Lower Ball Joint Replacement Tutorial
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 เม.ย. 2016
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*PLEASE READ THE VIDEO DESCRIPTION BEFORE STARTING THIS JOB*
Learn how to replace your lower ball joint on a 3rd Gen Toyota 4runner. This specific demonstration applies to 1996 - 2002 4runner's but the technique and steps we use could translate to other trucks and passenger vehicles as well.
We show you doing one side with breaker bars and ratchets and the other side using an impact gun. We learned it's better to keep the outer tie rod connected to remove the 4 ball joint bolts with a breaker bar or ratchet. When using an impact gun, it's easier to remove the tie rod first so you can move the assembly around to get the larger impact sockets onto the heads of the bolts. When torquing everything to spec, have the tie rod connected to the knuckle so the assembly doesn't move around as much.
Edit 07/28/16 - ThePendragon1998 brought up a valid point. I never mention in the video to use new cotter pins for the outer tie rods. So, before you start the job, get yourself an assortment of cotter pins or just pull one of them off and match up the size at an auto parts store or home improvement store.
Edit 04/02/17 - I learned recently that there's two different style LBJ bolts used for the 3rd Gen years.
1996-2000 use a flanged bolt, part #90080-10066
2001-2002 use a bolt with a washer (it's a little longer than the 1996-2000 bolts), part #90119-10933.
*Torque Values for the Two Different Style Balljoint Bolts*
There is information we learned after the fact that there is a difference in tensile strength between the two different bolts.
*The #90080-10066 bolts that are paired with the lower balljoints with no dust cover should be torqued to 59 ft-lbs.
*The #90119-10933 bolts that are paired with the balljoints with a dust cover have a lower tensile strength and should only be torqued to 37 ft-lbs.
*This is why people have reported seeing two different torque values in the Toyota factory service manuals. Torquing the #90119-10933 bolts to 59 ft-lbs causes stretching of the bolt and will increase the risk of failure.
*Here's a link to information on this subject: www.mighty90s.com/forums/disc...
*PARTS*
Right (Passenger Side) Balljoint #4333039585
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Left (Driver Side) Balljoint #4334039465
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*1996-2000 use a flanged balljoint bolt, part #90080-10066 (You will have to order these through a Toyota parts seller)
*2001-2002 use a bolt with a washer (it's a little longer than the 1996-2000 bolts), part #90119-10933. (You will have to order these through a Toyota parts seller)
*Cotter Pin Set
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*242 Loctite
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*HELPFUL TOOLS*
If you're looking for other tools not used in this video, check out Timmy's Master Tool List.
www.amazon.com/shop/timmythet...
*6 Ton Jack Stands
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*Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chock (This is just one. I recommend buying two) amzn.to/3lNC3MG
OTC 6295 Front End Service Set
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*1/2" Breaker Bar
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*1/2" Drive Flex Head Gear Wrench Ratchet
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*1/2” Drive Regular Extension Set
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*1/2” Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket Set
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*1/2” Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket Set
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*Knipex Diagonal Cutters (Dikes)
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*CDI 1/2" Drive Foot Pound Torque Wrench
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*CDI 3/8" Drive Foot Pound Torque Wrench
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*Dewalt 1/2" Drive Impact Gun
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*Dewalt Batteries
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*Dewalt Battery Charger
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*1/2" Drive Regular Impact Extension Set
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*1/2" Drive Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
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*1/2" Shallow Impact Socket Set
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Another outstanding Timmy video. Seriously, if it weren't for people like you on TH-cam, I would never attempt to do these type of repairs on my own. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words. Reading comments like yours is great because we are accomplishing our goal of inspiring people to tackle their own automotive work. We believe with the Right Information, Right Tools and Right Level of Patience, anyone can be successful at turning wrenches. Channels like ours can provide you with the information and also give you suggestions on what tools to buy but you've got to buy them or rent them. The right tools for the job can make a job possible to accomplish or just a hell of a lot easier with less cursing involved. The right level of patience is something we can't really help you with other than suggesting when you run into hurdles and start getting frustrated, step away and take a break and come back to it later. Overcoming obstacles in automotive work is part of the process of being an accomplished mechanic. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
One of the easiest repairs I've had to do yet. Was expecting it to be unnecessarily difficult, by the end I was double checking everything to make sure nothing was forgotten cause it went so much faster than expected - took a spin around the block and the wheels didn't fall off so I'll take that as a good sign! Thanks again Tim, very helpful
Timmy, I know this vid was posted 4.5 years ago at this point, but thank you so much for posting this!!
You're very welcome Andrew. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@TimmyTheToolman Hi Timmy, your videos are really amazing. I replaced my LBJ using your videos about 3000 miles ago. In your video you said Blue loctite is optional. I didn’t do loctite on my bolts, will it be fine? And for peace of mind, can I add loctite now? Or use new bolts with loctite?
@@RoNBEE1 You'll be fine without the loctite. The loctite is just extra insurance. The Toyota factory service manual doesn't say it's necessary. If you torqued the bolts to the proper spec, they should not come loose. But, if it's going to keep you up at night, just remove them one at a time, put loctite on them, and re-torque them.
Hey Time, I swear I don’t know what we would do without you. I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner and I’ve don’t everything myself buy watching your videos! I have one question what is the part number for the tie rod ball joint?
Hi Tim! after watching this video, i'm just going to go ahead and replace my LBJs. I have about 250,000+ miles on mine but all city/fwy miles. Thanks for the video! keep 'em coming!👍👍👍👍👍
You are the man Timmy. Thanks for your contributions on the Toyota 4runner forum and always answering any questions. We have three 3rd gens in the household and these videos keep the runners in good shape.
Thanks. Good to hear our videos are helping you with your fleet of 3rd Gens. I like helping people out on the forums and I'm always learning new stuff being active on them. Thanks for taking the time to comment. We appreciate it. Happy Wrenching!
Just tackled this job today on my newly purchased 4Runner. I was going to take it to a shop until I got a couple quotes... after watching this video it gave me the confidence to do it myself. Thank you so much for making the detailed videos that you do. Great work and please keep it up!
Thanks we're doing a little information seeking on their own instead of listening and gulping down anybody tells us on the internet
Huge thank you for all the effort and attention to detail you put into these videos, Tim (and Sean!). I replaced LBJs in my '96 SR5 today. The left side took an hour and I got the right side done in 30 minutes including stopping to take photos. I never would have attempted this or several other projects I have under my belt before I found your channel.
Hey Mark, great to hear our videos gave you the confidence to tackle jobs you otherwise wouldn't have done. With the right information, right tools and right level of patience, there's a whole lot you'll be able to accomplish in the DIY Automotive Mechanical World. Happy Wrenching!
Tim, I appreciate the time you took to make this video (and your other videos). I especially like your clear and precise narration and attention to detail. Your video is going to be a big help when I do my LBJs. Thanks!
Thanks. My buddy Sean and I are trying to put out good videos for people to use because we've both benefited from others who have posted good repair videos or repair write-ups and we're just trying to pay it forward to other DIY mechanics like us. We're having fun doing it so we'll be making a lot more videos. Stay tuned!
Thank you so much for these videos. Everyone has helped me do these projects just as you described down to the size socket needed and torque specs to go back together.
One bolt broke when removed balljoint
Hey Tim , great video!! Best detail and explanation of every single step. Today I did the inner/outer tie rods and the lower ball joint drivers side. I live Cape May Nj. the most Southern tip of Nj. so rust is a big problem. I've used several of you're videos and never had a problem. The more I watch videos the better and more comfortable I'm getting. I have a 96 4runner SR5 3.4 V6 4×4, 280,000 miles.
Thanks. We're glad this video helped you get the job done. It's also nice to hear how you're getting more comfortable wrenching on your rig from watching our videos. Happy Wrenching and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Once again, Tim, this video is spot on. I did the driver's side this afternoon in 2 hours, with no problems. Will do the passenger's side tomorrow. Thank you VERY much!
You're very welcome. Glad you found our video helpful.
Hey Timbo! Thank you so much for this video! I just finished my LBJ's on my 1999 Limited. It was so easy to follow along with your instructions. You the man! Subbed.
Glad you found the video helpful and thanks for taking the time to let us know you liked it.
Did this repair yesterday along with a wheel stud replacement. I used the lever tool that is showcased in your Manual Hub Conversion video to separate both the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Super easy job. Thanks for the video, keep em coming!!!
You're welcome Andrew. I love the puller kit I bought from OTC. I used it tons of times. I don't like the hammer technique of breaking free front end components.
Thanks for putting in so much time and detail into your videos. I'm just getting into working on my own 4Runner in the last few months after owning it for 12 years. A mechanic replace my LBJ with aftermarket ones just 3k miles ago, but it was making horrible noises already and about to fail. I watched this video a few times, ordered the correct parts, and was able to replace it in just a couple hours without issue. I've also replaced my cracked exhaust manifold and cleaned my throttle body based on your videos...THANK YOU!
You're very welcome Jesse. Great to hear our videos are helping you out. Thanks for the comment. Happy Wrenching!
You are the man I go to for all my tacoma work I do. I just finished up my lower ball joints today and I’m happy to have saved money and learning doing it myself. Thanks for your efforts!
Hey David, it's great to hear you've been using our videos to work on your Tacoma. We always like hearing how our videos help people become more knowledgeable about auto mechanics and help them save money by avoiding paying the high labor rates shops charge. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
Thank you Timmy and Shawn for posting these videos. It's given me the confidence to tackle jobs on my 4runner. So far, I've done shocks/springs, lbj's, and ubj boots. Still plenty more to do. But these videos have been extremely helpful as reference points when I get stuck scratching my head and/or start cursing.
Thanks for the nice comment. Great to hear our videos have given you the confidence to tackle many jobs on your rig. Happy Wrenching!
Terrific tutorial. I just got an 01 Runner with 160K on it. I replaced the LBJ's and OTRE's followed by an alignment and your vid was a big part in helping me do it. Thanks! Next up will be new radiator and tranny cooler.
Will Wickert Hey Will, glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Finally got this project done I have had the parts for a few months now and just did the job today as I was getting some ball joint noice yesterday. This video made it a walk in the park. Took me 2.5 hours, not bad for my first time doing ball joints on a 4runner I would say... Thanks Timmy and Shawn!!!!
Hey Mack, great to hear the job went smooth for you and our video helped you out. You're very welcome and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you Master Timmy the Toolman!!! Just did this procedure with no advanced mechanical knowledge. Got the tools you suggested and did not deviate from the steps. Success!!! Thank you.
Good job getting it done. Glad our video helped you out. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
Replaced mine this weekend following your instructions. Other than one ball joint bolt breaking, it was a piece of cake. I appreciate your videos. Keep them coming. Here’s an idea, seat belt retractor repair.
Glad the balljoint replacement went well for you. The seat belt retractor repair repair could be a good video. I wonder is they can be fixed or is best just to replace them.
Thanks for this and all your excellent step by step videos.... I just replaced what appeared to be the original OEM LBJ's on my '98 SR5 4WD with 217,000 miles today with the help of this very detailed tutorial.. A big shout out to you and Sean for all you guys do to put together these extremely informative videos!
You're welcome Kenny and thanks for the kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
How about one for swapping out the AC compressor? That's the next job I need to tackle... I'm swapping the compressor, condenser and drier first. And if vac doesn't hold I'll do the evaporator coil and expansion valve. Thanks again Tim!
I envy you guys who don't live in the rust belt... seeing you be able to just straighten the cotter pins and pull them out like nothing then looking at mine rusted solid with no way to push them out... I ended up snapping a half inch extension using my breaker bar trying to get the nut off one of the ball joints and had to drill through the stuck pins in the tie rods... got it done though...
Best video for this repair that I've seen
+Robbie Connolly Thanks for the compliment. The goal my buddy Sean and I had before we started making videos together is we wanted to do a more complete job so people viewing one of our videos would be clear how to perform the job correctly without any guesswork. Because of this, our videos are a little longer than most but we figure people wouldn't mind the extra length if it meant they got a more complete idea of how to do the job.
Its great, for someone just starting out I know full well I could complete this job. Good lighting, commentary, and info provided. Keep it up!
Agree
Thank you very much for the instructional video. Got mine done and now have peace of mind. Got rid of most of the steering wheel wiggle side to side at about 65-70. Gonna balance and re Align at work tomorrow. Thanks again
You're welcome Greg. Glad our video helped you out. Sounds like you might have dodged a bullet by getting these replaced since it sounds like they were ready to fail. Good job getting it done and thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
Just wanted to say thanks for all this information. I did mine yesterday and this video helped me so much!!!! The torque specs and the part numbers. I am sure a shop would of charged me two hours labor. Please keep making videos. My 2000 sr5 has 202xxx miles and they looked original to the truck.
Hey Patrick, glad our video allowed you to avoid expensive shop labor rates and enable you to get the job done on your own. If you haven't subscribed to our channel yet, I recommend you do because we are going to continue making videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
of course I subscribed, your videos also helped me with my cv axles and going to try to flush my transmission next week. I recommend doing a shift solenoid video next. But thats just what I need to do to mine.
Hey Patrick, the video I'm currently editing is a trans filter replacement. From this video, you'll at least see how we dropped the pan, replaced the filter and put everything back together. I haven't run into anyone needing a replacement of the shifting solenoids so no plans of making that video just yet.
That went great! Having the proper tools definitely makes the job easier and safe. Great work and video!
Good to hear Mike. Yes, the right tools can make all the difference. Glad our video helped you out.
Nicely done video. I used this to guide replacing the lower ball joints on my 1997 Toyota Tacoma. Bought them from Camelback for around $220 total. Received them 6 days later and they were the right parts in good condition. Shipped from AZ to WI. Nicely done on their part also. It took about 4 hours to replace both sides.
The existing ball joints had about 272,000 on them and were still in good condition. One had a little grease on the boot but there were no large cracks and both were tight. The grease could possibly have been from somewhere else. The boots showed very light cracking on the exterior.
Part of the ease of doing this job was the fact I was working on a Toyota with almost no rust on it. Parts removed easily with pullers.
Good to hear. We're happy the video helped you get the job done. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
How is there almost no rust in Wisconsin?
Best video on this that ever watched. Thanks Mike.
Mohd Helmi You're welcome Mike. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Doing this on my 2002 4Runner in a week or so, thanks for the help Tim!
You're welcome James. Good luck with the job.
At this point I hope Timmy doesn't think I'm stalking him as I post from vid to vid.... Just want to say I did this job today and it was a breeze thanks to this video. Having access to a hoist helps a lot, but it's easy even in the driveway. I managed to get this done in about 45 minutes (right side only). My dealership never called me back about my parts request and I had already booked my hoist so I went with Moog from a local parts place. Came with four new bolts, cotter pin, castle nut, and even a little tube of LocTite. The Moog joint is greaseable, too, so that should ensure a long life.
In fact I got this done so quickly I had time to do sway bar end links, swap rear coils, and a few other little things that needed attention.
Totally get proper pullers if you're going to do this. Cuts your time and effort by a huge margin!
Comment as much as you want. Great to hear our videos are helping you out.
You are my favorite guy on TH-cam! Thank you so much for all of your videos. SOOOO helpful. Going to start on this and the steering rack on my 2003 Tacoma soon.
Thanks Lizzy! We appreciate the kind words. Glad you are finding our videos very helpful. You're very welcome and good luck with the steering rack replacement on your Tacoma. Happy Wrenching!
Awesome video, dudes! This is from April 2016 but still timeless as I used it last wknd to replace the LBJ's on my 2004 Tacoma. And great update info on the part #'s for different years - my 2004 Taco is similar to the 2001-2002 T4R parts you mentioned (and, thus, the different torque specs you noted) (my LBJ's also have a rubber boot around them). My dad used to do some wrenching back when I was a kid, and he occasionally had me hand him tools (as well as hold the flashlight - scarred for life on that one - LOL). I had zero interest in wrenching back then, but fast forward many years, and thanks to your videos, I'm learning and enjoying it, and for this job, my dad was the one handing me tools and holding the flashlight (and he couldn't believe I was doing it). Thank you!
Thanks for the compliment. We appreciate it. Great to hear our videos are inspiring you to turn wrenches on your rig. And, that's really cool you can do something like that with your dad. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!
Ya Timmy what a blessing you r bro I love my 4runner and because of your knowledge and teaching I’m able to enjoy it with my family keeping it on the road
Great to hear our videos are helping you keep your rig on the road. Thanks for taking the time to comment. We appreciate it!
Timmy the Toolman is the best! Thanks for all the awesome content brother!
Thanks Trevor and you're very welcome. Happy Wrenching!
Thanks a lot for the video and being very thorough, fantastic tutorial
Thank you for this video! Just swapped out my original LBJs after 240k miles. Now I’ve got your outer tie rod video bookmarked…
You're very welcome. Good luck with the outer tie rod swaps. If your inner tie rods have play and need replacing, your money is better spent on a new steering rack because it comes with new OEM inner tie rods. New inner tie rods are around $300 and a new steering rack is around $500. So, for a couple hundred bucks more, you get a new steering rack.
Just changed them out with your help. Tremendously helpful video. Thanks for laying out the parts numbers/ torque specs. Exemplary work!
You're welcome and we're glad you found our video so helpful. And, thanks for taking the time to comment. We appreciate it!
You've got a subscriber! If you ever do regular maintenance- fuel filter, brake flush/ change, etc please post them if it's not too hard to film. It's hard to find well instructed diys with torque specs and all the parts numbers and associated tools like you have. Well done!
We do have a brake bleed/flush video. Check out the list of videos and you'll find it. We also have a 30,000 mile service that covers most of the fluid changes. We also have a trans flush video and a coolant flush video. We even have a low-tech power steering fluid renewal video that features a turkey baster.
Both Sean and I have replaced our fuel filters but this is before we started filming. It's pretty easy but I would like to film one someday for someone that wants it done.
We're stoked you're liking what we're doing. And, thanks for taking the time to comment. We appreciate it!
Tim, You are my idol !!!! It may help to mention that the 4 bolts that secure the lower ball joint are 10 X 1.25 X 30 . The 8.8 that you may find on top of the bolt is the equivalent to GRADE 5. Grade 8 or even 10.9 would be preferred along with some blue Loctite. If these bolt strip out or break then it could result in an accident. (I have been there, done that and got the holly teeshirt.)
Thanks for sharing that info about the bolts.
Thank you! Just did my 99 Tacoma today. Very easy job when you have this video and the right tools
You're very welcome Howie. I'm glad our video helped you get the job done.
Thanks for another great tutorial.
Did job yesterday on my 96 LTD with 200,00 miles.
Replacement went smooth no more worries.
Old LBJs felt fine during drive but man oh man they were shot failure was in very near future.
You're very welcome. Good job getting the job done. Sounds like you dodged a bullet by replacing them when you did. A failed LBJ can cause significant damage to your rig and also potentially cause injuries to you, your passengers, and maybe people in another vehicle.
Excellent video as usual. Great catch on the bolt part numbers and torque values for different years.
Thanks Sami. We're glad you appreciate the video we made.
Great video. Did my ball joints today and just like you said. I tour the driver side boot with the pickle fork. When to autozone for the puller. Now I need new tie rod. Lol..
Yeah, pickle forks should only be used if you plan on replacing the parts. Pullers in my opinion are the right tool for the job to separate balljoints and tie rods. Some people like the BFH (Big F*cking Hammer) technique but I'm not a fan of smashing my suspension components.
All your videos are awesome and very detailed.
Thanks Michael. We're glad you like our videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Got the job done today thanks to your video. You're the man!
Good job Zach. Glad our video helped you out.
Absolutley great workmanship happening here guys... 🤘🏽🔧🌵🍻
We're glad you think so. Thanks!
Best video tutorial ever! Saved myself $300
Thanks and great to hear you decided to do the work yourself and saved a bunch of money.
Most definitely! Especially with my auto parts store loaning me the tools!
Best tutorial I've seen. And good things it's a 3rd gen 4runner!
Great job again becoming addicted to your channel doing this soon 05 Tundra thanks.
Thanks Carl. Thanks for commenting and letting us know our videos are helping you out.
Finally got around to these this afternoon. Had the ball joints and bolts sitting around for far too long.
Tomorrow I think I'm tackling the upper control arm bushings. Again those parts have been sitting around for far too long.. Oops.
Thanks again as always Tim and co. You guys rock!
Good job Kyle and you're very welcome. Good luck with the UCA bushings. Happy Wrenching!
Thank you so much! To anybody reading this, I would highly recommend NOT keeping the castle nut on when using the ball joint separator like Tim has. I kept the castle nut on to stop the tie rod from flying off when separating and the nut hit the ball joint so hard it mangle the threads on both the tie rod and nut. Original ball joints on 280k so there was a ton of pressure. Had to replace both tie rod and castle nut. Hope this helps and thanks again for the video!
You're welcome Mikey. Glad the job worked out for even though you had that hiccup with the tie rods.
Love the videos!
I'll be attempting this in the Spring once the weather warms up. Not looking forward to taking those 4 bolts of the LBJ with the truck driving on salty roads for 18 years. You make it look too easy ;)
We've definitely have it pretty good on the West Coast when it comes to working on our vehicles without having to deal with all the rusted nuts and bolts. I'm guessing PB Blaster will be your friend when you're ready to do this. Definitely buy new bolts with the LBJs.
Definitely! I recently watched your suspension lift video about removing the front struts. The 3 nuts were so corroded that I could only manage to get one of the six off cleanly. The others got taken off with an angle grinder, and the back ones with a reciprocating saw, hand file, and a mini-sledge...
Keep up the great work!
Damn, that's brutal. I'd hate to have to go through all that just to pull out a strut. It pretty much makes the repair or modification a whole different animal.
Glad you're liking the videos Sean and I are making.
Thanks for the videos Tim. Very useful information!
Glad you're liking the videos and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks Tim. This saves me so much time to reference the tools you used and not have a billion of them laying around lol
You're welcome Minh.
This video has saved me hundreds of dollars of being spent at some shop. Thanks Timmy!
Jimmy Tran You're welcome Jimmy. We love hearing people have saved lots of money using our videos. We never get tired of it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
So lucky to have rust free truck. 12 years in New England have not been kind to my 2009 4runner.
Yes, were are indeed lucky to not have to deal with rust.
👍👍 Thanks for a great job explaining things. Awesome work Timmy!❤
You're very welcome Mark. Thanks for the compliment.
Great video. I followed it and did mine. Everything went smoothly. I had one heart stopping moment when I was reassembling the 4 bolts and one went POP! I was using a torque wrench, it was a new bolt, and I hand started it, but it snapped halfway. Luckily, it held together and I backed it out, then was able to break the bolt in half with my fingers!! A new bolt!
I'm not sure if you said it in the video and I missed it, but you need to make sure to have an extra cotter pin for each of the outer tie rod end crown nuts. I forgot to get some and I had to go out in the middle of my project to buy some. The Toyota ball joint comes with a new crown nut and cotter pin, but you will also need one for the tie rod end.
Oh, any reason you decided not to do the upper ball joints as well?
I did a quick review and I don't think I ever mentioned to use new cotter pins for the outer tie rods. Good catch! Always, always use a new cotter pin for whatever you're working on. Reusing cotter pins is definitely bad practice.
Well, the lower ball joints are the ones that have been known to fail. The uppers are not a known problem. With that said, I'm thinking of replacing the uppers when I get near 200,000 miles unless I see signs before that, like torn boots or play.
Even though I found the rear brakes Maddening.... I'm going to do this next week. There are at LEAST 100k miles on my LBJs. Great tutorial as usual! No one else does a tutorial as thorough.
I think you'll have a much easier time replacing your LBJs. Thanks for the compliment of our work. We appreciate it! Happy Wrenching!
@@TimmyTheToolman Good so far! I found the old ones are Moog ...the Castle nut was 26mm and the LBJ bolts 16mm. Aiso found out my Tie Rods and Stabilizer links needed to be replaced.... MUCH easier than brakes though. I'd do this one all day long. lol Thanks again.
@@wildmustangart1577 Well, have fun!
I have been watching the videos .he has the best
Excellent video. Extremely helpful. Thank you.
Thanks Jack. We're glad you found the video helpful. You're very welcome. Happy Wrenching!
Great video Just skimmed through it for bolt size and torques specs and a fast run down on process sequence. Looks like a 30 minute job per side. Going to tackle this in just a few minutes. Thanks for providing such detailed info
Thanks and you're welcome. Good luck with the job.
@@TimmyTheToolman Got them done took 52 min on my passenger side did it first and 42 min on my drivers side. This was timed with all hand tools needed on the ground and my 4runner not on any jack stands yet.No air or power tools were used. I did one step different U used a bottle jack to keep my rotor lifted up while I started the 4 bolts on the LBJ. I feel this was much easier this way as both hands were free to move it around and get a good alignment with the bolt holes and hand start the bolts. Other than that loved your video FYI I also did not use a tie rod puller did the 1lb hammer trick puller would have been faster
@@USATAZZILLA Good job getting it done.
Hopefully that torque spec was matched to the correct bolt type....
I appreciate your vids since I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 with 245,000 miles. DIYer as well! great vid
+jake ounce nice! got a '98 with 315,000!
your instructions are better than the professionals thank you
Al Martin Hey Al, thanks for the nice compliment. You're welcome and Happy Wrenching!
Hey Tim, I'm assuming this must be from a couple of years ago since I just got off the phone with Camelback and they're wanting $201 for just the ball joints now but after calling my local dealer Camelback is still much cheaper than them. They even know you! Again, SO appreciative for you vids! Such a public service! Thank you! JJ
Hey Jon, $200 seems to be the current online price for these. I do refer a lot of people to Camelback and I've bought quite a bit of stuff from them for my own two 3rd Gens so it's not a stretch that they know who I am.
It's our pleasure to help people out with these videos. The payment we like is hearing from people like you who appreciate the work we're doing. You're welcome and thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy Wrenching!
This man is a professional mechanic.
Thanks Patrick but neither Sean or I are professional mechanics. We're just DIYers trying to help out other DIYers by making videos. But, we appreciate the compliment. Happy Wrenching!
@@TimmyTheToolman You hit all the marks on making excellent educational videos. I have a request (long odds, I know). I can't find a video of someone doing the struts on Lexus GX470. The sticking point is an electronic control module that Lexus parked on top of the strut. It's why they bill the labor at $200-$400 per shock.
Thanks for putting out great helpful videos
You're very welcome. Glad you're finding our videos helpful. Thanks for the comment.
your great tutorials continue to help tremendously TY
Good to hear our videos are helping you out. You're very welcome.
Great how to detailed ball joint video!
Thanks Enrique! We're glad you like the video.
Great video, Thank You! My 96 Tacoma ball joint recently failed by snapping the shaft right at the ball. No gradual warning play in the ball. This was after some rough riding through Nevada on a lot of washboard. This ball joint does not appear to be OEM. If you've got miles on your truck, replacing these is good PM even w/o ball play. Some Tacoma joints are in tension and internal flaws can propagate cracks you can't see. LBJ failures cause a lot of collateral damage and leave you stranded or worse. I went with Toyota parts.
Glad you like the video and you're welcome. I agree with you that it's good preventative maintenance to replace the lower balljoints even if there's no detectable play or signs of damage. This is the same advice I impart to people about our lower balljoints.
Easy peasy, thanks for the walk through!
You're welcome Brandon. Good job getting it done.
Awesome videos! Super helpful!! ............ UBJ video next please! haha
Awesome! You keep saving me lots of dough!
Good to hear Arturo, now you can make more bread! JK, We're all about empowering people to do their own wrenching and saving money in the process. Happy Wrenching!
First job on my ‘00 4Runner done Tim! Just finished changing both LBJs.. Had to modify the inside of one of the Pitman arm pullers with the grinder because they would not fit around the Tie Rod. Quite a workout but it all went great! I honestly couldn’t find any faults with the older ones, but not knowing where they came from, now that they’re new, I have peace of mind, and of course they’re OEM!
Well, you got it done and that's what's important.
@@TimmyTheToolman Yes Sir! I feel more confident now knowing what’s there installed. I made it to the forums btw.. hehe (Mike’s4Runner) 👍🏻
@@Mike_44 Welcome to the wonderful world of Toyota forums.
@@TimmyTheToolman Thank you! 👍🏻
Thank you Tim, and Merry Christmas. By the way the next time you are in GA let me know, I leave close to ATL and would like to show you my 2001 Sequoia 4x4
Merry Christmas to you too. The next time I go to Atlanta to visit my buddy Jordan, we are planning on driving up into Raleigh, NC to hold a Timmy the Toolman party up there.
Sign me up!@@TimmyTheToolman
@@tarzan30809 There will be a video announcement of the party. If you're subscribed and receive notifications, you'll see the invite invite.
@@TimmyTheToolman you are bringing your T4R to NC?
@efil4kizum No. I would fly to Atlanta, where my buddy Jordan lives, and we would drive up into Raleigh in his 3rd Gen 4runner.
I had a catastrophic LBJ failure this weekend in my 2001 4runner (319,000 miles) while doing 65 at rush hour. I wasn't injured but will definitely be using your wonderful vids to do the repairs. While I've got it disassembled what else should I replace? Planning on inner/outer tie rods and may as well replace my shocks while I'm at it. Your channel has been incredibly helpful in the past and I look forward to using it on my upcoming project as well!
Sorry to hear. I'm guessing your brake line is toast as well as the ABS sensor, CV axle and your upper ball joint as well. Other than the broken parts, maybe replace control arm bushings. Glad our videos are helping you out.
I will be doing this job tomorrow and you explained it real good..... Looks easy :)
+Joe Z Cool, report back and let me know how it went.
Your help was greatly appreciated. The lower ball joint was pulled out and new one in, in about twenty minute..
Did the uppers too with a portable press..... now that was a bit harder and took me about 4 hours to do both sides.
Those bottom ball joints are a "Walk in the park" thanks to you
+Joe Z Great to hear our video helped. I recently bought the tools to press out the upper ball joints but I decided to wait to replace them. The lower ball joints are the ones that are notorious for failing so I replaced them just for peace of mind. I'm guessing my uppers will be good for quite a long time to come since I only have 140,000 miles on my rig and it was driven very gently before I got my hands on it.
Same here.... gently driven but 170k miles. Try to go with the Toyota OEM upper ball joints as the forums highly praised them over others for longevity and they are about $30 more apiece.
All i can say is... what a pain the uppers where and i hope to not do it again for a very long time
+Joe Z Yeah, I always use OEM for parts like this. I wouldn't want to mess around with aftermarket with an important part like this. I bought a kit of tools from OTC to do the uppers but I spent around $200 total for all the pieces I need. I could use the ball joint press for other things so I'll get some use out of it but it probably would have been smarter to just rent everything from a local auto parts store like O'Reilly. I guess I just like an excuse to buy more tools.
Brother Timmy... Excelent video.. thousand thanks.. 🦾🦾😎😎
Thanks and you're very welcome.
Great video
We're glad you like it.
Just did this yesterday after watching this video. 👍
Good job!
Thanks for the tutorial! Followed it step by step. This got rid of the popping when steering and front end wandering in our 99 4r with 260k miles. Wish you had a crypto or paypal tip jar!
Good to hear this video helped you out. I think you dodged a major bullet by replacing the LBJs before they failed. Never even thought of having the ability to accept cash tips but the fact you took the time to comment and thank us for the video is best tip you could have given us anyway. Happy Wrenching!
This is exactly what's happening with mine right now @ 300k miles. I've had it in the alignment shop twice and they say it aligns just fine. Maybe it's time to take matters into my own hands.
Great job !
Thanks Jack! We're glad you like it.
Tim you are a pro. There are to many hacks here on YTube. Maybe I am one of them huh? haha 😁 Great work and keep on torquing! -Glen P.S. Subscribed!
Thanks for the compliment. Sean and I are DIYers just like you and we're learning all the time. That's what's great about this hobby, you never stop learning. Thanks for subscribing and Happy Wrenching!
Got 263k miles on my 4WD 4Runner. original LBJ still solid like new. Keep hearing horror stories about these. Mine is all stock, not modified. Even tires are Michelin all weather vs BFG Ko2. I guess it all depends on how your 4Runner has lived it's life.
The LBJs can last a very long time especially if the rig doesn't go offroad.
@@TimmyTheToolman I went ahead and ordered 2 new oem ones. Would make for good resale anyways. Crazy to think the consequences if failed while on the road. I don't think mine was taken off road very often. Typical California 4runner
Thanks for great content in all of your videos
@@brucewayne2773 Yeah, you did the smart thing. You're very welcome. Glad you like the videos Sean and I are making. Happy Wrenching!
Best presentation.. from parts receipt tools very 👍..
Thanks! We appreciate the compliment. Glad you appreciate the tools and parts links.
Great video thank you.
You're very welcome.
Thanks for this, I am about to replace mine. Cheers
You're welcome. Good luck with the job.
@@TimmyTheToolman I've just completed the replacement. Thanks again for this video I was ready for what I'm expecting, especially being prepared with the lower joint puller. I don't see how I could have done without it as it came out with such a force. Most appreciated!!!
@@FirstLightAdv You're welcome. Glad the repair worked out we'll for you.
Man excellent, your pullers are great compared to pounding
Pullers over brute force anyday K O!
Thanks for showing the torque specs.
No problem.
Managed to finish this today. Took me all day! One of the four (new) bolts broke as I was torquing it. I used my multi tool saw to cut a line and was able to screw it back out using a flat head but it took me couple of hours. I ended using an older bolt but now I’m worried about the other bolts. As I was torquing I noticed this particular bolt would not click. I knew something wasn’t right but I continued and then it snapped. It was the last bolt the needed to get torqued.
I see now that these bolts on my 2002 with dust cover should be set at 37 ft lb and not 59. Will replace all bolts asap.
Good job getting it done Brett.
@@react1200 You're not the first and won't be the last that snaps a bolt off due to the confusion with torque specs for the different model years with different bolts. Good to hear you were able to extract the broken bolt without too much trouble.
The lower ball joint on my 98 Tacoma gave out about a year ago, just to put things into perspective, it took out the upper ball joint and the tie-rod end as well. it gave me fair warning in advance (6 months) before giving up the ghost. Please learn from my mistake guys and change ball joints or bushings before it's too late.
Thanks for sharing this.
Great vid and channel
Thanks. We appreciate it!
@@TimmyTheToolman 👊
Thanks for the great Video Tim....Do we need to do an alignment if we are only changing the lower ball joints? We recently bought new tires and just did an alignment last week!
You're very welcome. No need for an alignment after replacing balljoints. Good luck with the job.
Otc tool kit bought had it saves to buy just bought it
Your Manual says 66-LBF NOT
67 lbf for the outer tie rod castle nut. Pause it and look closely. Everything else is spot on. Doing my lbj tomorrow 245 k on original lbj and my god they are toast! So much so I’m getting it towed to the shop I’ll be doing it at,I’m not running the risk I’ve been lucky! Mine were making a squeaking noise when turning and when I jacked up the truck and tested they had so much up and down play it was not even funny!Thanks for the video VERY HELPFUL!
You're right on that torque spec. Good eye. If it was a gross mistake I'd mention that in a pinned comment but 1 pound difference isn't a big deal. Sometimes, the FSM actually specifies different torque values for the same application on different pages and that's where I might have gotten it. There's actually a fair amount of mistakes and some of them are really bad like giving the value in pounds when it should be inch pounds. We spotted a big mistake like this for the nuts for the rear 3rd member and I'm pretty sure we saw them same thing for the transmission pan bolts. You can't just blindly follow specs out of the book. If it doesn't sound right based off the size of the fastener(s), it's probably not and it's better to reevaluate before stripping a nut or breaking off a bolt.
Smart decision to tow your rig and not risk it. A fair amount of damage can happen when it fails not to mention it could cause an accident hurting yourself and others. You're definitely one of the lucky ones that noticed it before it failed. You saved yourself quite a bit of grief and money. Good luck with the job and we're glad our video is going to help you out. Happy Wrenching!
Make sure to verify these will fit your application. Ordered these LBJs thinking that they would work for a 4x4 v6 toyota tacoma, however they do not.
Believe these are only for 4 runners and 2wd tacomas.
Solid advice.
Thanks for helping!!
Damn camera Man tho
Mojo27564 We're getting a little less shaky with our videos but there we still do a little shaking here and there.
This video is awesome! Can you please do a video for the upper ball joint.
We show a lot of the procedure in our Toytec Boss Lift video. We show the removal of the balljoint but not the reinstallation because the lift involved installing Total Chaos UCAs. Here's a link: th-cam.com/video/yXjioXyZa_M/w-d-xo.html
Dang it. Prices for the LBJs have gone up to $110 a piece now lol. Thanks for the video bud!! Awesome as always!
You're welcome and thanks for compliment. Good luck with the job. Happy Wrenching!
LilGoat 02 amazon has em for $105. Genuine Toyota
@@georgedube7989 I dunno if I trust Amazon but I will check into it.
LilGoat 02 I bought both sides off amazon along with other genuine Toyota parts they are the real deal. Just search the part number of whatever you are trying to find follow by “Toyota” or “Toyota genuine” seems they have most of the commonly bought parts for my 4runner
Well, Tim... This one is on the weekend list too!!! Face palm.
Good luck with the swap.
Hey Timmy thanks for the video I’m replacing both my upper and lower BJs is there anything else I should be replacing while performing this job just to get it out of the way since I’m down there ?
If your Upper and Lower Control Arms have worn out bushings, it might be the time to replace them.
A mechanic torqued my 02 bolts to the normal 59ft lbs and the next time I had to take them off , one ofnthebnplts was actually broken already. Was able to weld a nut to the other end and twist it out that way. Point is, the stretching that happens when over torquing the 01/02 bolts wi cause them to break which could easily cause failure
I agree. Check the video description. There's two different torque values depending on what year rig you have. I'm guessing yours were suppose to be at the lower spec.
Any need for an alignment after doing these? Going to tackle them this weekend on my 3rd gen for peace of mind. Awesome videos, glad I found your channel!
An alignment isn't necessary unless your last alignment was done with balljoints that had significant play. Most people aren't going to be in that situation so an alignment isn't necessary because nothing is really changing.
@@TimmyTheToolman thank you kindly!! Looking forward to getting this done. Mine have no play that I can see with the naked eye but I just got the truck and dont want any issues. 188K on them if they havent been done
@@worldbyjay Yeah, smart move to replace them. Good luck with the job.