Diagnosing Worn Upper Ball Joints 1998 TRD

How can I, as a user and not as a mechanic, check the upper ball joints? The truck has 60K miles on it. I just replaced all shocks, the LBJs and the SR.

 

Check if the boots are cracked then jack up the wheel and go back and forth to see if there's a lot of play. If there is then you need new uppers. But why not just replace them you seem to have replaced the other ones

 

Yeah the uppers are only 12 bucks unlike those stupid lbj

 

my passenger upper boot is screwed and its leaking massive amounts of grease...the 12 new bj is not the problem. it is replacing it, which from what everyone is telling me is almost something you just take to a shop and have them do.

you can test your bjs by seeing how much play they have with a pry bar. but then again you have to know how much play is too much. with 60k unless they are leaking or dry rotted or visibly ruined you should be fine

 

If they make moog ballpoints I'd recommend those there greasable and last longer

 

Aren't the ball joints pressed in? Rent the tool from autozone, if so.

 

When you separate the knuckle from the ball joint, there will be noticible slop. The joint should be difficult to move by hand.
Basically, if the boot is cracked, it's days are numbered. Dirt and water can easily enter and accelerate wear.

Replace them in pairs. If you have the money, replace all the ball joints and tie rods at one time.