Front Suspension SOS

Try taking the shock out. That is limiting what you can get done

 

Dang I wish you were local to me I’d get you fixed up

 

I am betting there is someone local that can help you out. Where in KY are you? Maybe try reposting this and put your area in the title. I know many of us would be there after work to help you out if only to chat about trucks and perhaps have a frosty beverage.

 

Not sure if they’re close to you, but @Jayprestonky and @Tundra2 live in Kentucky. They may be able to help, or may know other locals who can. Good luck!

 

I have very limited experience working on axles and suspension. Mostly just watching others work on jeeps while I grabbed the wrenches. I would be learning right along with you. If you need an extra set of hands, and perhaps a different set of eyes though I would be willing to help. I will be in Erlanger most of the day, but back in Georgetown this evening.

 

I had this weird exact problem when I did the shocks on my 2019 Tacoma, on both sides. I know it's not the same truck so the design is different. This is what I did. I hope it helps.

Disconnect the sway bar end links on both sides, use a bottle jack to support the LCA (lift it up too), then put one hand on top of the spindle and another hand on the rotor (9 o'clock position). I was able to 'guide' the lower assembly back to place to meet with the balljoint. I hold the assembly with one hand (top of the spindle) and use the other to push down on the UCA to guide the bolt into the hole. This part was really hard because of the tension.

When was adjusting the lower assembly, I could feel it 'pop' back into place. After that, it was a lot easier to figure out the rest. Just like you, I thought I had screwed up. Was panicking for like an hour.

Try this and let us know how it goes.

 

@Jayprestonky and @Tundra2 Thanks for the offers to help my Commonwealth neighbors. I'm afraid if you made the trip I would waste your time because I am at a loss right now. Would really be leaning on whomever were to help for solutions.

@ptat Thanks for the suggestion. If the mechanic doesn't show up today, I'll try to recommendation of loosening the sway bar end link on the drivers side to see if I get and movement.

It felt like middle school all over again as my wife dropped me off at work this morning (lunch in hand) on her way to taking the kids to school. I really appreciate the support from everyone. It's been cool to see fellow Tundra enthusiast rally behind me during this frustrating time.

 

Your CV is pulled out. Can see it because the boot has crimped in. The inner CV joint has 3 bearings that slide into 3 grooves. If it gets pulled out you need to rotate the hub/CV and get it to spin and the bearings will fall back into their grooves and slide in.

Nothing you did is wrong, that's the same way I install lifts. You want to put a jack under the lower A arm and jack up a little bit and then spin the CV and push inwards on the spindle and the CV joint will realign and slide in. The inner CV joint has nothing keeping it from pulling out like the outer joint does, so this is a common issue but also easy to fix. You might have to put considerable force against the spindle as you spin the CV since the rubber boot might be trying to grab stuff.

 

This picture illustrates the tripod setup. You can see the grooves that the balls slide into. If it pulls out and gets misaligned a little it will jam up like you're experiencing.

 

Thanks @snivilous. This makes sense! Going to give it a try!

Cautiously optimistic...

{insert slow clap}

 

Did you get it fixed?

 

Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to attack it. I’m in finance by day, and if you’ve been watching the news over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy with work.

May be the weekend before I get to dive back in. I’ll keep everyone posted with updates.

 

Hey, just wanted to check-in and see how this issue was going? Hoping you were able to get this resolved

 

Thanks fo checking in guys. I’m just now getting around to attacking this thing. Unfortunately, I’m not having any luck. I think @snivilous is spot on with his assessment but I’m struggling to get the bearing to line up? Searching the web for a video now.

You can see I’m the pic the boot is crimped.

 

Please forgive my rudimentary drawing.

Hand 1- holding still
Hand 2- rotating axel
Shoulder- pushing

Floor jack is under the LCA. Axel just spins and bearings don’t seem to fall in place? Any suggestions.

 

Shoot! If that has happened, you probably need to take the front wheel assembly apart in order to push it back into place..

I replaced a CV axle not too long ago on my Tacoma before I sold it... wasn’t too bad technical wise, but I really struggled to get the axle out of the differential the first time, and then aligned and back into the diff.... has to be the perfect angle and those grooves have to align perfectly...

plenty of YouTube videos on it, everything is a normal tool aside from the fact that I had to buy a specific socket for that big nut under the wheel cap.

Sorry man, this really seems unfortunate. Might just be AAA time and towed somewhere to get fixed. Or you really just need a member here or someone that is confident doing something like this.. not too hard, just tedious

 

Not the answer I was hoping for but you may be right regarding the tow. I’m tired of pushing against an immovable wall. Regardless, I appreciate your time and consideration throughout his ordeal.

 

I know it’s either towed, or make it a learning experience and continue to tear down. I don’t think you can get the sucker in easily.. I would suggest watching videos on replacing a cv axle.. think that you will have to take it down/apart to the level in order to push the piece back into place.

 

I have done this once to my cv fortunately I got it back into place but not 2 weeks later it went bad. Had a machanic buddy of mine replace it. Smh

 

I still think you should create a thread calling for help from anyone in Kentucky that might be close to you. I am betting you will get free help

 

Not exactly helpful, just adding a point of info. Our CVs use a ball and cage design with 6 balls, not the tripod design. The tripod design is found on smaller/weaker CVs used in the Tacomas/4runners/etc. If you pulled it out you should be able to feel the balls in the boot and you will not get it back together unless you disassemble the joint.

If you did not over extend the CV then you should be able to push the spindle in towards the vehicle. If the issue is simply getting the UCA down to the spindle, that is due to the rubber bushings in the UCAs. You can loosen the UCA bolt or use my favorite method: a bottle jack to push the UCA down into the knuckle.

If you would like, I can video chat and walk you through this the next time you work on it. PM me if you would like.

 

Thanks for your comments. I’m not a mechanic, but from forum members’ descriptions and my observations, I think I over extended the CV.

 

I know, I’m one of those that originally made that observation. Just trying to help. A tow from home in this condition isn’t desirable IMO. I’d gladly help if only I was closer.

I would try to find a local forum member or even hop over to the IH8MUD forum. Lots of great guys and the 200 series has the same front end as the tundras.

The CV can likely be fixed, but will probably require a reboot. Messy job. May consider buying a new CV to get you on the road the quickest.

 

I’ve had a couple of guys graciously reach out via PM, but self-admittedly lack the experience or knowledge to fix the issue. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time on my blunder.
Hopefully the shop I was going to take it to can also fix the CV and not bend me over the barrel.

 

I appreciate you taking the time to comment and offer suggestions. I’ll poke around the other forum you mentioned.

 

The regional forums over there will give you the best option for finding local help. Good luck and reach out if you think I can help in any way.

 

Thanks man.

 

^^^+2 What he said.

 

Just an update for everyone, I waived the white flag and was able to get a mechanic out to the house.

The axle was pulled all the way out. He removed it and it going to put a new boot on. Truck is still on stands, but I’m a step closer to getting her back on the road.