Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop problems

Common Differential and Driveline

Differential Bearing Noise

Symptoms

A whining or humming noise from the rear of the car that varies with speed but not engine RPM (persists in neutral while coasting). May be louder during deceleration or acceleration depending on which bearing is worn.

Cause

The A80 uses a Toyota-designed independent rear differential with a viscous-type limited-slip differential (LSD) on turbo models. After 150,000+ km, the pinion bearing and carrier bearings wear, introducing play that generates noise. Cars that have been drifted or repeatedly launched hard wear these bearings faster. The factory LSD plates also wear and lose their locking effect over time.

Fix

A differential rebuild with new bearings, seals, and LSD plate pack by a specialist runs $2,000-4,000.

Pinion bearing replacement alone is $800-1,500 including setup.

The factory diff ratio is 3.13:1 on turbo auto, 3.13:1 on turbo manual (some markets 3.27:1).

If you're rebuilding, some owners upgrade to a Torsen-type LSD from the JZA70 turbo (bolt-in with correct carrier) or aftermarket Kaaz or OS Giken LSD units ($1,500-3,000 for the unit).

Ensure the rebuild includes correct pinion preload and backlash settings — an incorrectly shimmed diff will whine from day one.

Budget for new crush sleeve or crush sleeve eliminator kit.

Cost mentioned in fix

$2,000-4,000$800-1,500 including setup$1,500-3,000 for the unit

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Common Differential and Driveline

Driveshaft Centre Bearing Vibration

A vibration felt through the cabin floor at 80-120 km/h that increases with speed. May be accompanied by a mild droning noise. The vibration is speed-dependent, not RPM-dependent (persists in neutral at the same road speed).

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Sequential Twin-Turbo System Failures

A flat spot or hesitation in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range during full-throttle acceleration. Boost may spike or surge unpredictably. The car feels fast below 3,500 RPM and above 5,000 RPM but stumbles in the transition zone.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Turbo Seal Wear (High Mileage)

Blue smoke on cold startup (oil pooled in the turbo housing overnight drains into the exhaust when started). Blue smoke on deceleration (intake manifold vacuum pulls oil past the compressor seals). Oil residue in the intercooler piping. Increased oil consumption without external leaks.

Minor Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Timing Belt Failure

Catastrophic engine damage. The 2JZ is an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons strike the open valves, bending them and potentially damaging the pistons, head, and block. The engine stops instantly and will not restart.

Critical Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Cam Cover Gasket Oil Leaks

Oil seeps from the edges of the cam covers (rocker covers), running down the sides of the engine. Oil smell from the engine bay. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk on the turbo side).

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Oil Cooler O-Ring Leak

Oil leak from the oil cooler housing on the front of the engine, typically dripping down onto the oil filter and undercarriage.

All Supra (A80) problems