I’m a newbie, can someone help?

[Jordanbiird]

Thanks in advance!

What is the part leaking called?

Should I fix it myself or have the shop fix it?

How much would it cost for me to fix it or for a shop to fix it?

Thanks!

BUILD THREAD:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/231791-jordanbiird-build-thread.html

 

[Jordanbiird]

Thanks in advance!

So actually, i believe it is a leaking upper ball joint on my 2008 4runner.

I added a 3" lift spacer up front about 2 years ago, and just recently 285 / 70 / 17 tires.

So my question is now: Can i just wipe away the grease and keep an eye on it?

If that is not a solution, would it be possible to just buy a boot replacement off ebay for 10$?

If none of that works, i go back to my original questions, would i have to buy a new upper ball joint, do it myself, or have a shop do it?

Thanks guys!

 

[Morphyne]

You can just keep an eye one it. and yes. this is something you can do your self. just get a balljoint press kit from autozone (they will rent it to you for a fully refundable deposit).

Your other option is to watch craigslist for some stock UCA take offs. But a better solution yet would be to get an aftermarket set of UCAs. that ball joint is failing bc or the 3" lift and the 285 tires.

Im pretty surprised your alignment is ok.

Edit: I guess since it is a top spacer, the UCA angle is actually really good.

 

[Rodtheviking]

You can wipe it off but once it stops leaking, they are toast. Do they squeak right now? Its possible that most the grease has leaked out and they are dry.

I have some good uppers if you want to pay shipping you can have?

 

[Jordanbiird]

You can wipe it off but once it stops leaking, they are toast. Do they squeak right now? Its possible that most the grease has leaked out and they are dry.

I have some good uppers if you want to pay shipping you can have?

Thanks for the offer, i might have to hit you up on that!

But quick question regarding this, so i just got my new tires on 2 weeks ago, and i want to go get my alignment today. Would it be stupid to get an alignment without first addressing my upper ball joints? And actually, both the ball joints are leaking, my passenger side upper ball joint was leaking just a tiny bit.

But i have an apointment for my alignment today, should i get the alignment today, and if i have future problems with the upper ball joints, i can add a new boot and more grease? without jacking up my alignment?

Thanks!

I just really want to get the alignment so my 285's dont get torn up. But i dont wanna get the alignment if it wont last due to my upper ball joints..



Hey and, when you say you have some good uppers, are you refering to the boots, or the actual ball joint? and if you want you can text me @ 970-270-7699, it might be easier for you to give me advice if you dont mind and if i need your uppers, we can set that up. THANKS

 

[Morphyne]

He's talking about the whole arm. You can replace a UCA without hurting your alignment. I would have it aligned before i replaced/repaired the UCA bc they may not be able to get you far enough into spec and you may need aftermarket UCAs anyway.

 

[Rodtheviking]

Thanks for the offer, i might have to hit you up on that!

But quick question regarding this, so i just got my new tires on 2 weeks ago, and i want to go get my alignment today. Would it be stupid to get an alignment without first addressing my upper ball joints? And actually, both the ball joints are leaking, my passenger side upper ball joint was leaking just a tiny bit.

But i have an apointment for my alignment today, should i get the alignment today, and if i have future problems with the upper ball joints, i can add a new boot and more grease? without jacking up my alignment?

Thanks!

I just really want to get the alignment so my 285's dont get torn up. But i dont wanna get the alignment if it wont last due to my upper ball joints..



Hey and, when you say you have some good uppers, are you refering to the boots, or the actual ball joint? and if you want you can text me @ 970-270-7699, it might be easier for you to give me advice if you dont mind and if i need your uppers, we can set that up. THANKS

The complete upper arm, ball joint and bushings are still good.

 

[schmeg]

You can wipe it off but once it stops leaking, they are toast. Do they squeak right now? Its possible that most the grease has leaked out and they are dry.

I have some good uppers if you want to pay shipping you can have?

OP...he's not kidding about his offer, take him up on it. Trust me when I say he's a "Good Soul" :nod: