Ball Joint Replacement Writeups?

fightman80

fightman80

New member
Hey guys, I did a search and found these 2 write ups for upper and lower ball joint replacement.

Is this all we have on here, or did someone else do a more detailed step by step on this??

Lower ball joint:

https://plus.google.com/photos/1140...82535335672897/5384383544643009602?banner=pwa


Upper ball joint:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/52741-upper-ball-joint-removal.html


I've never done this, and a little nervous about doing this job...... So if there is a more detailed write up on this... please share! :)
 
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Don't be nervous. LBJ are really a lot easier than I thought they would be. I was quite nervous actually. The UBJ were a pita and I ended up pulling the entire spindle (not that hard if you have replaced a CV), and taking it to a local shop to have them press out the old and in the new for $25 per side. I spent 6-10 hours over a couple of days trying to get the UBJ out of the spindle. Take my advice, the tools from Auto Zone & O'Reilly don't work.
The LBJ took my 45 minutes for the passengers side since I had never done it and the drivers side took 20-25. I've got faith in you.
Just make sure you have a bolt for the big nut. It is either a 21mm or 24mm. I forget.
 
Upper ball joints are easier done with a jig from total chaos, and the lower bj's are done with the right puller... I bought my puller for $13 at AutoZone and its really actually a very quality tool to my suprise. This puller also worked for the tie rod ends.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm really liking Sponge's writeup, but wish it also had the upper tutorial.

The link Little Caesar posted is nice, it has both and then some! I think I'm gonna follow that writeup.

I kinda like the idea of bringing the A-arm to a shop to have the old pressed out. However, if it's like Compressing a strut (a job many people suggest you have a shop do), I think I'll just borrow the tools and give it a go.

I have mechanic buddies, who have either offered their help, or their tools to help me do this job... so I think I'm going to go that route!

In the end, if crap hit's the fan, and I can't get the upper's out, then I'll just run down the street, and get the guy at the Chrysler Dealership, or buddy at the smaller Garage to do it for me.

Thanks again for the info fellas! :)
 
Too bad I never came across those spongerx links. Those are some good write-ups that he did. Here is another one

edit - spongerx and my torque specs don't match up however (tie rod castle nut and 4 lbj bolts).
 
Last edited:
bootown said:
Too bad I never came across those spongerx links. Those are some good write-ups that he did. Here is another one

edit - spongerx and my torque specs don't match up however (tie rod castle nut and 4 lbj bolts).
Click to expand...

Do you really need all those parts you listed in yours? I just got in my two LBJ's and was planning on install today or tomorrow.
 
I just list everything. If you bought the ball joints from Toyota you have a new LCA castle nut and cotter pin in the bag. Everything is reusable except the cotter pins. We live in two totally different areas so I usually replace everything that I remove due to rust.
 
Last edited:
bootown said:
I just list everything. If you bought the ball joints from Toyota you have a new LCA castle nut and cotter pin in the bag. Everything is reusable except the cotter pins. We live in two totally different areas so I usually replace everything that I remove due to rust.
Click to expand...

Cool, LBJ's are OEM from Toyota and no Rust here in AZ. Just need to rent a LBJ remover from Autozone and get started :)

Thanks for the info and the great write-ups guys. This forum is the best!

Mason
 
fightman80 said:
Hey guys, I did a search and found these 2 write ups for upper and lower ball joint replacement.

Is this all we have on here, or did someone else do a more detailed step by step on this??

Lower ball joint:

https://plus.google.com/photos/1140...82535335672897/5384383544643009602?banner=pwa


Upper ball joint:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/52741-upper-ball-joint-removal.html


I've never done this, and a little nervous about doing this job...... So if there is a more detailed write up on this... please share! :)
Click to expand...

What method did you use for your uppers? Did you do by yourself or take them to a shop?
 
stever1000 said:
What method did you use for your uppers? Did you do by yourself or take them to a shop?
Click to expand...
A buddy of mine did it for me using a BFH.... and just wacked the shit out of the upper control arm.. and it popped off. Don't ask me how... or why... but he got it to work. (apparently an old mechanics trick). I on the other hand... was too nervous to attempt it... for fear of hitting my fender with the hammer. lol!
 
stever1000 said:
What method did you use for your uppers? Did you do by yourself or take them to a shop?
Click to expand...

Just gonna throw it out there that a torch on the knuckle to get the UBJ in/out made the job like 10 times easier. I was getting no where with my ball joint c-clamp and an impact until I heated it, just don't heat up the ball joint boot.
 
Key to getting them off, that I've found, is to chop the stud off before putting the ball joint press on it.

(click for larger images)



 
Last edited:
gamefreakgc said:
Try this method, worked great for me:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/162849-3rd-gen-upper-ball-joints-ubj-easy-way.html
Click to expand...

Using a press sleeve kit that will fit over the ball joint will allow you to press out the ball joint without cutting anything.




in this video of installing a complete lift kit with total chaos UCA's, we show one using the press sleeve with adopters to press out the ball joint.



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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXjioXyZa_M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
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