Steering Knuckle

[knothead]

I am replacing (or I was) the top ball joint on my 4wd 2001 4runner. I have already done the lowers, inner tie rod ends and outers. Every post I can find on replacing the top ball joint says to pop loose the top and bottom, the knuckle will come out and then press the top one out.

This is what mine looks like:

Do I have to pull the whole wheel assembly? When I got in there it looked like the only way to do it. If so is there anyone out there that has or knows of a post on how to do it and what I will need.

Thanks, Tom

 

[downpour11]

I ended up pulling the whole arm. My UBJ was a ***** and a half to get out. Ended up having to put it in a vice to try and press the joint out. FYI, rent a better press than the one from auto zone lol they don't fit correctly.

 

[knothead]

I ended up pulling the whole arm. My UBJ was a ***** and a half to get out. Ended up having to put it in a vice to try and press the joint out. FYI, rent a better press than the one from auto zone lol they don't fit correctly.

I guess what I am asking is how do you get that sucker out. I cant find an expanded view or tutorial showing how it comes apart. I pulled the cap on the hub and the nut but it looks like the hub is splined on.
I need someone to slap me on the back of the head and say pay attention, this is how you do it.

Tom

 

[JayRolla]

The UBJ is a PITA to install. Not to bad to get out, just hammer the hell out of it and it will pop out. To press the new one in I rented the ball joint press from autozone. Like stated it didnt fit correctly but with a little ingenuity I was able to use the adapters and a socket to press it in. It was suck a PITA I decided not too do the other side. LOL.

 

[downpour11]

I guess what I am asking is how do you get that sucker out. I cant find an expanded view or tutorial showing how it comes apart. I pulled the cap on the hub and the nut but it looks like the hub is splined on.
I need someone to slap me on the back of the head and say pay attention, this is how you do it.

Tom

I can't entirely remember, I'd have to be looking it at sorry. I was replacing a CV and TRE's and LBJ's as well. The knuckle should come out pretty easy though. My main problem was getting the UBJ out. Here is a very informative write up on UBJ replacement (second or third post down). He was able to get the UBJ out without having to pull the arm. Hopefully this helps:

R&R Upper and Lower Ball Joints - TTORA Forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/138538-write-up-replacing-steering-knuckle.html

 

[knothead]

I have read all of those and they are good. If I can't get the UBJ off without removing the knuckle, I need to know how to remove the knuckle because I am sure I can get the UBJ out with the knuckle off. When I pulled the hub cover I removed the nut but couldn't get the hub off the spline. Am I missing something?: I GUESS THE BOTTOM LINE IS HOW THE HECK TO I GET THE NUCKLE OFF.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Try this:
Tacoma Suspension - Control Arms

A BFH against the UCA works, as others have reported, but I went the route shown.

 

[cdrewferd]

To get the knuckle off you'll need to remove the CV nut, 35 or 36mm and tight as heck. Then remove the 4 bolts for the lower ball joint. Lossen the upper control arm bolt so you can pivot it. Then remove the CV from the knuckle. Now rotate the upper control arm down and beat the flip out of the upper ball joint till it pops out.

 

[bootown]

Not sure if any of this will help. Step 14 is how I popped the knuckle loose.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1133860-post43.html

 

[knothead]

Thanks for all the good information. Got to get-er-done in the next couple of days cause it going to be 115 degrees on Friday and for the weekend. Have to love AZ in the summer. You definitely don't leave your tools in the sun.