FJ61 Knuckle Overhaul vs New Bearings

[tuffspot]

I have a FJ62 that has begun making knocking sounds from the front when I make turns. My instincts tell me this could be warning me that my bearings are done, or worse, I made need to service my knuckles and CV (Birfield). How would I know and how safe is it to drive right now? I am in Portland, OR. If you have recommendations about shops I should speak with, that would be really helpful. This may be pricey...

 

[SteveH]

Unlock your hubs, if locked, which will remove worn out/bad Birfields from the equation (for now).

Jack it up and shake each front wheel (don't need to pay a shop for this). You should not feel perceptible in/out play of the jacked up wheel/tire, and it should spin smoothly (minus any brake pad drag). If the wheel bearings are very loose, you should not drive it.

Usually knuckle bearings get notchy, but don't get really loose unless the axle is horribly abused or worn. How many miles on the truck? Most have never had knuckle bearings replaced.

Don't rule out tie rod ends, and all the other front end parts that could be knocking or loose. And if you take this to a dishonest shop, you'll be looking at huge dollar signs for work that may or may not be valid. You need to get hooked into a club or community of Toyota people who can quickly analyze where you're at.

 

[87freerunner]

Also check you leaf spring bushings, you’ll get a lot of noise when turning if they are worn out.

 

[tuffspot]

Unlock your hubs, if locked, which will remove worn out/bad Birfields from the equation (for now).

Jack it up and shake each front wheel (don't need to pay a shop for this). You should not feel perceptible in/out play of the jacked up wheel/tire, and it should spin smoothly (minus any brake pad drag). If the wheel bearings are very loose, you should not drive it.

Usually knuckle bearings get notchy, but don't get really loose unless the axle is horribly abused or worn. How many miles on the truck? Most have never had knuckle bearings replaced.

Don't rule out tie rod ends, and all the other front end parts that could be knocking or loose. And if you take this to a dishonest shop, you'll be looking at huge dollar signs for work that may or may not be valid. You need to get hooked into a club or community of Toyota people who can quickly analyze where you're at.

Thank you very much for these suggestions. The truck has been super reliable since we’ve had it (2017). It has just crossed 229K. Steering wheel play has only started to become pronounced, but I will definitely get it on the jack tomorrow and see about the wheel play to see if it is a bearing issue. Thanks for the suggestion on tie rods and other steering mechanism. A tie rod problem would be much more affordable that having to get into the axel. I will update later after I get there. Thanks again!

 

[kevin in okinawa]

very likely the leaf spring bushings are in need of replacement.

 

[IronNam]

I replaced everything in between the Pitman Arms and the Steering Knuckles.
I still experienced an issues where I had some major clunking during lateral load changes with steering inputs.

Just got done replacing the front end leaf spring bushings to Energy Suspension.
The previous ones were OME yellows and they were toast, long neglected before I owned the truck itself.

Replacing the bushings themselves resolved a TON of wandering, noises, etc.
I still have the rears to do but man, the truck drives so much better in terms of handling, comfort, and response.