control arm ball joints replace

Im trying to replace my upper and lower ball joints. toyota says i have to buy the whole control arm as one with the ball joints. And that i cant buy just the ball joints. Original Equipment sold me the upper and lower joints and now I cant get the old ones off. Bought a air press and cant get em off. Was toyota right, I hope i dont gotta go back and tell em they were right cause that would be a first.

 

Toyota is correct. you have to buy a whole new UCA if you want to replace the ball joints. i dont know about the lowers tho...

 

well hows come i was sold the upper and lowers for replacement? I have heard many different opinions from different places and people. I reckon im just gonna have to suck it up and write a check. I hate givin anything to toyota. bought all my parts for my '05 from original equip. And for half of what toyota wanted and and when Toyota said that I could only find them at thier dealership. Rack and pinion seal kit was the only part that i could not find outside toyota.

 

I replaced the upper ball joints in my 2009 tacoma. you do not need to buy the whole uca.

 

wondering how you accomplish that jigowatts? did you had to rent a press or what? can you give us some specifics? part$ tools rented and used. Sure would appreciate it for tne next guy who needs this done to their truck.

 

The uppers can be done with an autozone ball joint press. The lowers are a royal PITA with that style press, but can be done. I recommend taking the LCA off the truck, using the cups from the Autozone rental, on a shop press.
The clamp press was at its limits when I did my lowers. It was very difficult to get the ball joint started straight. It also took a cheater bar, and tapping on the LCA for it to go in. Use a shop press.

MOOG ball joints for all.

FYI: The uppers will release with a bang, and the whole assembly will come crashing down. Keep your hands on the clamp.

 

A tip for taking the nut off: if the balljoint is spinning freely with the nut apply pressure so that the balljoint is pushed tight against the spindle and it'll "catch" enough for you to take the nut off

 

I was able to get the ball joint in the UCA out, but am having difficulty with the press on getting the new one in. There isn't enough room on top for the pressure bolt to push the ball joint in. any tips on how to do this without having to remove the UCA would be appreciated!!!

 

You have to rotate the press, so that the forcing screw is on the bottom. Or, remove the upper a-arm.