Check engine code P0133 and thump?

[Tony 96 lx450]

Hello,
Just bought a 96 LX 450 with 110,000 miles, it appears to be in ok shape. there are no obvious leaks or other major issues except for some light clicking when starting from a dead stop and cranking the steering wheel hard to the right or left. and....The check engine light came on yesterday, I took it to Auto Zone. P0133 is the code which, from searching this forum, I believe to be the O2 sensor. I've had the oil changed and the transmission fluid flushed since I bought it (2 weeks). I have just a couple questions to get my head straight on the maintance and how to handle the current issues.

1. Is it safe to assume that the O2 sensor needs to be replaced and that this is not a false warning due to the oil change and sudden cold snap here in Georgia. ( I replaced the current old and very dirty oil with fully synthetic oil.)

2. I am concerned about the clicking when I turn and gun it. It is very light and I have to be trying to make it happen but I have read on this site that it could turn into a real problem. Any suggetions on how to prevent this from getting worse.? Do I really need to repack at this point. I'd like to do it, just to know it's done, but I'm a little concerned about doing it right, having never attempted anything more then a valve cover gasket and brake pad replacement. (I'm still alive)

3.and..... I hear a mild thump, usually when slowing down to almost a complete stop or going up a steep incline in the parking garage. It feels like it is downshifting hard?? Any thoughts? Does this sound like driveline or transmission?

4. Does anyone have a good maintenance schedule or recommended maintance for a recently purchased truck with unknown maintenance history?

Thanks,
Any help would be great.

 

[Beowulf]

4. Does anyone have a good maintenance schedule or recommended maintance for a recently purchased truck with unknown maintenance history?

Starting from the bottom of your list:
1. Baseline the fluids. All of the fluids. Engine, tranny, xfer, F&R diff, brakes, coolant, PS, grease in U-joints and propeller shafts..
2. Get your maintenance items up to date. Plugs, wires (if out of spec), dizzy cap, rotor, PCV, air filter. Use only Toyota tune-up parts.
3. Inspect and replace the belts if needed. Use Toyota (never use aftermarket belts)

=================

P0133 is the 1st (front) O2 sensor. If you plan to keep this truck a long time then replace both if you need to replace the front. I would reset the code and see if it returns.

The thump might be a DS that needs lubrication.

The clicking birfs is an indication that, at some point (probably NOW!) the birfields were without sufficient lubrication. They have developed wear patterns and you are hearing the result.

My recommendation would be to repack the birfs ASAP, and swap sides when you do them. There are numerous write-ups in the message archives and a pretty good write-up by Jim Phillips in the Technical Tips area (off of the IH8MUD main page I think.) Many people have posted other birfield writeups with pics (Morgan Freeman's comes to mind.)

The birfield repack is a messy but relatively easy job. You'll need a few special tools; described in the write-ups. See if there is an IH8MUD guy in your neighborhood. Perhaps you could do 2 or 3 trucks in a weekend and each help.

Welcome to the 80 section and to 80 ownership.

-B-

 

[Tony 96 lx450]

Beowulf,

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. I'll start tackling the fluids right away and the birfs and the sensors in the next couple of weeks, I am in the middle of moving.

Thanks for the welcome, I'm glad I bought this truck, awesome truck for the money. I plan to drive it for a long time and hopefully to enjoy some trails and camping in North Georgia.

Tony

 

[semlin]

Welcome, what wulf man said plus read the FAQ section on drivetrain clunks to deal with item #3 on your list and get yourself a factory service manual from Dan.

 

[Tony 96 lx450]

Semlin,

Thanks, FSM is the first thing. FAQ is very helpful, thanks.