Here's Why You DON'T MESS WITH Toyota Factory Upper Ball Joints!!

[@PhreakyPhillip]

I know all about adversity when trying to repair things on my vehicles...fortunately you do a lot of the same repairs that I do and since you're not a mechanic in a shop the videos you make are much more detailed... especially with the little details...things like going to your local auto store to rent tools...or removing the old boot and showing what's in there...or the half cup... little things like that are really helpful! Thanks dude!!!

[@Tablesaw818]

Only 1 thing better than not getting called in on a weekend….a 1Road video! Thanks Jimmy!!

[@crosleyfiver8686]

Moog again!!! Wassamater U?? :) Did lots of forum reading on MOOG. Did the exact same, cut off the stud on the upper ball and used the same kit from HF. Used Sankei 555:) Made in the land of the rising Sun..... upper and lower. Whiteline bushings rebuild of the entire front end last Xmas. Next will be the steering rack... not leaking but minor seal pass by inside... like the videos!

[@rav4l2003]

Sankei “Three 5” is a decent quality ball joint replacement. It’s not quite equivalent to the Toyota Genuine part, but it’s likely the next best available for a good price. Sometimes brands like Napa’s pro line or Berk Arnley are 555 ball joints in the box.

[@MrBowNaxe]

Good stuff Jimmy! As always a top notch job. I hate to be that guy but, those upper control arm bushings are the same age... I learned a long time ago if you're in there for one reason there's probably something else that needs replaced. My time is limited so I replaced a "loaded" control arm that has bushings and ball joints already installed. Good information for folks that don't like you did. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks! Yes, you’re most likely right about those bushings. However, I may be going with an upgrade there so I figured I’d do the ball joints since they were ‘easy’. 😅

[@jalopy2472]

I’ve removed older control arms and the bushings have still been playable and in great shape.

[@BIGMEME_Retro.trance]

You have been doing everything I have been dealing with on my 2004 expedition literally and mine has 238k miles.

[@waynes.2983]

Moog uppers only lasted 15,000 miles on my tacoma. I went back to factory toyota parts. First set lasted 196,000 miles.

[@chkpik]

I used Napa bushings on my 4runner. Got scary after 40k miles.

[@FluePeak]

Can't really say that a ball joint lasts x amount of miles. 15k is still good, Sure the first set lasted almost 200k but then everything else was in good condition probably, Tires, Other ball joints, bushings etc.

[@dustinnop]

​@@FluePeak 15k is not good unless everything else was ruined

[@FluePeak]

@@dustinnop that I’m on, if all things are untouched from factory at 200k. It’s not really the quality of the ball joint more like the negligence of maintenance

[@DirtyDanMunicipalMan]

Every time I do ball joints I go straight for the master kit as the standard press never has the right cups for what I’m doing. Nice work Jimmy!

[@Jimmyky77]

I'm not sure about the 4-Runner but, , , on my 2001 Tundra I was told to buy OEM lower Ball joints because the wheel could actually buckle under the vehicle with inferior Ball joints, , , I bought mine at Ourisman Toyota, Great video Jimmy 👍🏻

[@1RoadGarage]

I always like going OEM when I can as well. These MOOG units seem pretty good though.

[@crosleyfiver8686]

@@1RoadGarage For a newbie Yota owner....well, my only suggestion is to read the Yota forums on everyones experience there with Moog. I can give feedback here for I've had 3, son has the 90 4Runner. I have my 98 4Runner/ 97 LexSC300. Good Luck, keep them lubed!! :)

[@g_unit6773]

First Gen Tundras have a different lower ball joint design, a design prone to catastrophic failure. Therefore only use OEM LBJs purchased from a dealer

[@MrSpike77777]

I had heard the same so for my 2000 Tundra I bought OEM upper and lower. Coincidently also from Ourisman. My uppers were a little tough to press out and back in. That was probably the hardest part of the job.

[@ShannonFLHI]

I rebuilt the suspension bushings and ball joints 15yrs ago on my 1st Gen taco. They’re doing great. But I went with cheap wheel bearings 7yrs ago and would you guess what I’m changing right now. This time I purchased oe bearings /Hubs. Not a cheap fix but it should last 15 yrs like the originals did before I messed with cheap aftermarket parts. 16:00

[@SteelHoarse]

Not for not. You REALLY should be using OEM when it comes to Toyota… i have owned 7 in my life. I own 2 currently. My brother, (who passed away) was a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician.. he taught me years ago when In owned my 1992 4x4 truck and 88 4runner, ALWAYS use Toyota parts, and especially fluids… do not skimp out on aftermarket.. you will end up buying OEM as soon as the others fail. So your waisting money and possibly doing more harm in some circumstances. Just a friendly advice. But you do you!

[@AgentLokVokun]

FIRST (not bot comment!) The "while you're in there" costs can easily eat people alive. But glad you're doing the work you are. Plenty of people would skip this.

[@x-man5056]

Only if you don't value your time and labor. Example: If you are changing front wheel bearing on front drive or 4x4, you'll save overall on labor by changing the CV axle and seal at the same time. When you get the bearing out, it's only a couple more bolts (usually just the lower ball joint or sometimes the tie rod) to yank the axle. If you don't, there is cost of the part and all the labor to do it all again 6 months later. Even if you do it yourself, your time and effort are money. You can make the same argument for ball joints. They tend to last way longer than wheel bearings and CV joints, but if you are changing ball joints, you've generally got it all apart, if the other items aren't near new, replace them, if you value your time/effort. On trucks, the inner, lower A arm bushings seem to wear out or get damaged faster than uppers too. Remember that when you are down there. Pay me now or pay me more later. Everyone knows you pay way more for parts if you let a shop do it too, right? Like double or more.

[@bkksw4731]

Not knocking Moog.. but you're removing ball joints that potentially have 230,000 miles on them.. fir Moog's? One thing you can know about Toyota. Toyota OE parts, for the very most part, are the best you can find. Exceptions can e made for any parts that might require different angles. Like what's required for lift kits and the like. Densoo and any other other like OE quality are parts you can take to the bank!

[@velcrofishsticks6002]

The worst part was the one he cut off was in perfect condition still

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

Could have got a new boot.

[@rav4l2003]

And it lasted that long without adding a drop of grease. It’s Way better to not have a zerk fitting and have a perfectly sealed boot.

[@alexcollins1973]

“Here’s why you don’t mess with Toyota factory ball joints” installs Moog

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@alexcollins1973can't mess with something that's not there anymore🥴

[@cbayless4294]

great vid of the replacement of the ball joint. Ya I hope the moog last, but like the car care nut guy say's always use Toyota oem parts.

[@wilsonchin5619]

Moog from the land down under probably seeing this one. No revreat Subscribed to you channel for years now. We all learn things every day. From the LED light bulbs for the GMC Suburban til now 4Runner. Thanks Jimmy

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

I like your videos nice job I own three Toyotas.

[@aadd3538]

Is Meyle as good as OEM. Also all these ,Moog, FEBI , delphi, stark, toptran mapco, trw, all the others which ranked would you place them in ?

[@wxfield]

Here on our farm, we just go at upper ball joints with an air hammer. No setup time with any tooling and they come right out. We've done so many that we've welded a black oxide socket onto an air hammer tool. That is the special tool we now use to blast these out. We of course press-in the new ball joints..but we end up cutting out the removal time/setup completely.

[@Dexspic]

I love this videos of the 4Runner!

[@1RoadGarage]

Me too!

[@hahaha12345678993]

you become a true DIYer by taking multiple trips to the auto parts during the project, everyone does it

[@Maxumized]

Yes, that’s when you know…I’ve even gone to multiple locations. You know your a good mechanic when you have to call the store 5 mins before closing and tell them you are on your way.

[@mikeboring1293]

Great video glad I found your channel, being a shad tree mechanic myself. I do have a ball joint press, if you do decide to buy one make sure you lube it up first before you use it every time. They say not to use a impact but it’s easier lol 😂.

[@jamram9924]

Too bad that you didn't go to Amayama website and order these directly from a parts broker in Japan. I have a 2004 4Runner that is receiving new Toyota upper and lower control arms with bushings and ball joints, for about 40% less than Toyota dealerships prices. Our shop never ever uses these aftermarket suspension parts due to their high failure rate. We've discovered that many of these so called US made parts are simply repackaged Chinese made parts. Buyer beware....it's not worth your safety and that of your family.

[@dcfgarage]

Love your 4runner series. Awesome videos!

[@x-man5056]

Don't you just love it when your work explodes in you face? Fortunately, when it let go, it let go in the best way, minimized shrapnel. I don't know any way to do this with out your face right there. You could have used a heat gun or propane torch on the outside portion of the A arm near the ball joint. But they usually come out pretty easy with that tool. Bet it was the factory ball joint too. Get a brass hammer for this work. You never strike 2 hardened items together. There is a video on YT where a guy was working a 4x4 CV shaft out with a claw hammer and a piece chipped off and cut his eyebrow good. He could have easily lost an eye. If you work on your own vehicle you need a brass hammer in your box. The big steel hammer Jimmy used is more well suited for tent stakes, but any hammer is better than no hammer because you're going to need it doing most work underneath. Eye protection if you use steel on steel.

[@bodmitri]

The amount of headache and tools used to change the upper, wouldn't it be easier just to get an UCA (x2 longs bolts and done)? Also, if the factory ball joints lasted you over 200k, that's a reliable part right there, just replace with OEM to last another 200k and have peace of mind. Great video either way!

[@stephenzies8867]

Great Job. I've Been Using Moog Products On My Vehicles And Customers Vehicles For Over 40 Years. They Make Very Good Quality Products And They Have Grease Fittings So They Last Longer.

[@Naut1188]

In my experience, hard grunting noises and a lot of cursing is the secret to removing ball joints. I had as hard of a time removing and reinstalling my lower ball joints on my Tacoma. Good information on the cut out for installing the uppers.

[@360fanboy360]

Tbh Moogs not the same as it used to be. TRW is where its at

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

With 238k miles you should replace the entire UCA with a Toyota OEM UCA. They cost more but will last another 230k miles and you get new UCA bushings as well.

[@Cragified]

Honestly if available I'd always go with OEM. Moog ball joints depending on the type have now replaced some previously brass internal parts with plastic (Moog used to advert about the brass in the joint but don't anymore). Toyota OEM Still uses a steel cup.

[@trianggaindralukmana2184]

Never heard ball joint collaps on toyota, but my and friend experience ball joint aand arm collaps at Chevrolet ford and isuzu yes

[@MichaelNomura-i9n]

I’m a Moog mechanic. Yellow boxes everywhere in my shop.

[@colt1815]

Good video. Little bit of advice, install the grease fitting after the joint is installed. Reduces the risk of damaging it during installation if something goes wrong.

[@blueballs8]

Lol I was coming to say that too. At least his went in easy. That's never my luck, though.

[@texZR2]

That is the problem with these older (awesome) vehicles. You start doing maintenance on one thing and you find 4 other things you should really take care of as well. Awesome info

[@Rocklobster700]

OK give me 75k for a new vehicle Ace.

[@texZR2]

@@Rocklobster700 How about you F'ing earn it. Give you 75K.. what a F'ing joke. I was not disparaging him, I was just making a comment. I have a '99 2 door Tahoe which was my daily driver up until a few months ago.. I deal with the same kind of issues he is going through now with the Toyota. You need to seriously chill.

[@texZR2]

@@Rocklobster700 How about you earn it yourself. The only thing I give people is *bleep* especially when they make moronic comments such as yours.

[@Rocklobster700]

@texZR2 Your a cry baby and drive a Hyundai Ace. Go back to Q lube for your oil change. I'm a expert mechanic I'll work circles around you on cars and trucks.

[@Rocklobster700]

@texZR2 I will work circles around you on cars and trucks I'm a real mechanic you use Q Lube. Just saying what you did means you drive a Honda passport.

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job Jimmy...😀👍👍

[@deebee3901]

Excellent mate!

[@ED-ti5tc]

Tough job! Great video though!

[@seymourcake752]

Are the bushings on the other points of the control arm in good condition........... all in all it's best to replace the entire arm. Unless the ball joint fail prematurely.

[@emiliog.4432]

Excellent!

[@Coordinator61]

Wow i did all this as car mechanic luckaly without yiutube. Standard jobs for a mechanic.

[@renflo86]

Great video

[@jeepinintexas6215]

Lol he says "why don't we be smart" and then knocks the spindle loose from the ball joint without the castle nut on it. Hahaha, lucky you didn't get a boo boo.

[@tsx3214]

We are hoping the lower went smooth 🙂

[@robertpage2023]

There are mechanics out there that would only "fix" what the customer's complaint was and NOT go the full distance to keep the vehicle from going critical later. Sure, YES, the repair will cost more but what good is it to do a half ass job and NOT make the problem go away completely. When you buy a vehicle, from day one, EVERYTHING begins to wear out from use. It is NOT your fault that the two bolts were re-inserted badly causing thread crossing. Most likely it was either the customer's fault or the previous owner who did this. I recently saw a guy who had borrowed a Lambo from a friend that was practically brand new and two bolts that held the right side suspension FELL OUT!!! Just fell right out of the car and caused the right side suspension to fall and cause more damage. Supposedly an "official" maintenance company had done some work in that area.

[@kevinrusso6849]

And all done in a nice white shirt

[@pfoxhound]

What about bushings on upper arm?

[@belfastconor8521]

On the lower ball joints, you’re better off replacing the whole control arm. The cam bolts will most likely be seized to the bushing sleeve which need to be cut out with a recip saw. You won’t be able to properly align the vehicle without without doing this. The lower ball joints aren’t really designed for replacement of just the ball joint on a 4th Gen. Replacement of the lower control arm should be OE Toyota and definitely not Moog.

[@patrick_kyker]

You're not supposed to put the grease zerk in till you're done so you can Orient it correctly.

[@joychung3639]

Toyota part last you 19 years. will this moog part last you that long?

[@Iowa599]

The stud oh the sway bar link didn't need held with pliers...you proved that when using a hammer to pound it out...which you did the wrong way, possibly damaging the threads. Do you have any professional training?

[@phlydude]

And this video is the reason why you just replace the control arms and not mess with the ball joints. When you value your time as a commodity, the cost for the control arms is made up in installation time.

[@Wazoo117]

Pro-tip: if you can move the ball joint by hand, it's no good

[@ramheyhey]

Same issue with the Chevy suburban 2005 model.

[@Aldarris]

Lexus GS moog ball joints are junk. Genuine or sankei 555 instead.

[@bobbyr8071]

I hope he doesn’t use that kind of power with his wife 😂😂😂

[@joracer1]

Most time I break something loose like that I get hurt. A knuckle, back of hand, palm or something...

[@electro1622]

Why didn't you remove the upper control arm and simply press the ball joint out ????. would have been a whole lot easier and probably quicker.

[@ChevyCitation]

Here's Why You NEVER MESS WITH YOUR Factory Upper Ball Joints!!

[@GTFour]

And never says why not 🤦‍♂️

[@janpur1417]

JUST REBOOT OEM CV AXLES. THEY LAST EASY 400K MILES. A/M CV'S CAUSE ISSUES SUCH AS VIBRATION, PLAY AT SPLINES AT THE DIFF (BRINK CLUNK AR REVERSE TO DRIVE SHIFT), OIL LEAKS AT THE DIFF. AVOID 555 OR MOOG BALL JOINTS. USE OEM ONLY. UPPER DON'T FAIL IT'S THE LOWER THAT HOLDS THE WEIGHT,

[@nitrofreakmanho]

Good video! Thanks for making it!

[@davidbell4986]

OEM vs Aftermarket. Most people drive a 20÷ YO car because of money. I see comments of "inferior" ball joints. While I agree you can buy junk aftermarket parts, I wonder, does Toyota manufacturer the OEM joints? Not knowing for sure, I doubt it. I'm guessing they spec it to someone. For the stripped knuckle, I wonder what the cost of new vs used is considering time and money? I'm not an auto mechanic but I only used one a very few times in my life. I DIY everything because a good mechanic is rare to find. I don't want to be driving and the engine oil drain plug fall out because some monkey didn't install it correctly.

[@RonRussell-sj1zf]

If you think the upper BJ was fun, wait until you try the lower!

[@trubrewman]

Too bad Auto Parts clerks aren't knowledgeable enough or care enough to get people the right tool they need the first time rather than making you struggle and come back again.

[@jesusramos-my2qr]

Haha dude rely on your self your a grown ass man lol

[@1RoadGarage]

The employees that helped me were very knowledgeable and nice.

[@Cobra3901]

Is that a ball joint?? Looks like a sway bar link to me. Glad you aren’t working on my vehicle.

[@Iowa599]

😂 the stripped threads had to be caused by someone, because threads don't strip themselves!

[@christophermiller3886]

Moog used to be good. Now they suck. Toyota ball joint’s aren’t that expensive. Don’t waste time with aftermarket, you’ll be replacing them in a year or two.

[@moneymoney12]

I avoid MOOG with a passion. You never know what you are going to get and it is usually a$$.

[@wayneg296]

👍👍😎✌️🤟👏👏👏👏👏

[@stevesas4744]

You should have only replaced old boot on original ball joint.

[@huntingiowa9426]

Sounds like you refered to yourself as a toyota guy haha

[@BorjaDe]

Shouldve just replaced those upper control arms

[@mryang3644]

A arm upgrade woulda been better.. the design of the factory upper arm looks weak

[@jonp6347]

That upper ball joint could last another hundred thousand miles

[@That-Guy-79]

Drink everytime he says boot!

[@gertscheper9653]

Moog ,never again.

[@heymanoutdoors7752]

Your suspension will fail using Moog crap on the Toyota. Never use aftermarket suspension parts on Toyotas. Go join any Toyota forum and read the horror stories.

[@Iowa599]

You had no (valid) reason to cut the ball joint stud off.

[@Mr.Serious72]

Man get the proper tool before you try to make a repair video. Stick to original Toyota Parts , the lastet 200000 mls and still Look right. That aftermarket stuff will let you down in less than half the time if you regrease it once a month. A real improvement.😂

[@waynes.2983]

You are a mechanic and you dont even own a balljoint press kit? Lol. 😮

[@paulsi1234]

He says he is an automotive enthusiast, not a professional!

[@tduffin2010]

Why did you not simply use the factory Toyota Ball Joint SST? Also, Moog chinese made ball joints aren't as good as factory parts.

[@franklowe2180]

Moog has horrible quality LBJ for 99-2007 toyota suvs

[@DSMattitude]

Moog is absolute TRASH! They have not been worth a crap in years.

[@HypocriticYT]

Moog is made in China for much of their production 😢

[@fisherbrown903]

THATS Y ,ONLY DIY BUY OLD CAR

[@mryang3644]

Toyota has cheap knuckles. They bend easily if u smacked , jump a curb, or run into a log.... The reasoning behind the Brace kit.... I round out the hard way

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

Grease nipples forever, please

[@kevinrusso6849]

And all done in a nice white shirt

[@kevinrusso6849]

And all done in a nice white shirt