LBJ - Cause for Concern?

[Robb235]

I have to admit, I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to steering and suspension type parts.

That being said, I was under the 4Runner today, and noticed fresh looking grease coming from the passenger side LBJ. Is this cause for concern? Early sign of LBJ failure?

 

[awthorn]

Not sure myself but if you do decide to get new ones, buy OEM. I just purchased new ones for my 97 from 1sttoyoyaparts for $60 less than what my stealership wanted.

 

[kball]

Boot probably has a small tear in it. I'd start thinking about changing them. I'm sure they have enough miles right?

 

[amalik]

no offense but that is one ugly LBJ.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I was under the 4Runner today, and noticed fresh looking grease coming from the passenger side LBJ. I

Probably a good idea to play it safe and put jack stands in place next time you crawl under there.

 

[vipergrhd]

Replace it now! No if's or buts or when you have time.Just do it.

 

[the great him]

in a word; yes

 

[Robb235]

in a word; yes

Care to elaborate? I'm not disagreeing with you, I just want to know why you think that.

I've ordered OEM lower ball joints for both sides this morning.

 

[02SE]

In your pictures, the rubber boot appears to be torn. Which means that the grease that lubricates the joint is leaking or already has leaked out, and dirt and water can get in.

Dirt and water getting into the joint, will quickly wear it to the point of failure. It's time for replacement.

 

[the great him]

Well sense you ordered new ones I think its evident Ypu think the same as me... The amount of grease that is caked around the LBJ and surrounding area tells mee that this isn't a new fresh issue... Imo you are on barrowed time with those, as 02se stated dirt, water and other contaminants can get in there and cause damages that can not be seen. Those things look like they belong on a large truck with that much grease,.I'd be surprised if there was much grease left in.the joint or boot honestly. Change those suckers asap.

 

[chadsy]

You did the right thing by ordering the new ones. Mine were in similar condition but I also found both my inner and outer tie rods to be shot as well. I went ahead and replaced everything underneath and got an alignment. Ride feels SO much better.

 

[Robb235]

Not sure myself but if you do decide to get new ones, buy OEM. I just purchased new ones for my 97 from 1sttoyoyaparts for $60 less than what my stealership wanted.

I tried ordering new ball joints from 1stToyotaParts, but they gave me grief about shipping. I need these shipped to south Georgia where my job has me located for now, but they will only ship to my billing address. They wouldn't work with me on the issue.

Any other recommendations on where to buy OEM balljoints from?

 

[afg10000]

Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

 

[Robb235]

I'm just going to take it to the dealer today and have them fix it. I drive this 4Runner as my daily driver, and rely on it too much to have a LBJ failure.

 

[Robb235]

Picked up my 4Runner from the dealer at lunch time today. Tech told me that the old ball joints still had some life left in them. He gave me the old LBJs back, but I haven't had a chance to look at them yet. I'll take a look and some pictures after work today.