New lower ball joints, now this...

This is the unit bearing I was talking about. A completely painless swap. These bearings, on the other hand, are a PITA.

 

Alright, I'm going to take the spindles in and have someone else do the pressing. I may get roasted here, but I'm going to ask anyways. Any reason I shouldn't reuse the hub? I'm thinking of going with OE Toyota bearings, new seals and reuse everything else.

Go ahead. Roast away.

 

I reused my hubs. I got new bearings, dust covers, the weird nut they need for 2wd (might not need for 4wd) and I think there was a seal.

 

Yes get new weird nuts

it might be coincidence or not but my dad didn’t do that and his replacement bearings went bad a few thousand miles later

 

I got the hub/bearing kit off RA, but I don't drive mine much. It comes with new axle nuts for 4wd, and all the dust seals. I also have over 300k so I figured it wouldn't hurt to change the hub, but I don't think it's necessarily a wear item.

 

What's RA?

 

Just called a local shop and they quoted me $45 per upper ball joint and $75 per bearing and hub. If I'm going to have the spindle out, I might as well do the upper ball joint also.

 

Rock Auto

 

Looks like you have a game plan..

 

Thanks. Just ordered my stuff from A1 Auto. I've found quite a few of their youtube "how to" videos quite helpful, so I feel good about sending some money their way.

 

Ive done the same thing... Good company

 

Called a local-ish 4x4 shop and he quoted me $80 a side. Owner is a pretty good friend of a dude I work with. I'll be driving a bit further to have the job done. It'll save a little cash, but I know it will be done right. I didn't name drop the dude I work with. Maybe I will when I get to the shop to drop off the spindles. Could end up in a little more savings. If not, it's still a win.

 

The upper ball joints really aren't bad if you have the right tool, but for that price, it's not a bad deal.

 

What's the right tool?

 

Ball joint removal tool
This the one i bought. Worked like a champ.

Orion Motor Tech Master Ball Joint Press Kit & U-Joint Puller Service Tool Set 21PCS - Upper and Lower Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit for Ball Joint Service with C-Press

$90 Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Press Kit, 21-Piece Master Ball Joint Removal Tool with C-Frame, Heavy-Duty Brake Anchor Pin U Joint Ball Joint Press Tool for 2WD and 4WD Cars

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDYKPL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_yXaBFbNQXFMDG

 

A ball joint press. When I replaced my Ford van ball joints I was able to get rent/borrow it from my local Auto Zone. You leave a deposit and upon returning the tool you get your deposit back.

 

Rent a ball joint press and get the right adapter. The biggest problem is having very little room to work with the fender in your way, no room to turn a long wrench. With the spindle off and in a vise it should be easy.

Then again for a little cash, have it done and spend that time drinking a beer instead of chasing tools.

 

I typically reused the hub unless damaged by a failed bearing (or someone’s botched removal of the inner race.)

 

I tried that one last year. In the past someone linked a tool made specifically for Toyota ball joints that was supposed to work well.

That is exactly the issue I had. The tool was too big for the job(that's what she said?). Someone said they were able to disconnect the brakes and swing the spindle out of the wheel well. But you're right about it being much easier with the spindle completely out of the truck.

 

This is what I used. Made it so much easier I disconnected the ABS line to move it out far enough to get the ball joint press in

 

That was me. Maybe. I used the kit @N84434 showed to pop the UBJ and spindle apart since a sledge wouldn't break it. You have to swing the caliper to the other side, the hold the clamp upside down with a split cup straddling the spindle, and one of the plates on top. Then you hit the draw stud with your impact. Boom, spindle pops loose.