08-29-2013, 12:51 AM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
Official Lower Ball Joint Write Up Thread
This is the go to place for information on inspecting and replacing your lower ball joints.
What are Lower Ball Joints (LBJ) and what do they do?
A ball joint is used for allowing free movement in two planes at the same time, including rotating in those planes. Combining two such joints with control arms enables motion in all three planes, allowing the front end of an automobile to be steered and a spring and shock (damper) suspension to make the ride comfortable.
In automobile suspension, the two ball joints are called the "upper ball joint" and "lower ball joint". Lower ball joints are typically larger and wear out faster as the entire front end weight rests solely upon them.
According to Toyota there is no recommended maintenance or miles that the LBJ should be replaced at. Only by checking the play is the best way to tell if they are worn. (for instructions on checking, scroll down)
NOTICE (lifted vehicles and vehicles that are subject to harsh suspension travel should have the LBJ inspected and or replaced more frequently.)
Failure of a LBJ can be catastrophic to the vehicle and or cause injury maybe even death.
This is an example of another vehicle with extremely worn LBJ. There should be very little to no play in vertical movement.
Lower ball joint play - YouTube
So how can you check to see if your lower ball joints are loose or potentially ready to self destruct?
There are multiple ways by prying on the suspension system, but the easiest way that I have found is to follow these simple steps:
1. (checking driver side LBJ) Place a jack under the lower control arm (to mimic the wheel sitting on the pavement and weight of the vehicle) and raise the vehicle so the front left wheel (driver side) is 1/2-1" off the ground
2. place a large pry bar under the center of the wheel and pry on an up and down motion thus lifting the wheel up and down on its suspension travel slightly.
if there is any movement it quite possibly could be the lower ball joint. Having a second person there to visually see if the movement is indeed at the LBJ is an indication of a worn joint.
(Disclaimer: as an example on my 96 4Runner sr5 stock suspension with 280,000 miles, there was about 1/8" of up and down play at the LBJ when i replaced them.
Most vehicles that have seen off road time do not last this long)
So if you have come to the conclusion that it is time to replace the LBJ, How hard is it to do and what tools will you need to do it?
This is a very quick write up of a few pictures that I took along the way. the whole process only took about 2 hours with the tools i show.
Price for parts depends on who and where you buy them from. ranging from $80-150
1. A good tip of advice is to spray all the components you will be taking off (described later) with some sort of lubricating penatrating oil (wd40, PB blaster).
2. Prepare all the parts and tools you will need before you start to tackle this job if this is your only vehicle. The parts and tools I used were an impact wrench and sockets measuring 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, and a 22mm. A large hammer. The ball joint associated with the side your replacing. (Mog P/N #K90262 and K90263 for the other side. $65.11 and $65.17 respectivaly totaling to $130.28. This was even with a Repair Shop Discount.) Jack and jack stands. Dykes or wire cutting pliers. another tool you might need is a torch and a puller of some sort (can be rented from auto parts store), but i did not need them.
3. Start by lifting the vehicle and supporting it by jack stands.
4. Remove the center cap and lug nuts. (Tip,if you are using a breaker bar or tire iron, it helps to break the lug nuts loose before raising the vehicle so that the wheel does not rotate. )
5. Remove the cotter pin on the tie rod end. reassembly torque spec is 67 ft-lbs (tip: the best way to not damage them is to grab the bent arm with the dykes and straighten it out, then go to the other side of the nut and grab onto the side to which it is to be pulled out and use the nut as leverage by pulling and re-grip the cotter pin shaft until it comes free.)
6. Remove the castle nut (Spray this with penetrating oil) and tie rod end from the steering knuckle. (tip: this bolt will most likely be frozen to the knuckle, so the hammer, torch and pickle fork are used to break this joint loose. be very careful not to bust the rubber boot on the tie rod end. The best way to beat the outer casing of the ball joint housing that surrounds the shaft jarring it loose. Although turning the castle nut upside down then screwing it back on so that the bolt threads are level with the castle nut and taking a hammer to it, is not a great idea but it worked for me) (warning, do not hit the top of the bolt with your hammer as this will mushroom the bolt of the tie rod end and prevent the castle nut from screwing back on.)
7.Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint bolt but do not take the bolt off yet.
8. Place the jack under the lower control arm and jack it up just to prevent the lower control arm from springing loose from the ball joint.
9. Remove the castle nut from the lower ball joint (Spray this with penetrating oil) then slowly lower jack from the lower control arm. reassembly torque spec 112 ft-lbs. (notice: if the compressed suspension has not popped the bolt out of the knuckle, it will in a bit after you hit it with a hammer. it will only fall and inch or 2 then be stopped by the shock.)
10. After the LBJ bolt is broken free, remove the 4 bolts securing the LBJ assembly to the knuckle itself. (Spray this with penetrating oil). reassembly torque spec is 59 ft-lbs with advice to use locktite (debate over red or blue).
That is the dis assembly of the LBJ on a 1996-2002 4Runner. instillation is in the reverse order.
Other Optional Links
http://www.carproblemzoo.com/toyota/...t-problems.php
http://car-and-safety.com/toyota-sus...ball-joint.htm
http://www.yotatech.com/f2/toyota-tr...ilures-244804/
My turn for ball joint failure
Ball Joint Failure - My Turn
New Twist on Lower Ball Joint failure
You should replace your ball joints...
Lower Ball Joint Failure Questions
Lower Ball Joint Removal and Installation
Ball Joints
__________________
Never ask a girl if shes sick, she might not be wearing any make up. - lets just say she went storming off.
Never tell your wife she looks tired, they tend to hit and say that means she looks ugly. (weird logic i know)
Last edited by shootmymime; 09-21-2015 at 12:26 AM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 12:57 AM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
let me know if there is anything else i should add to make it better.
__________________
Never ask a girl if shes sick, she might not be wearing any make up. - lets just say she went storming off.
Never tell your wife she looks tired, they tend to hit and say that means she looks ugly. (weird logic i know)
Last edited by shootmymime; 08-29-2013 at 06:38 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 06:21 PM
|
#3
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Washington
Posts: 81
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Washington
Posts: 81
|
Nice job so far, Im actually looking to do mine soon and may follow your write up.
__________________
We must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 06:28 PM
|
#4
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CO
Posts: 6,023
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CO
Posts: 6,023
|
LOL, thats my truck!! At least it will be here for all to see what can happen if you let it go too far. Funny thing is I just ordered new ball joints a few days before this happened. After this happened I had to buy upper ball joints, rack and pinion, brake lines and abs to get her fixed.
__________________
1996 Toyota 4runner Limited - 4" Lift, 33's, AOR Bumper w/winch
1990 Eagle Talon Tsi- E316G @ 32psi E85 Tuned, 272 cams, ECMlink v3.0, 405whp - Gave back to Brother
2012 Toyota Tacoma DCSB - Stock on 32's- Wifes
2004 Cadillac CTS-V - 5.7L LS6 v8, 6-speed 400hp/400tq - My new DD
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...read-pics.html
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 07:09 PM
|
#5
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
__________________
if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 11:27 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
so as everyone can see when the LBJ goes, its not only that, that will need replacing, most of the time its fenders, tie rod ends, UBJ, CV axles. each of those parts add up super quick. resulting in a large repair bill.
so i wanted to add this thread to help people check and be aware of the LBJ issue.
__________________
Never ask a girl if shes sick, she might not be wearing any make up. - lets just say she went storming off.
Never tell your wife she looks tired, they tend to hit and say that means she looks ugly. (weird logic i know)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 11:43 PM
|
#7
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by shootmymime
let me know if there is anything else i should add to make it better.
|
Very good write up.
Suggestions:
Part number
Torque specs
I used red loctiie
Optional other parts to replace inner outer tie rods
Alignment, went Discount tire center lifetime $40 coupon. Total $129
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-29-2013, 11:56 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by OffRoadGuy
Very good write up.
Suggestions:
Part number
Torque specs
I used red loctiie
Optional other parts to replace inner outer tie rods
Alignment, went Discount tire center lifetime $40 coupon. Total $129
|
thanks, ill get part numbers of what i used tomorrow for you as well as my price.
the torque spec are already there. i just made them bold so they show up better now.
i wouldnt use red locktite, that would suck getting it back off, maybe blue.
yes ill include links to tie rod ends on here as well. but if someone else has them handy it would make my searching easier.
also with ball joints you do not need an alignment. but if you adjust the tie rod ends, you will need one.
__________________
Never ask a girl if shes sick, she might not be wearing any make up. - lets just say she went storming off.
Never tell your wife she looks tired, they tend to hit and say that means she looks ugly. (weird logic i know)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 12:09 AM
|
#9
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
|
Using a pickle fork to remove the tie rod end will almost certainly result in destroying it, if it's at all stuck in there. I like to heat the threaded end with a propane torch just until the other side starts to smoke, then very quickly thread the castle nut back on upside down until it's flush with the end of the stud (this is to protect the threads) and give it a bit of love with the Three Pound Persuader. It should pop right out.
A tie rod end puller works too, but that's not nearly as much fun.
__________________
.
'My needle always settles between west and southwest. The future lies that way to me, and the earth seems more unexhausted and richer on that side.' - Thoreau, sort of.
The Grey Bastard, 1985 4Runner, driveway ornament.
Utah DesertRunners T4R, for all things wheeling and 4Runner in Utah.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 12:16 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rexburg ID
Age: 34
Posts: 4,403
|
yes that works great too, i should take away the pickle fork idea and add the puller. I flipped the castle nut over on mine and gave it a few good smacks. then it came off. Ill get that changed tomorrow. thanks!
__________________
Never ask a girl if shes sick, she might not be wearing any make up. - lets just say she went storming off.
Never tell your wife she looks tired, they tend to hit and say that means she looks ugly. (weird logic i know)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 12:30 AM
|
#11
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by shootmymime
thanks, ill get part numbers of what i used tomorrow for you as well as my price.
the torque spec are already there. i just made them bold so they show up better now.
i wouldnt use red locktite, that would suck getting it back off, maybe blue.
yes ill include links to tie rod ends on here as well. but if someone else has them handy it would make my searching easier.
also with ball joints you do not need an alignment. but if you adjust the tie rod ends, you will need one.
|
On Slee Off Road in their OME installation guide suggest red Loctite for ball joint bolts on 2010 4runner.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/installat...structions.pdf
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 12:58 AM
|
#12
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
__________________
if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
Last edited by the great him; 08-30-2013 at 01:21 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 12:58 AM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Opelika, AL
Age: 44
Posts: 3,325
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Opelika, AL
Age: 44
Posts: 3,325
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by OffRoadGuy
|
I'm not saying red cant be used but blue is proven on 90% of the individuals that have changed their balljoints with no issues. I have heard of a few people not using blue and the bolts backed out.
Red is going to suck a lot more if you need to change a CV but you Damn sure wont have to worry about it backing out.
__________________
戦争イーグル
Cory J
Wheel converter,
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 01:04 AM
|
#14
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 6,453
Real Name: Isaac
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cj80cruiser
I'm not saying red cant be used but blue is proven on 90% of the individuals that have changed their balljoints with no issues. I have heard of a few people not using blue and the bolts backed out.
Red is going to suck a lot more if you need to change a CV but you Damn sure wont have to worry about it backing out.
|
yeah red is a no go! blue only! because as cj80cruiser pointed out, if you have to do a CV swap on the trail or even in your drive way and you dont have a big breaker bar or air tools you might not get that off, or you risk snapping the bolt or rounding off the head of the bolt trying to get it off. blue will be plenty strong. honestly i have never locktited mine with anything, just got them nice and snug and been fine. im gonna be going on a replacement plan of every year for them personally
__________________
if a*sholes could fly this place would be an airport -2004 GX470 spm -97 SR5 3.4, SCS Stealth 6's w/305 70 17s MTRs, Icon 2.5" RR w/700#coils, OME861s w/Icon tacoma 2.0 RR, ARBs w/nitro 4.88, PIAA LED lights, 170amp CS144, ARB snorkel, ARB bumper w/xd9000ce, CBI swingout loaded, BudBuilt skids, lil skip tank skid, sliders, LCE 231s(d&s), first gen roll bar mod, LED interior/dash lighting, B&M 70624+perma cool w/electric fan, dual electric fanshttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
08-30-2013, 01:20 AM
|
#15
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 371
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by the kid
yeah red is a no go! blue only! because as cj80cruiser pointed out, if you have to do a CV swap on the trail or even in your drive way and you dont have a big breaker bar or air tools you might not get that off, or you risk snapping the bolt or rounding off the head of the bolt trying to get it off. blue will be plenty strong. honestly i have never locktited mine with anything, just got them nice and snug and been fine. im gonna be going on a replacement plan of every year for them personally
|
I've taken out the bolts twice already using red Loctite. 1st used it for the lift kit. Then had to changed driver side CV. Then recently for the ball joint replacement. I had no issues removing the bolts. All same bolts, was going to replace it with the LBJ, but dealer backorder.
Kid - I picked up next to new M8000 for $275. Thanks for your input earlier.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|