passengers side as well but all good too. I know I would be concerned too if I had to drive on corrugated roads on a daily basis, but I'm hoping a once a year trip sort of thing won't have any repercussions....as I don't want to start again from scratch in buying & building up another 4wd for another 5yrs or so.....

Guys, I see a lot of talk here about auxiliary battery fitment causing cracking.
If you recall, my Prado cracked first on the passenger side where the factory battery is fitted.
In the end it got quite bad and while it didn't quite look like the picture that Rob showed, it was heading that way.

To Ticka I would say you should be worried, because the crack will get worse and more than likely there will be more cracking that is not visible.

If you have minor cracking, it may be best to end drill the cracks EARLY to prevent propagation. Plating and welding the area will just transfer the stress to the next weakest area and it will crack twice as fast. Unfortunately the only way to truly fix it is to replace the entire guard.
The only way to prevent it in the first place would be to fit a lightweight starting battery and relocate the auxiliary to the rear. Or not drive on corrugations.

Some may not be willing to live with this compromise. I wasn't and now I no longer own a Prado.

[Schniff]

Guys, I see a lot of talk here about auxiliary battery fitment causing cracking.
If you recall, my Prado cracked first on the passenger side where the factory battery is fitted.
In the end it got quite bad and while it didn't quite look like the picture that Rob showed, it was heading that way.

To Ticka I would say you should be worried, because the crack will get worse and more than likely there will be more cracking that is not visible.

If you have minor cracking, it may be best to end drill the cracks EARLY to prevent propagation. Plating and welding the area will just transfer the stress to the next weakest area and it will crack twice as fast. Unfortunately the only way to truly fix it is to replace the entire guard.
The only way to prevent it in the first place would be to fit a lightweight starting battery and relocate the auxiliary to the rear. Or not drive on corrugations.

Some may not be willing to live with this compromise. I wasn't and now I no longer own a Prado.