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Need a little help with my steering knuckle.

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by desertjunkie760, May 19, 2016.

  1. May 19, 2016 at 8:04 PM
    #1
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Alright gents, I got some news this week that I am not too happy with, and I am looking to the TacomaWorld guys for some advice.

    I bought my Tacoma in January with a salvage title. I felt like I got a good deal and no regrets. I saw the wreck pictures and put the truck on the lift. No frame damage to be concerned with so why not? A few weeks ago I put the Billy 5100s in the front at 1.75 and got it level. Took it to the local alignment shop where the guy told me that basically, he couldn't get the passenger side into spec, but could get it close. Something about the frame tabs being broken off and the shems not giving all of the movement.

    I just bought some of the new release SCS Ray 10s and bought some 275/70/17 Cooper Discovers AT3s to go under it. As I was having breakfast with pops the other day, I realized that I had a TONE of camber in the passenger side of the truck. Really noticeable from a distance. I delayed the wheel/tire install to have it looked at. I took it to a recommended shop that works regularly with wrecked vehicles and suspension. He put it up for measurements. Apparently, the passenger side steering knuckle is bent, creating an unfavorable amount of camber. In addition, I am being told that these trucks have the hub pressed onto the knuckle and you cannot reuse the bearing or assembly once taken apart. :annoyed:

    So now, I have a truck that is half in alignment, with more camber than I originally started. The job quote was in the 4 digits, and the most irritating part is that I have the shop, and the supplies to do the work. I just need a knuckle assembly that wont cost me an arm and leg.

    I figure of looking used for an assembly and was hoping that one of you might have something laying around? I know a lot of guys put kits on and maybe have some left over parts laying around? My truck is a 2011 DBLCab 4x4. I need the right front (passenger) side steering knuckle. Toyota part number is 43211-04060. Preferably with a bearing/hub already pressed on that isn't damaged if anyone is willing to sell one. That or some advice will go a long way!!! :crapstorm:

    Basically, this adventure is delaying my install of my Ray 10s and tires!!!!! HELP A GUY OUT!

    Pictures of UCA gaps posted below.

    Thanks,
    Cheers :cheers:

    IMG_0511.jpg
    IMG_0510.jpg
     
  2. May 19, 2016 at 8:10 PM
    #2
    Usethe2nd

    Usethe2nd Well-Known Member

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    You might need more than what ever this "knuckle" is you speak of, do you mean spindle? Sounds like you're frame is bent, especially considering the four figure repair estimate
     
  3. May 19, 2016 at 8:11 PM
    #3
    Usethe2nd

    Usethe2nd Well-Known Member

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  4. May 19, 2016 at 8:12 PM
    #4
    Usethe2nd

    Usethe2nd Well-Known Member

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    Looks like your shop is bending you over, there is a member here who will press in wheel bearing for a reasonable price
     
  5. May 19, 2016 at 8:16 PM
    #5
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Yup, that is it. I will end up going that way if this doesn't work out. That is just the knuckle though so I would have to buy the hub assembly, bearings, and press it all together. I was hoping to find something already assembled and relatively cost effective.
     
  6. May 19, 2016 at 8:25 PM
    #6
    tacomgee

    tacomgee just ain't care....

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    The whole hub assembly is bolted to the spindle with four bolts. Very easy to swap all of those parts if that is whats causing the alignment issue. Sounds like it may be a bent spindle.....:notsure:
     
  7. May 19, 2016 at 10:50 PM
    #7
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Thats what I saw in the Toyota parts list, but I was told otherwise. Probably for the reason of trying to make me want to pay for the labor. If that was the case, this entire process would be very easy.
     
  8. May 19, 2016 at 11:10 PM
    #8
    Artruck

    Artruck Well-Known Member

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    I would jack up the front, pull both wheels and measure the spindle to see where the bend is. Then check around for a salvage one if you can. It looks like a bent spindle/ steering knuckle. The cost of the repair in parts sucks, but its all stuff that can be done in a driveway (maybe find a machine shop to press if needed). Just think of the money saved in tires over the long long life of a taco, when you have the alignment dialed in.
     
  9. Jun 2, 2016 at 11:06 AM
    #9
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Been looking around and have found a few spindles from salvage yards but wouldn't be saving much from OEM. I have seen a few pop up on here but not good with timing. They sell quick! Still looking for the pair or just passenger side. I have the place to put it together once I get the new parts.
     
  10. Jun 2, 2016 at 5:23 PM
    #10
    RKCRUZA

    RKCRUZA Well-Known Member

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    Can you find out from the shop if the knuckle is bent, or if it is the spindle? Knuckle is an easy swap and would only cost you about $400 if you replace the ball joints etc. also. If the spindle is bent it is more of a PITA due to the unit bearings etc, but still shouldn't run the $1k plus you were quoted if you do the swap yourself...
     
  11. Jun 2, 2016 at 7:11 PM
    #11
    1slowvq37

    1slowvq37 Well-Known Member

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    I have a pair of spindles that I removed from my 08 trd sport 2wd. They are in excelent shape. Let me know.
     
  12. Jun 2, 2016 at 7:28 PM
    #12
    Evenflow

    Evenflow Well-Known Member

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    There appears to be a bit of bad info going on here and you also mention the cam tab being bent which no one has addressed :

    1. Knuckle and spindle are the same thing those are not two different parts, Tacoma spindles are well know for bending so it is perfectLy reasonable to assume the spindle was bent in an accident.

    2. The hub can be pressed apart and just the bearing can be replaced but you don't need to replace the hub to replace the spindle. The entire hub simply bolts to the spindle with 4 -17mm bolts. The only reason you would need to replace the hub is if the hub it self or the bearing were damaged. In the event you ever do need a new hub there are guys here on TW that sell the complete units for a really good price. By the time you pay a shop for a bearing and labor to rebuild a hub...you could have just bought a new one.

    3. When your tech mentioned bent or flat cam tabs - that is an extremely common problem on these trucks. The cam tabs are just the two thin " tabs " of metal that your cam washer rests between. The cam is a concentric bolt which mean the bolt is off center from the washer head. As you turn the bolt the washer presses against the tabs and pushes or pulls the LCA in or out to adjust it. The OE cam tabs are so weak they can bend from simply hard off-roading...or an alignment tech over torquing the cam trying to perform an alignment. There are hundreds of guys that have had this happen. The easiest fix is to bend the tab back into place and then run a weld bead along the outside edge of all of your tabs. The weld bead keeps the tab from folding over flat. The best fix is to actually remove all of the OE cam tabs by drilling out the spot welds and replace them with Total a Chaos cam tab gussets...much more involved job but still pretty simple.

    If the only real problem you have is a bent spindle and a flat cam tab it only takes an hour to replace and repair is very easy to do. Where do you live, we could recommend shops or local TW member home businesses that can do this work for you.
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2017
  13. Jun 2, 2016 at 7:34 PM
    #13
    tacomgee

    tacomgee just ain't care....

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  14. Jun 6, 2016 at 9:34 AM
    #14
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Thank you for the clarification. Good information. After you mentioned it, I see the that Total Chaos offers this tab set. Pretty much solves the issue I am having as far as that goes. I am located in San Diego in La Mesa but I travel in the area quite a bit.
     
  15. Jun 6, 2016 at 1:37 PM
    #15
    Evenflow

    Evenflow Well-Known Member

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    Well if you are here in SD you are set. You should reach out to @jeffz0rz here on TW, he runs a shop out of his home in El Cajon. Jeff can do the TC cam tabs for you and replace your spindle all at the same time and probably for a hell of a lot less than the dealer. You will need to buy all of the parts and bring them to him.
     
  16. Jun 28, 2016 at 2:20 PM
    #16
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    So its been awhile since I created this post, but I wanted to give you all an update on whats going on.

    First, I want to thank all of you TacomaWorld guys/gals out there who have given me some insight and knowledge on these rigs as I learn the ins and outs. In addition, I want to thank @jeffz0rz, @GDOLBOI, and @1slowvq37 for helping me acquire the parts I need to get this all straitened out. Jeff's work is outstanding and he helped me out in a pinch so if you are in SD and looking for some work, make sure you send him a PM. Pics of my spindles attached.

    IMG_0598.jpg

    IMG_0599.jpg

    IMG_0600.jpg


    I managed to tear the suspension apart and weld up the TC cam tab guessets while I was in there. After tear down and further inspection, we noticed that the rear lower control arm bracket was bent to the rear from the wreck. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics because I didn't want you all laughing at my horrible welding skills, but I did what I could to straighten out the bracket. With the new spindles on I just HAD to have my SCS Ray10s installed for "clearance." (No really, I had to with the sway bar mount.)

    Welds on the tabs that I did. Not too bad for a beginner welder.

    IMG_0605.jpg

    IMG_0606.jpg

    IMG_0607.jpg


    The new shoes ready to go on...

    IMG_0604.jpg

    Completed job.

    IMG_0624.jpg
     
    jeffz0rz likes this.
  17. Jun 28, 2016 at 2:37 PM
    #17
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    So I finish the work and take it to a friend of mine for alignment. He pulls it on the lift and says "nope." :facepalm:

    After inspection, we find that the lower control arm bushing is bent on the passenger rear. (of course.) I have roughly 4 fingers clearance between the back of the tire and the fender well on the driver's side, but just over two on the passenger.

    Passenger
    IMG_0662 2.jpg

    Driver
    IMG_0663 2.jpg

    We can't get the caster in spec with the lower control arm bent and there is still that slight rear movement on the passenger side bracket. Lower control arms should be here today and Ill throw those on probably Thursday. See where that puts me...
     
  18. Jul 5, 2016 at 10:37 AM
    #18
    jeffz0rz

    jeffz0rz Well-Known Member

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    Damn thats bent lol
     
  19. Aug 2, 2016 at 6:21 PM
    #19
    desertjunkie760

    desertjunkie760 [OP] @DesertJunkie760 (IG)

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    Thread update... After some thought and noticing that the LCA bracket was bent to the rear, I had the body shop bend it forward. This helped the caster a bit, however after installation of a new LCA failed to change anything. I got ahold of some stock length Total Chaos UCAs and threw them on for good measure. Every suspension part has been replaced at this point, so I took it back to the alignment shop. Measurements are below.

    AllignmentSpecs.jpg

    The alignment shop said that he was only able to get toe within spec. Im told to take it to the body shop and get the frame pulled if possible. After a little further research, I figured out that the TC UCAs that I installed are designed for a 2-3" lift. I only have my Bilsteins set at 1.75" I'm seriously wondering if that much of a difference will cause the alignment to not go into spec. If I push the front up more to where the UCAs are designed to be, would I get lucky enough? Thoughts?
     
  20. Aug 16, 2017 at 1:07 PM
    #20
    Blackhawk131

    Blackhawk131 Well-Known Member

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    I am in the same spot. Wrecked my truck(curb no cars) and first was told that the upper/lower and tie robs were bad on both side. Ok so I ordered new lower control arms, tie rods and upper ball joints from rockauto. Replaced everything and love the way the truck drove. Lot smoother with new joints. But once I got to the shop for the alignment they could not get it in specs either. So ordered new spindles and I hope this is the end. The only other thing is the UCA, but I doubt the camburg arms are bent. Anyway I will post up my results later.
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2017
    desertjunkie760[OP] likes this.

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