Lower Ball Joint - Questions

[uzj100]

It appears I have an issue with my driver side lower ball joint. Can it be removed and replaced vs replacing the entire arm? How many banana job is it? How much does a lower ball joint cost? I knew I should have taken the easy trail to the mall. Thanks.

 

[hoser]

All answers here.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/224736-lower-ball-joints.html

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Dammit hoser, I just hit ctrl+c.

Yes, your lower boot looks like it's torn. Not life threatening, but something to address.

 

[uzj100]

Thanks. You can delete the whole post if you would like.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Why? Gives someone a picture of what a leaking ball joint looks like.

 

[uzj100]

It seems to be more than torn, could it be hanging out the bottom or is that not how ball joints work?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The black rubber boot in the picture of this new one is torn on yours. Inside the boot is grease to keep the ball joint underneath lubed up.

 

[uzj100]

Could I just reboot it?

 

[spressomon]

Could I just reboot it?

Yes. Toyota sells a boot and spring retainer clip. About $5 IIRC. FWIW: My lower ball joint boot was ripped. The ball was rusty in appearance and what little lube was left in the ball socket cavity was badly contaminated. I cleaned the ball and socket thoroughly with brake cleaner before assembling with the new boot and fresh grease. It held up fine.

 

[uzj100]

Does it require removal to reboot?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You don't have to remove the lower ball joint from the arm, but you do have to separate the arm to get the new boot on.

 

[hoser]

I suspect the more lift, the faster these ball joints wear down as there is more lateral movement/forces on the joint.