Help are the ball joints are good?

H

hgarcia

New member
206,000 miles 4Runner look like
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    124.7 KB · Views: 512
Register to hide this ad
206K miles on original LBJ's...change them. Replace with OEM only and new bolts. I don't think you'll get anyone on this site telling you not to change them.
 
There's a buildup of grease and dirt on the balljoints and around the area so there's a good chance one or both boots are torn. First, clean off the balljoints boots really well and inspect for any tears. If there are tears, that means grease has been able to escape and contaminants were able to get in. If either boot is torn, I'd just replace both balljoints.

If both boots are still intact, there's a good chance there's still ample grease to lubricate the joint. Next step is to inspect for play. Here's a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made for inspecting balljoints.

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

If you don't detect play, you can roll the dice and not replace them. But, what made me replace mine is reports from people who suffered a LBJ failure saying there wasn't any warning sign before it failed. They didn't notice any advance tell-tale play, clunking or noise leading them to believe something was wrong before it failed. And, some have failed at lower mileage than you currently have on your rig.

If you decide to replace them, [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I also made a video for replacing them with all the part numbers and torque specs.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bfLvtEnX9qk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Last edited:
mtbtim said:
There's a buildup of grease and dirt on the balljoints and around the area so there's a good one or both boots are torn. First, clean off the balljoints boots really well and inspect for any tears. If there are tears, that means grease has been able to escape and contaminants were able to get in. If either boot is torn, I'd just replace both balljoints.

If both boots are still intact, there's a good chance there's still ample grease to lubricate the joint. Next step is to inspect for play. Here's a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made for inspecting balljoints.

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

If you don't detect play, you can roll the dice and not replace them. But, what made me replace mine is reports from people who suffered a LBJ failure saying there wasn't any warning sign before it failed. They didn't notice any advance tell-tale play, clunking or noise leading them to believe something was wrong before it failed. And, some have failed at lower mileage than you currently have on your rig.

If you decide to replace them, [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I also made a video for replacing them with all the part numbers and torque specs.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bfLvtEnX9qk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Click to expand...

My uppers look like this. I dunno if they just weep out, but i think they are due. probably the fastest thing you can do if you don't have any equipment, get the stock jack, put a crow bar like the video shows and just see if there is excessive play you will know. if you aren't using jacks stands dont get under the car.
 
[MENTION=109842]hgarcia[/MENTION] regardless of whether they have play in them or not they need to be replaced with 206K. This is a known weak spot on our rigs with potentially catastrophic results. They had a recall on these for all 2001-2002 years.

From what I've read, the average failure on these is around 170K for a daily driver. This doesn't mean they won't last longer. I replaced mine with more than 300K on them, only because I wasn't aware of the issue. They had no play in them and may have lasted another 300K.

Here's one link from this site to get you caught up on the LBJ's. Do a search and you'll find more information on them.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/67793-you-should-replace-your-ball-joints.html
 
Maybe Probably Certainly Yes No Its just like russian roulette, keep pulling the trigger and you will get the wrong chamber eventually. Or you can take the live round out.
 
St Runner said:
Maybe Probably Certainly Yes No Its just like russian roulette, keep pulling the trigger and you will get the wrong chamber eventually. Or you can take the live round out.
Click to expand...

Your post reminds me of the Deer Hunter Russian Roulette scene. Great movie.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kE_zqVPr4HI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Not much to add to this thread, but basically once the grease leaves the boot (which it has, evidenced by the "wet" look of the boots) the ball joint will wear and weaken the joint. Once it wears enough, it will fail.

Just replace them.
 
Magmotor said:
I'm just curious...when I submit my vin, [JT3GN86R910189631] nothing comes back except 'there are no recalls for this vehicle'....no mention of ball joints or anything...that's not to say I shouldn't replace the entire suspension........ any ideas??
Click to expand...

Maybe the previous owner already got the balljoints replaced via the recall.
 
Recall

would be nice if she did replace them but I don't think so...i'm no expert but it sure doesn't look like they've been replaced and you'd think that would have been mentioned during the sale.....:confused: After further investigation I think I've found the answer...not ALL 01-02's were involved in the recall...the chart below [link] shows which vehicle needed the fix...seems that a certain manufacture of the ball joints screwed up but wasn't immediately caught by Toyota until the disasters started to happen....Toyota put it off as long as they could until a Recall was ordered....my Vin doesn't fall within the range because the ball joints weren't made by the manufacture that screwed up....wishful thinking maybe..:jump: probably should replace the whole front but man..what a job...

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/Magmotor/Toyota Recall copy_zpso2sb8zou.jpg
 
Magmotor said:
.not ALL 01-02's were involved in the recall...probably should replace the whole front but man..what a job...
Click to expand...

You're correct, not all 01/02's were recalled. Mine was one that wasn't recalled. It's just recommended by all of us on here to change them if you have a lot of mileage on them. It's a very inexpensive afternoon DIY project that will help you sleep better at night. Only replace with OEM and get new bolts.

You don't have to replace your entire front unless you have play in the bushings. My upper and lower control arm bushings were in great shape after fifteen years. Tie rod ends were in great shape as well. My steering rack bushings were worn, especially the center one. Like all old cars, it's something to put on your list of things to do. Unusual tire wear and "play" in your front end are tell tale signs that something in your front suspension needs to be replaced.
 
I did the Lbj's today. Took me about 3 hours. Went with everyone's recommendations since I did not know history. Boots fine and not a lot of grease leakage but new ones in place. Was not to hard. Outer tie rods looked fine but will replace with inner ones in a bit. Really not to hard to do. Test drive later . Did not have a bunch of slop in steering but see if I notice a difference. I also found a nail when wheel off so worked out good there and it's at tire joint getting plugged
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 911 (members: 2, guests: 909)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,087
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top