The TOYOTA CRESTA TD (Turbo Diesel) offered a blend of comfort and reliability, becoming a common sight on New Zealand roads thanks to private imports. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, the Cresta TD provided a more understated luxury experience compared to its Chaser and Mark II siblings. This guide provides insights into maintaining your Cresta TD and addressing potential issues.
Cresta TD owners in New Zealand should be aware of potential issues that may arise with age and mileage. Some commonly reported problems include:
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushes: These bushes are known to wear, leading to poor handling and potential knocking noises. Replacement is often necessary around 150,000-250,000 km.
• Automatic Transmission: Delayed or harsh shifting can indicate issues with the automatic transmission. Servicing the transmission and fluid changes can sometimes alleviate these problems, however, more extensive repairs might be required around 150,000-250,000 km.
• Power Steering Pump Leaks: Leaks from the power steering pump are a common occurrence, requiring replacement or repair around 150,000-250,000 km.
When taking your TOYOTA CRESTA TD for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) in New Zealand, be mindful of these common check points:
• Front Suspension Ball Joints: Ensure these are free from excessive play.
• Brake Rotor Condition: Rotors should be within acceptable thickness limits and free from significant damage.
• Rust: Check for rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches, as this is a common area for corrosion on older vehicles.
Maintaining your TOYOTA CRESTA TD involves paying attention to specific areas. Consider these points for optimal performance:
• General Maintenance: Regular servicing, including oil changes and filter replacements based on the 10,000 km service interval, are crucial for longevity. Monitoring fluid levels, including coolant and power steering fluid, is also recommended.
• Cooling System: Regularly check the condition of hoses and inspect the radiator cap for proper sealing. Ensuring the thermo fan switch functions correctly will prevent overheating.
• Braking System: Inspect brake pads, especially the rear brake pads, regularly for wear. Rotor condition should also be checked for excessive wear or damage. The front suspension ball joints are important to inspect.
• Engine: Replacing the timing belt at the recommended interval is essential to prevent engine damage. When conducting engine maintenance, consider replacing valve stem seals, the engine oil pan gasket, oil cooler gasket, and oil pump seal.
• Suspension: Inspect the radius arm front suspension bushes, as wear in these components can affect handling.
• Transmission: Consider using the correct Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) as per the manufacturer's specifications during servicing.