How To Replace Balljoints and Tie Rod Ends: IFS Toyota Trucks and 4Runners

In this video I'll show you how to replace the upper and lower ball joints, as well as the inner and outer tie rods on any IFS Toyota Truck or 4Runner from 1995 or older. The process is pretty simple and requires only a couple special tools. The pullers are available for loan from Advance Auto Parts and possibly other stores as well. I highly suggest borrowing a set. The job is much easier with these tools.

[@carsonbrown1498]

I love all your toyota videos, I hope they don't ever get taken down. You've saved me so much time

[@th3duke1]

I really appreciate this video - especially since I just replaced an upper balljoint on my 1994 pickup, and didn't take off the shock - until the very end when I was tired of fighting with it - having seen this video first it would it would have made my life a LOT easier. Thank you for the excellent tutorial - very much appreciated.

[@MDC2020]

WOW..such easy ball joints. This right here makes it worth owning a old 4 runner lol.

[@pingman2]

Your videos are some of the best I've ever seen, Your so clear and precise. I am more than sure you save a lot of people a Ton of money. Thank you for taking the time to help people, you helped me. The Toyota Dealership already raped me for enough money. Now following your video, me and my son did the work in an afternoon. I can't thank you enough.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Steering wheel shake can be caused by a few things. Tire balance, worn steering/suspension parts, improper alignment, and even warped brake rotors. Check all these to determine the cause.

[@johndevo879]

Just saved me 800 bucks Thanks.

[@nickwerner6993]

Awesome video, i just replaced both sets of upper and lower ball joints on my 88 pickup. I didnt take off the caliper, or steering knuckle part, i just used a wrench on the castle nuts.

[@marklohmeier3458]

Thank you for the zero bs information. and the torque specs!! so rare

[@TheAlexManVideos]

In my experience on a stock truck, the uppers wear faster than the lowers. Check each component for play, damage, or torn boots and replace as needed. It's best to do things in pairs left and right. Don't skimp on these parts, they hold the wheels on.

[@oldowl4290]

How many miles do you think the OEM yota ball-joints last? I have a 92 4x4 with 170k miles and have noticed I get some steering vibration at highway speed and also recently noticed a clunking sound when pulling of a cement curb. Im guessing at least one is shot.

[@shitbrickihatepeople3721]

thank god someone who knows how to do stuff to toyota 4runners love this just change mine

[@TheAlexManVideos]

The steering system on these trucks allows for a bit of movement under normal conditions. To check for play, you need to check there there is no movement between the the ball and socket of each joint.

[@whiteboy6905]

You make it look so easy

[@TheAlexManVideos]

All I did was unbolt the caliper and hard line from the steering knuckly. No need to bleed the brakes after you bolt it up. Just make sure you depress the brake pedal a couple times after it's all together to bring the pads back up against the rotor.

[@letbraski]

Thank you for uploading this informative video.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

The pulsing brake is probably rotors. The shimmy could be the same thing but it could also be loose suspension parts or unbalanced tires. I do not have a video showing how to replace the rotors but I would like to make one when I replace mine.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

If the tripod joint came apart it will only go back together one way. Techincally you can twist it and get it back in incorrectly, but the boot will be twisted severly and I doubt you would overlook that. Does it grind all the time? When turning? Forward and reverse? With hubs locked or unlocked? Check for obvious things rubbing from improper assembly.

[@TheJkick2121]

thank's so much for making this vid ,didnt look to hard to do .. nice toyota's you have i like the 4runner i want one now ...

[@rodrigoalanis3553]

Great vid! Thanks a lot for sharing. Will help a lot on my project to replace those same parts in out car.

[@damienhall3012]

Well Done .. and YES - Genuine TOYOTA parts are FAR better quality then anything aftermarket. INCLUDING internal engine parts .... Toyota can be EXTREMELY Expensive .. but always the BEST quality ...

[@Raevenswood]

indeed. this is exactly why I had my OEM22re head rebuilt instead of getting a cheap Chinese casting with shit valve retainers which make setting factory valve lash nearly impossible at the stuff is brand new, such shit! Basically within reason I tried to get everything possible machined back to tolerances over buying some Chinese crap and my engine loves me for it. :D

[@TheAlexManVideos]

They upper ball joints had play in them and the boots for the tie rods were torn. The lower ones were fine but I wanted to make an all-inclusive video.

[@xturnitaroundx]

Excellent video.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I got them from PartsGeek, Google them. Advance Auto also carries the same parts for a slightly higher price, but if you ever have an issue, they are right down the street and you don't have to mess with shipping or sending e-mails. I don't recommend Moog balljoints. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for a video explaining why you should buy OEM Toyota parts.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Unfortunately for you, my control arm bushings are in good shape and not in need of replacement. If I ever do need to make this repair, I will surely post a video. In the meantime, I suggest you buy a service manual, read the instructions that come with the new bushings, and inquire on online message boards such as YotaTech. This will help you to understand what to do before you start the job.

[@victorlewis8970]

Thank you for this video!. Thank you for your time!.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@masnor2]

nice video alex man............thanks a lot.........i hope u can make a video how to replace front upper and lower arm bushing on 4runner.........please man.......

[@TheAlexManVideos]

My control arm bushings are fine and shouldn't need replacement anytime soon. Hopefully I'll be SASing the truck before it ever needs control arm bushings.

[@ryanbigcheese]

Great video! I am going to be diving into this project myself tomorrow, I was curious to as why you also decided to replace your tie rod ends? Is it something that you wanted to get around to while you had everything apart? Just want to see if I should do mine while I am down there. Cheers!

[@TheEZGZ]

Thanks, just what I was looking for

[@gregwilcox55]

Great video! What grease do you use to fill the ball joints? Also, any advice on getting stubborn nuts off the lower ball joint (the ones that attach it to the knuckle)? The ones on my 4runner are supertight and there's not enough room to get a breaker bar in there (for the ones nearest the splash shield). I'm worried about stripping them.

[@TishThames]

Hey AlexMan, Thanks for the video. Even a chick can understand...=) Now I know what my mechanic will be doing and I wont feel so vulnerable =)

[@okbye1]

Tish Thames nice post, hope the mech dosnt mess things up.

[@Samson-EC]

Have you ever repaired a slit in a BJ boot? Hate to replace a good ball joint for that reason..thks..jc

[@charliepermenter2729]

Is it pretty easy to replace the hubs and bearings? I'm having trouble finding any videos

[@elchicodebarrio92]

Gracias Great video.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I wanted peace of mind knowing the front end was all new. The original parts didn't have play but the boots were showing age. I have a more recent video that shows how the Moog parts have held up. They are pretty poor quality. I would suggest you buy OEM.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It's possible to do it without pullers, but every situation is different. I fought with one on the left side of the vehicle for about 10 minutes before I said, "Screw it, I'm getting the puller." The pullers just make it easier. And since they don't cost anything, I can't see a reason not to use them.

[@wdsr5]

I got a 1995 4x4 4runner..when Im driving straight the steering wheel shakes back and forth. but when I take turns it stops..can the be worn Tie rod ends?? .. BTW. nice 4runner! I also have a 1989 lifted 4runner

[@bitsinmyblood]

Great video, thank you!

[@WSSMOPO]

Thank you for using metric sizes. It is a Japanese truck, which means metric. Use the right socket for the job people.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

You're correct. I should know better.

[@Quadraderm2000]

Can You Make A Video On Replacing The Control Arm Bushing Both Upper And Lower Please. I Have An 88 Hilux 22RE 4x4

[@vegaf2011]

What was that grease gun tool you used to put more live in ? And what type of lubricant did you use ? Please @7:57 time stamp

[@kyle3427]

great video man. I have a 95 t100 sr5. Appears to be the same suspension/front end setup. I have a violent shimmy in my steering wheel and pulsating brake pedal when braking. Very pronounced at higher speeds. Warped rotors? And do you have a video on replacing them....IE removing the hub assembly

[@alextreuel73]

Just got a 91 yota ifs. Is this a something a beginner should do or should I just take her in?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I can't judge your abilities. Watch this video and decide for yourself if it's within your capabilities.

[@marshhrichh]

great vid. making me dread doing this less. Do you need an alignment when just replacing ball joints and do you absolutely recommend changing out both top and bottom ball joints on both wheels?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

If only one balljoint is bad replace the bad one. Usually when one goes, the others will soon so you can save a bit of time by doing it while it's apart, but it's not necessary. Balljoints do not require an alignment, tie rods do.

[@bitsinmyblood]

+marsh rich I would suggest replacing all of the ball joints with high end replacements if you've got everything torn apart that far... you might as well do it. In my experience (and many many mechanics say this) it's best to replace everything you can. Unless you're selling the vehicle, it's not money wasted. Right now I'm rebuilding my 89 pickup deluxe. The main purpose of my current wrench session was to replace the brakes and CV axles. I did notice the driver's side upper ball joint boot was torn, and the lower was looking really haggard. Without even looking at the passenger's side upper and lower ball joints, I bought all new Moog upper and lower. Moog has a lifetime warranty. The point is that you really should replace everything you can, because unless you're getting rid of the vehicle that money is a great investment in yourself. That's the perspective that's been taught to me by mechanics and friends who've learned from mechanics. They've all got tricks and advice and things that XP has taught them. Such as leave grease on everything when you take it off, and only clean it right before you install it. That way, it doesn't rust.

[@bitsinmyblood]

+TheAlexManVideos I think digging in and disassembling your front end again in 6 of 12 months to replace the others is a creating a lot of necessary work for yourself. You should replace them all at once.

[@personious_k]

thanks!

[@aaronschmalz3547]

Just replaced my upper and lower ball joints on my 89 yota truck. I couldn't get the CV axle back in properly (well thought I did) but after a short test drive I heard grinding... Any suggestions on how to properly put it back correctly?

[@wdsr5]

I recently changed the break pads..and noticed that when I move the spindle side to side some of the tie rods move up and down ..could that be the problem?

[@RobertMOdell]

Is this for a 4Runner with power steering ? Also, can you give tips how to know when you have inserted enough grease ?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Yes, this truck has power steering. I do not believe that makes any difference, however. I would add grease until the old grease stops coming out of the boot and only new grease is coming out then stop. Squeeze the boot gently to get some new grease out so that the boot isn't stretched like a balloon.

[@Piccobow]

Thnx gotta have my honda element - those front ball joints replaced

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Well, I don't know how this video would help with your car, the process is pretty different and this video is very specialized to my car.

[@Lanakila.308]

Thx awesome video👍🏽

[@codyhuffman3829]

thanks for the video it help alot

[@petter13337]

Hey man! Where did you get your ball joints from? I cant seem to find the lower one with the grease nipple..

[@joejodee3394]

Alex Man Why did you do this job did you have play in the steering wheel?

[@okbye1]

at 300k i think I should replace the ball joints on my 4r, banging knock when stopping hard at times and potholes......is it true the uppers wear less than the bottoms and so can one just replace the bottom ones?

[@sniper50cal2]

do you have any videos, can get a video, or send me any videos of replacing the cv axles? I have an 86 toyota pickup with IFS and I need a video on how to do it. Every dime counts these days so I would like to save money by doing it by myself and learn something along the way. :)

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I don't have any videos of doing this repair. I sometimes make videos of repairs that I don't need, but usually only smaller jobs that don't take too much time. Unfortunately, replacing CV's is a bit more labor intensive. Go to yotatech dot com. They have plenty of info to help you out.

[@GartheKnightReturns]

Great video! I am going to be doing this myself soon on my 87' runner soon after I picked up all the parts. Question: did you completely disconnect the brakes or just moved them out of the way and suspended them so not to damage the brake lines? Since I'll be doing this myself I was wanting to avoid drafting help with bleeding the brakes. Thanks!

[@matthewboissonneau9449]

Do you know what size pullers you used?

[@billbob9304]

Alexman, would you happen to know the thread pitch for the zerks on new Toyota OEM ball joints?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

M6x1.0

[@billbob9304]

Thank you!

[@experiencedwitness2575]

Dude! Your a boss, ps can we please be friends?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

What are you talking about? We've been best friends for years!

[@coletilton5251]

Where do you find the ball joints for these trucks?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Toyota dealership or ToyotaPartsDeal dot com is what I'd recommend.

[@brandondoty9887]

"Bust that nut" lol

[@JammyCrackcorn]

Where did you buy your Front End Parts?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Search Google for ToyotaPartsDeal. OEM parts are the only way to go for this stuff. Cheap stuff last months. The real deal last decades. Your original parts lasted 30 years, why would you consider anything else?

[@tb6651]

And don’t forget to get the alignment after this.

[@MrBusterBub]

with the money you saved by doing it yourself I hope you invested in a pry bar. stop banging up your screwdrivers.

[@laovang1181]

Hey alexman, do you know why the lower ball joints on my dads Toyota Tundra keeps breaking or squeaking? Its ocurin on both front left and right. We just fixed it recently and my dad brung it for the shop do an alignment on it.. maybe they did something to the car ?

[@wolverine5949]

Did you put aftermarket rims on it?

[@ThehowtoChannal1]

what will happen if the ball joints let go?

[@robbalinski1606]

Yikes! the last thing you want to do its grease a tapered fit thing like a ball joint or tie rod, good way to destroy a spindle if the taper doesnt hold.

[@radfourrunner8840]

Really appreciate you sharing this Video, Alexman! Need to do my ball-joints & idler arm soon. - rad4runner@Yotatech.

[@chacehart7286]

Bruh-you cant see where you put the extractor for the lower one :/

[@chacehart7286]

Nvm, I think I get it.

[@highridinf250]

Dang it looks like your year is easier to work on

[@azulmarinoify]

Safety is first, block the rear wheels !!

[@abrahammartin8447]

Fuck I love toyotas nothing like the gmt400 and the ballpoint presses bullshit

[@littleowen212]

dude look on my channel i replace tie rod ends and i did not need any pullers?? -

[@webkikif]

Did u say gotta love toyotas, everything comes off. 🙁

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Short answer is your wheels will fall off.

[@montoyareness3]

Reserva India la uerta

[@StockVideoFootage]

50ft-lbs, not 50ft/lbs

[@joshfoley1621]

thanks awesome video!!!