OEM 2007 Toyota Prius Ball Joint

2007 Toyota Prius Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the front lower ball joint on 2007 Toyota Prius?

  A: The inspection process of front lower ball joint assembly on the LH side begins by using a jack to lift the front of the vehicle followed by vertical looseness checks on the lower ball joint front that entail moving the front suspension lower No. 1 arm. This step requires a wooden block wrapped in cloth for protection. Begin the front assembly work by removing the front wheel then unfastening the front axle hub nut LH before disconnecting the front speed sensor LH and front disc brake caliper assembly LH and removing the front disc. The complete disconnection becomes possible by first removing the bolt and two nuts from the No. 2 tie rod end sub-assembly and front suspension lower No. 1 arm sub-assembly LH to lower the arm from its position on the front lower ball joint. Begin by removing the front axle assembly LH along with the front No. 1 wheel bearing dust deflector LH and the front lower ball joint assembly LH by untightening the clip and castle nuts while using Special Service Tool: 09611-36020 to remove the lower ball joint front and ensuring no damage occurs to the steering knuckle before securely hanging the tool to the spacer. The service technician must inspect the front lower ball joint assembly LH by performing ball joint stud rotations at least five times before adding the nut which must be tightened using a torque wrench until it reaches a 0.98 to 4.90 Nm (10 to 50 kgf-cm, 8.7 to 43 inch lbs.) range while inspecting the dust boots for damages and leakage. Debris occurs. The procedure for installing the lower ball joint front LH to the steering knuckle includes fitting it with castle nuts while checking for oil on both thread and taper and torquing it to 71 Nm (724 kgf-cm, 52 ft. lbs.). Additional tightening up to 60 degrees may be needed if the cotter pin holes are not aligned and a new clip should be installed to the steering knuckle. Pursue assembly by positioning the front No. 1 wheel bearing dust deflector LH along with the front axle assembly LH after which attach the front suspension lower No. 1 arm sub-assembly LH through arm lowering then install the lower ball joint front using bolt and two nuts which require 89 Nm (908 kgf-cm, 66 ft. lbs.) torque. The proper sequence for installation includes connecting the No. 2 tie rod end sub-assembly followed by installing the front disc and connecting the front disc brake caliper assembly LH and the front speed sensor LH and front axle hub nut LH before finishing with installation of the front wheel while torquing to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.). Examine and set the front wheel alignment then verify the speed sensor function.