Lower ball joint replacement

I just took my 2013 in for it's 100,000 KM (about 62,000 miles) service. The tech says there is play in the right front lower ball joint and is recommending that both sides be replaced. Apparently this requires replacing both lower control arms and the quote for parts and labor is almost $2500 CAD (over $1800 USD). Does this sound correct? Are there any questions I should be asking them? I'm not mechanically inclined so this is outside my area of expertise.

 

Not an expert but just offhand it doesn't sound right.

I believe the lower ball joints can be pressed out & replaced without a great deal of hassle. I don't see a reason the LCAs would need to be replaced unless they are both damaged, i.e. bent or cracked.

 

I believe the lower control arms are ~$400 each for OEM direct from Toyota. https://autoparts.toyota.com/search...r=2015&model_year_code=2015:7594&updated=true

 

It's typically easier to replace the whole arm unless you have a press. And even then, I might just replace the arm because it can be a PITA (in fact, I've done just that previously).

 

Follow up question. Is it safe to drive on the highway before I have the LCAs replaced? I have a 900 mile road trip planned for the beginning of June and wouldn't be able to get the truck into the shop until after that.

 

Having done this job both ways. It's easier to replace the whole arm. IMO less labor.

Also, the arm comes with bushings (2 per side). If your ball joints are worn, more than likely the bushings are ready for replacement as well.

Definitely recommend the complete arm. OEM only. Will give you some handling, ride quality and added safety when done.

 

BC isnt immune to rust, so we usually change the arms because the lower eccentrics are seized and the cost to replace the ball joint and bushings with aftermarket parts is way too much in contrast to changing the lower arms all together.

Typically you'll need eccentrics as well. Most dealers carry them and can be returned if not needed.

 

depends on rust lol. but for me i change out the ball joint vs the arm. in so cal its about an hour a side for me. using a good balljoint press on the truck.

 

100,000 KM is early to be replacing the lower ball joints, assuming typical driving. My 2010 has the original LCAs (and ball joints) and has 240,000 KM. Not sure how long you have had the truck, but it would be more typical to see the front wheel bearings need replacing before the ball joints. I'd check the ball joints yourself or get a second opinon before replace the LCA/ball joint.

 

So are tacoma lower ball joints more difficult than others? Its certainly not always been easy to replace ball joints, but Ive always been able to with a simple loaner press from autozone.

 

I've owned it since new. I would estimate 15-20% of that mileage has been off road, mostly forest service roads. I'll Google how to check the ball joints or try and get a friend to help me. Thanks.

 

At 2500 that better include all new cam alignment hardware and an alignment...plus a free coffee and maybe a ball cap

Cutting the cam bolts off, installing new LCAs and an alignment could maybe get up to 2500cad....seems high tho

 

Here is the quote. It's an additional $175 for the alignment which they have to farm out to a third party.

 

They are charging you double for the A-Arms.

Check out this Ontario Toyota dealer parts department, $466 cad per A-Arm.

https://parts.brantfordtoyota.ca/oem-parts/toyota-lower-control-arm-4806804040

I say shop around and source your own oem parts, you'll save a metric ton of cash.

 

Your price seems accurate, when I priced out arms from the dealer it was around 1200$ for only arms.

No matter what you decide, only go OEM or 555 Senkei (which I would bet money on being the exact same ball joint as factory)

I blew both my lower ball joints at just shy of 100'000kms and I know exactly how and where... It was at the T of highways in Nova Scotia when I drove there in February of 2023. I was sight gazing and freight trained over a huge frost heave in the highway going 115KPH. After that my rad started leaking, truck drove loose and I broke one of my road master helpers in the back.

Long story short, I first tried Mevotech TTX ball joints which lasted me less than 3 months as when I changed my oil I saw the both boots were fully separated and the balls were fully covered in road grime. I went to a different dealer (luckily) ready to drop my pants for a pair of control arms and ended up just walking out 160$ lighter and with a pair of 555 Senkei ball joints which were identical go the factory joints. Lady in parts told me they stock them for ball joint replacements outside of warranty and it's the only joint the boys in the back would install in lieu of OEM Toyota arms.

My factory joints failed around 94'000kms but occasionally the truck sees a shit kicking off pavement. I'm now at 176'000kms and the 555 joints are as good as new.

That Toyota dealer told me Napa also stocks 555 Senkei ball joints but if you can't get that brand then i'd still say OEM arms are the way to go or you could end up paying to do the job twice.


I waited many months to change my ball joints because other financial priorities came first at the time but ball joints are a critical component in the safety, handling and wheel retention of your vehicle along with riding on it for a while will ruin your tires. I'd get it done sooner rather than later.

 

If you can afford to wait for parts then https://www.toyotaonlinepartsdepot.com/ Is another good Canadian source for OEM parts out of Cochrane Alberta. In my experience, cheaper than Toyota Parts Direct in Ontario too.

You could buy the parts online and bring them to a front end shop to have them installed and aligned in one go.

 

Like everyone else has said they are charging you almost double what the factory LCAs should cost from any other dealer. If you have a set of large, 17-25mm, metric sockets and wrenches and a long socket wrench or breaker bar it is quite doable at home. If you don't have the tools or aren't inclined to do it yourself then buy the parts online and find a local independent mechanic to do it.

 

Some (nice) dealer service departments will install parts you source yourself as long as they are genuine oem Toyota parts

 

Right, it's probably more common on the west coast (little or no rust) and another way in the rust belt & Canada.

 

** anyone not in Ontario or the Maritimes has a good shot at not having rusted out arms... the eccentrics don't count as a part of that statement.