Cruiser mechanic in Jackson, WY?

packyb · 08-01-09, 12:03 AM

I searched the thread on recommended mechanics but didn't find a recommendation for Jackson, WY.

I've got an 88 FJ62, and am currently on a road trip with my wife and two kids. My cruiser has been amazing - from San Francisco to Jackson, but had my first issue yeterday. After coming down a really steep mountain pass - my brakes now feel way too soft. Since we've got a lot more miles to log - and passes to cross - to get back to SF, I was hoping to get the brakes looked at asap.

Anyone know of any cruiser mechanics in Jackson, WY?

lovetoski · 08-01-09, 04:49 PM

Brake issues can probably be handled by any reputable mechanic.

In your case, high likely hood that your brake fluid is old, has absorbed water, and the heat from continous pressure caused it to boil. You can't see it happen, but you'll know because the resulting "air" in the line creates an instant soft pedal.

Other possibility, perhaps equally likely, is that you've overheated your brake pads.

If I am not mistaken, a few hours of cooling off should restore your previously firm pedal feel.

If your brake fluid is older than 2 years, get it replaced (they flush out the old, replace with new).

Have your brake pads checked.

Also, did you use the lower gears in the tranny to help provide some free braking on the descent? If not, please do this next time. 3, 2 and L are all appropriate, depending on how steep the descent, and the speed you need to maintain.

I have driven the passes in and out of JH, and downshifting is key even on a brand new rental car, but especially on an older and heavy landcruiser.

wyomingben · 08-02-09, 03:14 AM

If you are coming to Cody, I will take a look.

packyb · 08-02-09, 08:15 AM

Thanks for the replies - and the offer to take a look. I found a local mechanic thru a friend that lives here. Taking the cruiser in Monday morning - I'll try to post my experience and results of visit.

3_puppies · 08-02-09, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packyb

Thanks for the replies - and the offer to take a look. I found a local mechanic thru a friend that lives here. Taking the cruiser in Monday morning - I'll try to post my experience and results of visit.

make sure you don't get charged the rich tourist price! LOL

kcowyo · 08-03-09, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyomingben

If you are coming to Cody, I will take a look.

If they can't help you in Jackson, and you come through Lander, the Toyota dealer here has a Master Toyota Tech who is a 'cruiser nut that drives a 40 series. He handles all of my hair pulling, "Why won't this dumb thing work, stop leaking, running hot, pulling to the left, etc." problems.

.

micruz60 · 08-05-09, 01:32 PM

Just for future reference.. who was the mechanic you went to?
Please pm me or post here on the board.
Thanks,
Mike

packyb · 08-07-09, 09:04 PM

Ended up getting a reference from a local friend. He told me to "bring a six pack of Pacifico to Roy at Roy's Auto Repair" - 1025 S US Hwy 89 in Jackson. Roy was booked but squeezed me in. Diagnosis: as referenced above, air in brake lines (probably from boiling fluid - driver error). Fixed that and tightened my fan belts for $84 - and most importantly in and out in 1/2 day.