OEM 2002 Toyota Tundra Ball Joint

2002 Toyota Tundra Ball Joint Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the lower ball joint on 2002 Toyota Tundra?

  A: The first step in servicing and fixing the lower ball joint requires removal of the front wheel. The technician should tighten the 4 lower ball joint set bolts but should not fully remove them from the system. Special Service Tool 09610-20012 helps with tie rod end removal by separating it from the lower ball joint. Before started disconnect this process requires separate removal of the cotter pin and nut. The first step for lower ball joint removal involves removing the cotter pin and nut but disconnecting the lower ball joint from the lower suspension arm by using Special Service Tool: 09628-62011. Use your tools to take out the 4 lower ball joint set bolts then remove the lower ball joint with its dust cover protector when lifting the upper suspension arm and steering knuckle while maintaining proper support for both components. Check the lower ball joint boot for damages while verifying its rotational function through 5 times stud motion before applying the nut. A torque wrench should be used to twist the nut with circular movements at a rate of 1 turn in 2 to 4 seconds and record the torque on the 5th turn aiming for 0.1 to 2.5 Nm strength (1 to 25 kgf-cm, 1 to 22 inch lbs. torque). Lift the upper suspension arm and steering knuckle so you can put in the lower ball joint together with its dust cover protector. Install the four bolts temporarily for the lower ball joint. Fasten the lower ball joint to the lower suspension arm by torquing the set nut to 140 Nm (1,450 kgf-cm, 103 ft-lbf) and installing a new cotter pin to the holes unless they are misaligned, which allows additional nut tightening up to 60 degrees. Use the nut and a new cotter pin to join the tie rod end with the lower ball joint. Apply 91 Nm (930 kgf-cm, 67 ft-lbf) torque before additional tightening the nut up to 60 degrees. The 4 lower ball joint set bolts need to be tightened to 50 Nm (510 kgf-cm, 37 ft-lbf) and the front wheel requires installation with a torque of 110 Nm (1,150 kgf-cm, 83 ft-lbf). Alignment of the front wheels needs verification to complete the procedure.