Just an unsolicited beginner tip for replacing FWD Toyota ball joints.
Toyota's service procedure calls for removing the knuckle and swapping the ball joint on the work bench. Although this may be necessary in some situations (e.g. rust), I have found this to be unnecessary out here.
The castle nut can be loosened using an open-ended 19mm wrench. The castle nut is tightened fairly tight, so I use a wrench extender for additional leverage.
This job can be completed in under an hour. Just be careful about not moving the CV axle too much when you remove the ball joint studs from the control arm.
Toyota's service procedure calls for removing the knuckle and swapping the ball joint on the work bench. Although this may be necessary in some situations (e.g. rust), I have found this to be unnecessary out here.
The castle nut can be loosened using an open-ended 19mm wrench. The castle nut is tightened fairly tight, so I use a wrench extender for additional leverage.
This job can be completed in under an hour. Just be careful about not moving the CV axle too much when you remove the ball joint studs from the control arm.
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