Status of ball joints

Does the dark spot here indicate ball joint leaking grease? How concerned should I be? '04 DC 4X4 w/ 170,000. Original LBJs replaced in recall around 20,000 miles with OEM Toyota parts

 

You're overdue. They should be replaced every 100k.

Just buy new ones. $200 for peace of mind.

 

Yep, leaky BJ; time for new ones. Replace in pairs.

 

I’d change them …. I’m currently in the process of changing mine. A little advice , give them a good spraying of PB Blaster. I broke a bolt inside the steering knuckle and now $600 poorer lol to have it fixed. Had to order a new knuckle bearings seals and have it all pressed in. Good luck !

 

They destroy a lot of stuff when they fail. A lot of stuff. You can check the play in them with a pry bar. If there is any, just swap them and while you're at it, change out your sway bar bushings. Sway bar bushings are pretty cheap. Thankfully you don't have too much rust!

 

Thank you. Think i'll get 'em done.