Good afternoon!
I have been trying to figure out if my LBJs were ever replaced after the recall had been issued, and I finally found the records online which show that the job was done back at about 32K miles.
I am at 200K now. I have tried to test the play in the by jacking up the front end and using a lever to put upward force on the wheel. I didn't notice any play whatsoever, but I am just a hobbyist wrencher and don't have the eye or experience for this kind of thing. Should I replace them anyways just knowing their age and the fact that I live in the rusty Midwest? Is there a more definitive way to test these? I don't want to take any risks after hearing the horror stories.
Note: I do have a bit of notchiness in my steering when the weather and car are both cold, but it seems to improve/go away once the car is warm. I have read that this can either be a sign of a worn power steering rack or old power steering (atf) fluid, which was my first thought....or it can be a sign of LBJs that are about to go. Any thoughts?
Also, I am wondering about the other front suspension components that I am sure are original on my car like the UBJ, ITR, OTRE, control arms, etc.
First, are there any other components of the front suspension that can have such dangerous, catastrophic failure as the LBJs? I don't notice any noise or play in my steering, but I do have an occasional squeaking sound when going over large bumps at low speed (speed bumps etc.).
My second question depends somewhat on the answer to the first, but....when replacing these other front end components, is it ok to go after market? If so, any brand recommendations? I have already decided to go OEM on LBJs, but money is tight and I am not a Toyota OEM purist unless your life depends on quality parts, as with LBJs.
I would appreciate any input. Thanks!
I have been trying to figure out if my LBJs were ever replaced after the recall had been issued, and I finally found the records online which show that the job was done back at about 32K miles.
I am at 200K now. I have tried to test the play in the by jacking up the front end and using a lever to put upward force on the wheel. I didn't notice any play whatsoever, but I am just a hobbyist wrencher and don't have the eye or experience for this kind of thing. Should I replace them anyways just knowing their age and the fact that I live in the rusty Midwest? Is there a more definitive way to test these? I don't want to take any risks after hearing the horror stories.
Note: I do have a bit of notchiness in my steering when the weather and car are both cold, but it seems to improve/go away once the car is warm. I have read that this can either be a sign of a worn power steering rack or old power steering (atf) fluid, which was my first thought....or it can be a sign of LBJs that are about to go. Any thoughts?
Also, I am wondering about the other front suspension components that I am sure are original on my car like the UBJ, ITR, OTRE, control arms, etc.
First, are there any other components of the front suspension that can have such dangerous, catastrophic failure as the LBJs? I don't notice any noise or play in my steering, but I do have an occasional squeaking sound when going over large bumps at low speed (speed bumps etc.).
My second question depends somewhat on the answer to the first, but....when replacing these other front end components, is it ok to go after market? If so, any brand recommendations? I have already decided to go OEM on LBJs, but money is tight and I am not a Toyota OEM purist unless your life depends on quality parts, as with LBJs.
I would appreciate any input. Thanks!
