Hi All
Another maintenance performed on my estima and this one is unique to an estima only because no other car has these kind of parts
In Estima, engine is mounted under the driving and passenger seats, Radiator fan, generator, AC COmpressor and Power Steering pump are located at the front under the bonnet. This is designed primarily to improve cooling system efficiency.
To connect these rotating parts with the engine drive line, there is an auxiliary drive shaft. This shaft has rubber couplings which act as harmonic balancers removing movement jerks and ensuring smooth delivery of motion to the auxiliaries.
Over time the rubbers inside the couplings get worn and start making clicking noise with load i.e AC on, Viscous Fan connected or Power Steering full lock.
My van was giving these noise and vibration symptoms for some weeks so it was time to find relacement couplings and install.
Found a used pair for 2000 Rs. for both couplings
Here is the shaft out of the van, not an easy job and u need an expert mechanic to remove this part, otherwise trouble can be alla round you. I read many horror stories over Toyota Estima Owners club about SADS (Supplemental Auxiliary Drive Shaft System)