Front Lower Ball Joint: Inspection

INSPECT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT
1. Inspect the turning torque of the ball joint.
  1. Secure the front lower ball joint in a vise using aluminum plates.
  2. Install the nut to the front lower ball joint stud.
  3. Using a torque wrench, turn the nut continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.
    
    Fig 1: Inspecting Lower Ball Joint Assembly Front LH
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Torque: Turning Torque (for 2AZ-FE)
    
    1.0 to 3.4 N*m (10 to 35 kgf*cm, 9 to 30 in.*lbf)
    
    Torque: Turning Torque (for 2ZR-FE)
    
    1.0 to 4.9 N*m (10 to 50 kgf*cm, 9 to 43 in.*lbf)
    
    If the turning torque is not within the specified range, replace the front lower ball joint with a new one.
2. Inspect the dust cover.
  1. Check that the dust cover is not cracked and that there is no grease on it.