Cracking JBA UCA ball joint

[ttravv]

I did my oil change and decided to grease my UCA and this has happened to me. The ball joint started to crack... it has not leaked any grease but apparently it has happened to some other guys on the Tacoma forums..

JBA UPPER PROBLEM | Tacoma World

Has this happened to anyone else?

I have their warranty and they said that my claim was approved... just kinda suck because I put no more than 3k miles and have only been on pavement.



Why are my ball joint boots cracking?

 

[Devbot]

Are you talking about the boot? A couple months back I saw someone in the 3rd gen section mentioned how JBA was having lots of problems with their boots splitting and now offer a different style that supposedly lasts much longer. If so they should send you some no questions asked

 

[ttravv]

Yea, they're working on it...

but it's a big back-log and the timeline for the current claims is estimated to be all shipped out by September

 

[TravThePro]

This actually sucks, I just got around to installing my JBA uppers that I ordered the previous fall. I guess I will have to take apart something brand new in less than 6 months because I will be facing the same issue.

 

[jcrown7]

I will be re-greasing mine next time I wash the 4R but I just put mine on in January. I've noticed the ball joint boots look like they're starting to crack already. (arid NM desert likely partially to blame)
Looks like I'll also be reaching out to Marlin and see what he says!

 

[somenoise]

With all the talk about some UCAs needing to be greased is there a chance people are accidentally being encouraged to overpack? If its only pavement miles in average weather I don't think we need to add grease to UCAs after 3,000 miles as most of the grease will still be there. Adding more then puts pressure on the whole ball joint/boot assembly. Boots still shouldn't fail after one go so definitely an issue JBA needs to rectify but even with a proper boot, overpacking can eventually lead to a boot exploding grease all over your wheel well, or potentially compromising the integrity of a ball joint.

 

[Seattle206]

I've had my JBA UCA on since March 2017. No signs of cracking or wear.

 

[Captain Planet]

Mine were cracking within 5k miles.

I have just been making sure they still have grease in them.

 

[jcrown7]

With all the talk about some UCAs needing to be greased is there a chance people are accidentally being encouraged to overpack?

I can't speak for everyone else, but the re-greasing I'm talking about is for the bushings rather than the ball joints. There might be 3-4k miles on mine right now.
I just plan to keep an eye on the ball joints, boots, and their associated grease.

 

[justanothereric]

Boy am I glad I went with the SPCs..they're not a pretty red like these JBAs but at least they're more robust.

 

[daytonaviolet]

I’ll check mine soon. Did you use one or two washers under the boot ?

 

[Captain Planet]

I just spoke with them on the phone earlier.

They are releasing a new poly boot. They are replacing them all via warranty.

 

[MStudt]

Greasing the ball joints aren't going to prevent them from cracking. You're adding grease to the inside of the boot which will help them not crack from the inside out, but not outside in. Certain climates will promote the breakdown of the rubber causing it to crack and then split. You can use a PTFE Dry Lube spray to help prolong them, but not a permanent fix.

Mike

 

[Jetboy]

Swapping the boots takes maybe 15 minutes per side. Fully replacing the ball joints only takes about 30 minutes. So it shouldn't be a big cost associated with the swap over. But it's an issue that should be fixed. I have older JBA arms that had bad coating on the ball joints. JBA sent me new complete joints for free. I was happy with that. The new ones haven't developed any surface rust. I haven't looked closely at the boots, but I think they're still okay. I'm sure they're better than a uniball as far as dirt intrusion. But they could be better.

Toyota builds their ball joints and boots the way they do for a good reason. I wish aftermarket companies would just use a normal OEM ball joint and boot.

 

[daytonaviolet]

I just spoke with them on the phone earlier.

They are releasing a new poly boot. They are replacing them all via warranty.

So we just need call and ask ? Or will they require pictures ?

 

[Daikon]

I just read somewhere that JBA manufactures their own ball joints now. Pretty cool they stepped away from using MOOG, but at least if you're in a bind, you can buy MOOG ball joints as a temporary fix

I just spoke with them on the phone earlier.

They are releasing a new poly boot. They are replacing them all via warranty.

 

[YellowSnow]

Boy am I glad I went with the SPCs..they're not a pretty red like these JBAs but at least they're more robust.

You must be new around here....search “issues with SPC UCA’s” then come back in here to delete your post.

 

[Jeremy556]

Boy am I glad I went with the SPCs..they're not a pretty red like these JBAs but at least they're more robust.

lol. A cracked boot is nothing. My SPC ball joints were worn out in a few months, among other problems. Trashed them after about 6 months. Not to mention they are pretty famous for complete failures, like this:

 

[YellowSnow]

lol. A cracked boot is nothing. My SPC ball joints were worn out in a few months, among other problems. Trashed them after about 6 months. Not to mention they are pretty famous for complete failures, like this:

But what about “moar robust”

 

[Captain Planet]

So we just need call and ask ? Or will they require pictures ?

They requested that I snap a few quick phots and email them to their warranty person.

They said they are on order, but having some supply issues. They are out a few months at this point.