OEM 2001 Toyota Prius Ball Joint

2001 Toyota Prius Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: The ball joint servicing requires you to begin by removing the steering knuckle with axle hub before continuing to take off the lower ball joint by removing its cotter pin and nut. The servicer should utilize Special Service Tool: 09628-62011 to disconnect the lower ball joint. The inspection of lower ball joint rotation requires flipping the ball joint stud five times before installing the nut. A torque wrench allows you to maintain a 2 to 4 second duration for each turn of the nut while taking the 5th reading, where the range of torque measures should be between 1.0 to 4.9 Nm (10 to 50 kgf-cm, 8.7 to 43 inch lbs.). Installation requires placing the lower ball joint first before nut tightening to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) while adding a new cotter pin as well. Additional tightening of the nut up to 60 degrees should occur in cases of misaligned cotter pin holes. After mounting the steering knuckle with the axle hub it is necessary to verify the ABS speed sensor signal along with performing the front wheel alignment check.