Should I replace LBJs? - they only have 75K miles

[jacob7071]

I replaced the front springs this weekend and noticed some grease leaking from where the LCA meets the LBJ. Should I replace these LBJs? They've only got 75K miles - 35K were on the stock 2002 2wd suspension and 30K were on the SS 3.0, so only 10K miles have been lifted above a stock ride. I wouldn't think they'd need replacing just yet.

Does the leaking grease say I should park this in the garage and drive my other car until new LBJs are installed?

 

[Kurtis]

I'd replace them. Once grease starts coming out, the ball joint will start to deteriorate fast. As far as should you drive your other vehicle? If it was my rig I would. I don't take any chances with LBJ. Did you use OEM?

 

[snowninja]

During a cv replacement this weekend I discovered my LBJ boots were torn and leaking. No telling how long they've been like this. I'm getting replacements at the dealer today and replacing tonight. Given the flurry of threads over the weekend everyone should be checking and/or replacing asap. And use oem parts life is way too valuable to go cheap..

 

[jacob7071]

In that case, I'll park it in the garage and replace the LBJs before I drive again. One more question, can anyone confirm if the 4 bolts are included in the LBJ or if I need to purchase those separately? I've heard on here that they're included, but the guy at Camelback Toyota said they're not.

 

[snowninja]

Not sure on the 2wd but guessing they not. They are not included with the 4wd version.

 

[afg10000]

In that case, I'll park it in the garage and replace the LBJs before I drive again. One more question, can anyone confirm if the 4 bolts are included in the LBJ or if I need to purchase those separately? I've heard on here that they're included, but the guy at Camelback Toyota said they're not.

Another FYI from Camelback. If by chance you order outer tie-rods as well, Make sure you tell them you need jamb adjustment nuts. Toyota does not provide the bolts with the LBJ's or new nuts with tie-rods. They assume the mechanics at the dealership are doing these replacements under warranty so they want them to re-use as much as possible.

 

[ugamurph]

In that case, I'll park it in the garage and replace the LBJs before I drive again. One more question, can anyone confirm if the 4 bolts are included in the LBJ or if I need to purchase those separately? I've heard on here that they're included, but the guy at Camelback Toyota said they're not.

If you buy OEM (which you should), the bolts are not included. I just replaced mine. I reused the bolts with Loctite, but will be ordering new bolts and replacing them just for precaution.

 

[jacob7071]

Another FYI from Camelback. If by chance you order outer tie-rods as well, Make sure you tell them you need jamb adjustment nuts. Toyota does not provide the bolts with the LBJ's or new nuts with tie-rods. They assume the mechanics at the dealership are doing these replacements under warranty so they want them to re-use as much as possible.

I actually already replaced the ITRs and OTRs about a year ago. But good info to know for anyone else reading this thread. Thanks

If you buy OEM (which you should), the bolts are not included. I just replaced mine. I reused the bolts with Loctite, but will be ordering new bolts and replacing them just for precaution.

I did order OEM - ordered 8 bolts as well.

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll keep the truck in the garage until these parts are replaced.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Even with the low mileage the LBJs are partly made of rubber compound and the material breaks down over time. Your are almost 12 years old.

Take them to a Toyota certified mechanic to be inspected or do it yourself.

 

[eddiebx]

Hey guys out of curiosity, is replacing the bolts that hold on the LBJ bracket a requirement for all 4runner generations or just something specific to the 3rd gen? I pulled off my two bolts to drop the LCA on my 5th gen recently and just put them back in with the original bolts. Now I am wondering if I need new bolts, lol. Thanks!

 

[jacob7071]

Hey guys out of curiosity, is replacing the bolts that hold on the LBJ bracket a requirement for all 4runner generations or just something specific to the 3rd gen? I pulled off my two bolts to drop the LCA on my 5th gen recently and just put them back in with the original bolts. Now I am wondering if I need new bolts, lol. Thanks!

I'm only replacing them because (1) I've heard of cases where the LBJ fails due to these bolts shearing off (general consensus is that's due to over torqueing them) and (2) I'm already replacing the LBJs and the new bolts only cost $1 each (cheap insurance). I don't think it's even a requirement. If it were, I'm sure the bolts would come with the LBJ. As afg10000 alluded to, I would assume the LBJs replaced under the 3rd gen recall just re-used the bolts.

Personally, I'd say drive on as long as you torqued them to the proper specs and used blue Loctite. If you didn't, then I'd take them back out, and reinstall with blue Loctite at the proper torque, and then drive on.

 

[eddiebx]

I'm only replacing them because (1) I've heard of cases where the LBJ fails due to these bolts shearing off (general consensus is that's due to over torqueing them) and (2) I'm already replacing the LBJs and the new bolts only cost $1 each (cheap insurance). I don't think it's even a requirement. If it were, I'm sure the bolts would come with the LBJ. As afg10000 alluded to, I would assume the LBJs replaced under the 3rd gen recall just re-used the bolts.

Personally, I'd say drive on as long as you torqued them to the proper specs and used blue Loctite. If you didn't, then I'd take them back out, and reinstall with blue Loctite at the proper torque, and then drive on.

Thanks for the info, I see what you mean now...fortunately I did put them back in with blue loctite and torqued to spec. The bolts also looked to be in pretty good condition as well.

I'll recheck torque though when I go back under there this week to change my oil.