Checking Balljoint Play with a Dial Indicator
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- Опубликовано: 19 ноя 2024
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In this video, we show you how to set up a dial indicator to accurately measure balljoint play. This video was done using a 3rd Gen 4runner but the methodology would work for any make and model vehicle provided you can get the dial indicator set up properly and the force properly applied to the joint.
3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas are known for lower balljoint failures due to the front suspension design. It was an inherently bad design by the Toyota Engineers. Most people just use a certain mileage interval, like every 100k miles, to replace their lower balljoints as preventative maintenance, but balljoint wear is directly related to how you use your vehicle. Those that off road their rigs are going to put way more strain on their balljoints compared to the people who drive strictly on paved roads and thus will wear out their balljoints quicker.
So, instead of guessing when it's time to replace your balljoints, this method using a dial indicator will accurately let you know if you've exceeded the maximum allowable play.
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It's satisfying to see someone caring enough to actually execute one of these detailed procedures outlined in the factory service manual that 99% of people just skip over. Even more satisfying is that it's explained out to us the viewer. I enjoy giving comparable treatment to my '94 pickup Xtracab 4x4 (22RE, 5 speed).
Thanks for the nice comment. We appreciate it!
@@TimmyTheToolman
Whats up timmy appreciate you not sure if you still have the same email ..sent you a message i know you a busy guy..
got a ? Bout my 1gen Tacoma any info Wolud be much appreciated thanks...
@@cray7139 I didn't see your email. My address is:mtbtim@sbcglobal.net
@@TimmyTheToolman
I just resent it it might have gone to your spam the 1st time thanks ..
Ok, before I get into the video I have to say.... That stache is E.P.I.C.! Are you a firefighter? Because that's a quintessential firefighter stache.
Ok, finished the video. Great stuff! Thanks for another awesome video.😎
Yes, I'm a firefighter Bob. Good guess. Glad you like the video and thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@TimmyTheToolman me too. Ladder monkey or hose jockey (the ones who actually put the fire out)? I've done about equal time on both trucks, but I'm an engine guy now, so I like to mess with the crayon eaters who share our firehouse 😂😆😂😆. Stay low, brother, from NC.
Good Mechanicing !! Tim, and this gauge can be used on bigger trucks, where it's really expensive and work intensive to replace Ball Joints. I was going down the Highway in my 2000 Tundra, my passenger side Ball Joint decided to detonate, the the truck lost the wheel assembly and the truck frame crashed down into the pavement and an exciting wild ride ensued, because the brakes don't work and you can't steer since the steering gear is on the pavement grinding along on momentum. Sparks were flying. No one was coming the other way, and nobody was hurt, fortunately, but the Truck was damaged. I know Parts just keep going up and up, and not a lot of people experience what I did,( and I keep very good maintenance regime on my vehicles) but on this one part, that can cause a major mishap, at a high speed, instantaneously, no warning, I would suggest that if folks see any movement on the dial, that discernable, Excellent, that's what gauges are supposed to do, Change the Ball Joint out! Good Confirmation! These specific Ball Joints can deteriorate inside, that you can't see, Much faster than usual. However, my many Toyot a vehicles over the years, have all been excellent Vehicles, and I love the ones I have and drive now too, and will continue to drive Toyota. I love Toyota. Just replace Ball Joints on a Mileage regime, problem solved. Happy Motoring.
Yeah, the problem is you can see discernible play in these joints with very little miles on them. I think this is why Toyota allows for some movement in the joint and to still consider it safe. My buddy Rich, who showed me how to do this had play in his joints only after a short amount of miles, like 10k. So yes, if your balljoints have excessive play, definitely replace them. If they are within the acceptable range, you're good to keep running them.
@@TimmyTheToolman I really respect your knowledge and obvious good hands on the tools, But, and its just me, Parts have different "Runs", some good some bad, and different Makers like MOOG, and higher end Partsmaker, have higher and better standards specs, and tolerences, on high end parts, than the Auto Companies. If a Simple Ball is wearing down with only 10,000 on it, then from experience with Ball Joints we all know that's Super Duper bad performance, I would call that derelict, especially for Toyota! My whole Tundra rusted right out from underneath me, Toyota after all this World wide trouble, should get their act together and start making higher quality Steel in their Ball Joints, Toyota has some manufacturing problems and this has been a doosy!! I love Toyota, But when it comes to safety,I call 'em the way I see them!!!! I'm moving to the Best Moog to see if I get better longevity, if I do I'll let you know next year, it'll be interesting and hopefully better! Keep Up the Great Video's !!! J
@@user-hd1qx2bd1r No argument there. Toyota could do better on many fronts.
I think part of the equation here is that a ball joint has to have some amount of play in it unless it’s seized (which is a problem all its own). To be able to articulate, at least a non-zero amount of clearance must be there. You can’t feel it with your hands holding a new balljoint fresh out of the box.
@@cbh148 Oh true cbh, good point. But we've all had ball joints that last and last, (200,000m) even "clanky" and you hear them but they don't fly apart abruptly. I see ball joints coming smaller and smaller diameter, and that puts pressure Way Up, and if steel quality isn't there....kaboom! Brash Break. Just my observation, I could be wrong. Used to be price dictated quality and you knew what you were getting. Now the ONLY standard a consumer has is to see what Country it was made in. The Merchant world is unscrupulous.
Such a crucial check up on these rigs! Speaking from first hand experience as my ball joint has failed in the past.
Yep, it's nice to know the health of your balljoints. I plan on inspecting them after every wheeling trip.
Thank you! I’m in a suspension class, and this is super helpful.
I have a 2nd gen Xterra. But, this “how-to” is great. 🤙🏽
You're very welcome!
Great creative way how to measure accurately of the lower ball joints. You just saved me a bunch of time on how to set up the dial indicator on my 4Runner.
Thank you, Timmy
Thanks Bruce and you're welcome.
I was just asking about this Info and no one had any insight. Thank you so much! You rock!
You're very welcome Alec.
Man, I saw your video about the fuel filter. Didn't know you were in San Jose, I'm in Dc! I should drop you a case of beer for all the help you provide.
Thanks man
Come to our next summer party. We do a video invite. If you're subscribed and get notificstions you'll hear about it.
@@TimmyTheToolman thay would be awesome. Take care
Good information! Haven't seen a video of this yet which is surprising considering how critical these joints are. Thanks Tim! 👍👍
I was shocked as well that nobody has done a video like this. My buddy Rich actually showed me how to do it on our last Death Valley trip.
Xmas came early 2022 thanks for this video!
You're welcome.
You should make a video on Oil Cooler O rings/ seal replacement. Something else to add to your library.
I actually did this job with a friend but wasn't in the mood to film it. Oh well.
Excellent info and demonstration. Thanks again Timmy!
Thanks. We're glad you like it!
One tool closer to doing a ring and pinion re-gear video ;). Nice video Tim
I don't know if I'll ever try to set up gears. The thought has crossed my mind many times but from what I've heard it's a hard thing to get right doing it for the first time. It's sort of an art to get the gears meshing like they should.
@@TimmyTheToolman never say never Tim. You said that about welding hehe and I see you have a welder ;). If a newbie like me can do a regear, surely the legend can do it. My diffs haven't exploded yet :)
@@PhoRunner No shit, you did your own rerear. Did you film it?
Nice job. Helpful video Timmy 👍
Thanks Arin. Glad you found it helpful.
Awesome stuff as always.
Thanks! We're glad you like it.
Timmy I'd love to see you doing a video on how to check the upper ball joints.
do you like the 90 series Prado?
I'd love to see you working on one of those as well... Great Vids as always, I wish all mechanics were as methodical and patient as you are
Thanks Hugo. We might do one for an upper balljoint one day. Since we're in the U.S. we don't have access to 90 Series Prados. If we were in Australia, then we would have no problem finding one to work on.
@@TimmyTheToolman I see, I'm In Nicaragua, we've got lots of 3rd gen 4runner and 90 series running around, as they are so reliable for the conditions of the country
I know Aussies love the 90 series
@@NoLimitsFunGarage Drive up from Nicaragua and we'll shoot a video together.
As usual great video!!! I wonder what is the brand new ball joint play ;) for comparison ;)
Thanks, glad you like the video. That would be a nice comparison to make. Maybe someone will do it and comment with the result.
Great info! I see a dial indicator in my future. I also love your off roading / overlanding vids. Timmy - any suggestions on how to get linked up with a group to go overlanding with? I'm not connected to the off roading community at all currently but would love to get my gen 2 Tacoma dirty! I'm in the L.A area.
Dude, there's lot of groups you can join as long as you're not opposed to Facebook. There's several pages you can join. 3G$R SoCal is a good one. People in that group get together and do trips all the time. facebook.com/groups/500933123445463 Just do a search and you'll find other groups you can join to meet new people to wheel with.
Timmy, great video as usual! I'm curious if there is any detectable play on a brand new OEM ball joint vs a more worn ball joint.
Also, at approximately 0.33 mm, was there any discernable play when you were using your crowbar? I do the same every oil change with a long breaker bar, but I feel like it might be difficult to notice 0.5 mm of play.
Your comments are appreciated and thanks for the video.
When I did this video, I couldn't see the play with my eyes. On other occasions I could see some play but it's deceiving. Once you hook up the dial indicator, the play you thought was excessive, really wasn't. That's why I made this video so people can accurately measure the play. If there's a massive amount of movement, Ok, you know the joint is toast. But, a tiny bit of movement you think is excessive might not actually be until you measure it.
I've never tried to measure brand new joints so I don't know if they have play straight from the factory.
@@TimmyTheToolman appreciate the response. Thanks again
@@vicoll135 You're welcome.
Hi, great info video. I'd like to know are these the original LBJ on your 99? If not, at what mileage did you replace them?
No, they aren't original. They have around 40k miles on them.
5mm is almost 200 thousandths, basically two rotations of the small rotation counter.
How did you get those spacers to work with the manual hubs?
I just bolted them on. They are 1.25" spacers.
This video I liked it a lot ,keep up the great work. WOW very interesting 1st class very kool great info.,, AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ again great
Thanks John. We're glad you like it and thanks the nice compliment.
Nice!
Thanks Andy!
THAT STACHE!!
Yep, sporting the 70's Porn Stache!
Yo Timmmmayyyy
Yo back at ya.
@@TimmyTheToolman Hey Timmy, where can I find out more about your DV trip?
@@Nessal83 Our invite list is already way too long. If I invite any more people, there will probably be a mutiny.
@@TimmyTheToolman all good brother!
What about Tundras?
What about them? Any vehicle can have a balljoint failure. If you're asking if Tundras are known for failures, like the 3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas, I'm not sure because I don't really travel in the Tundra social circle that much.
you are probably getting a bit of control arm twisting with your method.
Is there another method you'd like to share that you think would be better?
@@TimmyTheToolman it’s in your work shop manual..
@@tmddunk1510 Yeah, I know what you're talking about.