OEM 2001 Toyota Avalon Ball Joint

2001 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the ball joint on 2001 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Maintenance of the ball joint starts by removing the front axle hub before workers can detach the lower ball joint through removal of the dust deflector using a screwdriver then unfastening the nut and its cotter pin. The detachment of lower ball joint needs Special Service Tool: 09628-62011. The procedure for inspecting lower ball joint rotation requires 5 repeated back-and-forth moves of the ball joint stud before nut installation followed by continuous nut turning with a torque wrench at 2-4 seconds per turn to measure 1.0-3.4 Nm torque on the fifth turn (10-35 kgf-cm, 8.7-30 inch lbs.). Place the new lower ball joint and nut in position then torque it to 123 Nm and install the new cotter pin while advancing the nut tightening when the pin holes do not match. The installation of a new dust deflector using Special Service Tools: 09316-60011 (09316-00011, 09316-00041), 09608-32010 with a hammer should align the ABS speed sensor holes to the steering knuckle and dust deflector. Reinstall the front axle hub before checking the ABS speed sensor signal and front wheel alignment and conducting VSC steering angle sensor zero point calibration when VSC is present.