I had the exact damage to my L/F lower ball joint, thankfully my mechanic found the severed ball joint and replaced it while replacing my L/F axle (torn axle boots). Strange thing is that I never noticed it, they showed me the part and it was 100% severed (not fresh). I must have gotten pretty lucky not to find out like the OP.

This was on my 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4x4.

 

Got them from Toyota of Dallas so OEM it is. Torque wrench is lying at home. Thanks for the reminder on locktite, will pick some up today.

 

Bolts are non reusable . New ones should come with ball joints. Just put up a thread on balljoint failures with pics.

 

Or, Beck Arnley (Advance Auto). They are repackaged OEM.

 

Does anyone have an approx mileage cut-off that these should be replaced if the vehicle was never modified and hasn't been abused? I currently have 113K on my 2000 lmtd. and I'm wondering if I I'd be ok to let it go to 120K. Reason being I'm saving to get the timing belt service and new struts and shocks so If it could wait I'll get the BJ's done at the same time.

 

^^Thanks for that info, didn't know that.

 

Check this thread. You have to inspect them carefully .

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/toyota-truck-4runner-tundra-balljoint-failures-244804/

 

I've got over 300K on all original front end parts
just starting to notice/feel some things that tell me its time to treat my runner and myself to all new front end parts, these trucks are amazing, I can still let go of wheel and it goes straight down the road

 

question,
the lower ball joints are not fail safe and can result in a disaster if doing 80 down the highway.

but what about the upper ball joints?

I did the lowers 6 months ago because they are easy to do...but didnt do the uppers.

Anybody know what would happen if the uppers went?

thx

 

The UBJ is the only thing connecting the top of the spindle to the upper control arm. If the UBJ goes, the outcome looks a lot like the LBJ failure.....a big mess.

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/.../fubj/comp.pdf

That said, the UBJ in the stock configuration seem to have few failures. Now, with lifts, spacers, etc. that could change.

 

thx, that answers my question.
I have 230k miles on it, and am thinking of pulling the knuckles and taking it to somebody to install the new bj.

just to be safe

 

Could the ball joints cause a "clunking" when turning or going over low speed bumps? I have 245k on mine and I haven't done anything with the ball joints in the 120k i've had the vehicle, and I'm sure that nothing was done to them before I bought it.

I know you get what you pay for, but the OEM ball joints from the dealer are like $150+ per. That's $600 to do all 4.

 

I dont think youd get a clunk unless the joint has some serious play in it. You can tell by jacking the corner and seeing if you can get any movement using a prybar of some sort.

The Raybestos ball joints I ordered from Rock Auto were "555" parts.

 

Yes, on the clunking, but it can be caused by other front end components too.

Your pricing may be a bit off. The front uppers are $30ish and the lowers $80ish from online sources for Toyota OEM parts...so $110 per side plus shipping.

http://www.toyotapartseast.com/Page_...3551,3557,3558

 

I just replaced both my lower & upper BJs on a '97 Tacoma 4WD. The lower Bjs were still serviceable but showed wear. However, the upper BJs were literally on the verge of failure. YES, there was a distinctive "clunking" from the UBJs when going over low speed bumps. Although these UBJs had only 100K on them, the factory grease was completely washed out. I switched to WATERPROOF grease on the new BJs, drive shaft, & U-joints because of the deep water I routinely encounter. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/g...joints-268729/