Supra (A70)

1986-1993 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A70) problems All workshop problems

Common Differential and Driveline

LSD Wear

Symptoms

The car spins the inside rear wheel easily in corners or on power application, behaving like an open differential. Reduced traction on corner exit.

Cause

Turbo A70s came with a viscous-type LSD from the factory. The viscous coupling loses its locking ability over time as the silicone fluid degrades. After 100,000+ km, many factory LSDs provide minimal locking effect.

Fix

The viscous unit cannot be rebuilt — it must be replaced.

Options include a Torsen T2 unit (available from JZA70 turbo models or aftermarket, bolt-in replacement, $800-1,500), a Kaaz clutch-type LSD ($1,500-2,500), or an OS Giken Super Lock ($2,000-3,500).

The Torsen is maintenance-free and works well for street use.

Clutch-type LSDs provide stronger lockup for track use but require periodic plate replacement and LSD-specific oil additive.

Cost mentioned in fix

$800-1,500$1,500-2,500$2,000-3,500

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// More Supra (A70) problems

Other known issues

Common Differential and Driveline

Differential Bearing Wear and Noise

A click or clunk from the rear that occurs once per wheel rotation, most noticeable at low speed when coasting to a stop. Or a continuous whining/humming that varies with road speed but not engine RPM (persists in neutral while coasting).

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Head Gasket Failure

The head gasket blows, allowing coolant into the combustion chambers and/or oil passages. White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible external leak, overheating under boost, milky oil on the filler cap, and bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. In severe cases, hydrolock (coolant filling a cylinder and bending a connecting rod on startup).

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Low Oil Pressure at Idle

Oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle. The factory oil pressure warning light may flicker or illuminate at idle, particularly in traffic on hot days. The engine may develop bearing noise (deep knocking from the bottom end).

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

CT-26 Turbo Failure

Loss of boost pressure, excessive oil smoke (blue/grey) on startup or deceleration, whistling or grinding noises from the turbo, and oil in the intercooler piping.

Critical Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Cooling System Inadequacy Under Boost

Coolant temperature climbs rapidly under sustained boost, particularly in traffic or on hot days. The temperature gauge sits higher than normal and doesn't recover quickly.

Common Engine, 7M-GTE (Turbo)

Fan Clutch Wear

The engine runs hotter than normal, particularly at low speeds and idle. The cooling fan doesn't seem to pull much air through the radiator.

All Supra (A70) problems