Toyota 43330-19056 Front Upper Suspension Ball Joint Assembly

This procedure applies to 1979 through 1986 models only. Obtain the necessary grease, etc. You will also need a grease gun and if your vehicle has plugs in the grease fitting holes, fittings will have to be purchased and installed. Look under the vehicle and locate the ball joint grease fittings or screw plugs (Remove the balljoint screw plug and install a grease fitting (some models have grease fittings installed at the factory)). Remove the plugs with a wrench and thread in the grease fittings. A dealer or auto parts store will be able to supply the correct fittings. Straight, as well as angled, fittings are available. For easier access under the vehicle, raise it with a jack and place jackstands under the frame. Make sure it is securely supported by the stands. If the wheels are to be removed at this interval for rotation or brake inspection, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground. Before beginning, force a little grease out of the nozzle to remove any dirt from the end of the gun. Wipe the nozzle clean with a rag. With the grease gun and plenty of clean rags, crawl under the vehicle and begin lubricating the fittings. Wipe the balljoint grease fitting nipple clean and push the nozzle firmly over it. Squeeze the trigger on the grease gun to force grease into the component. The balljoints should be lubricated until the rubber seal is firm to the touch. Do not pump too much grease into the fittings as it could rupture the seal. If grease escapes around the grease gun nozzle, the nipple is clogged or the nozzle is not completely seated on the fitting. Resecure the gun nozzle to the fitting and try again. If necessary, replace the fitting with a new one.

The lower control arm balljoints on models from 1979 to 1986 and the upper control arm balljoints on models from 1987 and later cannot be replaced individually; if worn, the entire control arm must be replaced, although the lower control arm balljoints on 1987 and later models are replaceable. To check for wear, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then visually inspect the rubber boot for any cuts, tears, or leaking grease, which would necessitate replacement. Use a large prybar to push the balljoint up and check for excessive vertical or lateral movement; any movement indicates a worn balljoint. An assistant can shake the tire while you check for looseness at the balljoint stud nut, which may suggest a worn stud or a widened hole in the steering knuckle boss, requiring replacement of both the steering knuckle and balljoint if the latter issue is present. For replacing the lower balljoint on 1987 and later models, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the circlip from the balljoint stud and loosen the castle nut, then separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle using a balljoint separator and remove the nut. Take out the three bolts retaining the balljoint to the lower control arm and slide the balljoint out. To install the new balljoint, position it on the lower arm and install the bolts without tightening them yet. Insert the balljoint stud into the steering knuckle, install the nut, and tighten it to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the balljoint-to-lower arm bolts to the specified torque, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.