3rd gen experts.....ball joint failure?

[Bt08231]

hey experts

I found this interesting looking deal on Craigslist.

1997 Toyota 4 Runner

Owner states she hit a pothole and broke the axle. Is this a ballpoint failure? Looks like it to me.

Looking at the pics, what is needed for the repair and how much would the parts be if it's justball joints?

I'm sure you can't tell much more than I can by the pics but maybe someone has experienced this.... Thanks

 

[4Runner4TW]

One quick red flag is she posted it as a fwd manual. I know its a small thing but it could reveal neglect on the owners part when it comes to maintenance. I would look the vehicle over very closely if you do. Make sure to look under the oil cap.

 

[Bt08231]

Yes I questioned that also with it obviously being an auto....

 

[KidVermicious]

Yeah, that's ball joint failure. At a minimum, you would need to replace both ball joints and the CV axle. It's possible, even likely, that one or more of the steering knuckle, upper control arm, and/or lower control arm are also damaged. The brake rotor or caliper could also be damaged, but that's not as likely. On top of that, I see damage to at least the fender, running board, and front bumper.

How much that costs to completely repair depends entirely on what else is damaged, whether you do the work or farm it out, whether you use junkyard parts or new, and how good you are at finding good prices. I would respectfully suggest that if you are asking vague questions like you have, that you probably aren't ready to do all that yourself.

 

[Bt08231]

Thanks for the replies. I have all tools and knowledge to get it fixed, my brother is a toyota tech so he and his connections know all about this stuff. I was mainly asking because I don't know exactly what breaks to cause this and the associated parts cost. I am great at finding deals and would do all the work myself with new parts. I don't care about the fender or running board damage.

The cost of these new parts would dictate my offer.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I guess it would be a short test drive then.

If I wasn't in LA for a conference, I'd go and pick that up to serve as a beater 4runner tomorrow.

 

[02SE]

Considering the rust hole in the rear bumper, I'd closely inspect the entire undercarriage for excessive rust.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Just an FYI, insurance can payout or total a car for value up as high as $3,000 (or maybe more?) for a ball joint failure when the vehicle is moving. I think this is because of all the other parts can be affected by failure.

So just know that there may be A LOT more than just $500 - $1000 in damages, assuming you can't do the work yourself.

Despite your title, I'm no expert so please take with a grain of salt.

If your brother can get Toyota parts at employee rates and help fix it then you might be good to go for less than $500 in parts & that's assuming you get Toyota parts. 285k miles is a lot though.

 

[JayRolla]

If the body didnt get damaged and it looks like just ball joint failure it would be a good deal if you can do the work. Usually you just have to replace LBJ, UBJ if failed and maybe a tie rod end. Worse case would be like mine when it tore the inner tie rod out the rack so I had to replace the rack and pinion. Still would be a good deal.

 

[slapdappy]

don't buy this rusty neglected piece of crap because it is a rusty neglected piece of crap.