Toyota's Chassis

Toyota's Chassis

Manufacturing Qualities



Because chassis assembly is so important to safety and handling, nothing is left to chance. Vital steering components are tightened by wrenches that have small radio transmitters attached. When the correct torque is achieved, a signal is sent to a control panel, which counts the number of bolts tightened. Any task performed incorrectly triggers an alarm.



Rear suspension components are first fastened to a sturdy subframe. Subframes not only add structural rigidity, but help insulate the interior from road noise and vibration. Once assembled, the whole unit is attached to the underbody.



Subframes are also very effective in limiting engine vibration and harshness. Once the engine is attached to the subframe, both are raised and mounted to the chassis.

Vehicle Inspection



The wheels travelling over these two steel plates measure exactly how much the vehicle will drift left or right over one kilometre



At speeds up to 120 kilometres per hour, everything on the vehicle is functionally tested, while a braking test determines the actual stopping distance of each wheel.



All Toyota North American production facilities have a test track located directly adjacent, where randomly selected production vehicles undergo extensive handling evaluations.



Suspension harshness and vibration are examined on special road surfaces. Unusual noises and atypical handling characteristics quickly become apparent.



An on-site test track provides hour-by-hour feedback on any production problems... so corrective action can be taken swiftly. When it comes to quality control, no one surpasses Toyota.