Hi everyone,
The front left lower ball joint failed on my '99 SWB Prado in the middle of nowhere this weekend after about 4 hours of pounding on rocky trails. I was really lucky insofar that I felt the steering getting heavy so I stopped and turned the wheels a few times while parked. The power steering was stiff, shuddering as the wheels turned before going "bang" and the from left of the car dropping off. Getting under the car I could see the front left ball joint had failed and lower wishbone had fallen to the ground.
The car is getting on (170'000km) but the engine has plenty of life in it yet, so I want to completely replace all wearing parts in the suspensions to ensure this never happens again. I am thinking of changing:
-Ball joints, bushings, shocks, springs (see post on Terrain Tamer vs OEM)
My questions is what am I missing? Should I replace anything else? stabilizer bar and bushings? front wishbones? rear suspension trailing arms? steering elements?
The garage has already told me that I need to replace the front "rack ends" (I guess to do with the steering - part no: E04C71) and recommended that I change the power steering belt and pump adjuster bracket.
Many thanks for your suggestions,
Roberto
The front left lower ball joint failed on my '99 SWB Prado in the middle of nowhere this weekend after about 4 hours of pounding on rocky trails. I was really lucky insofar that I felt the steering getting heavy so I stopped and turned the wheels a few times while parked. The power steering was stiff, shuddering as the wheels turned before going "bang" and the from left of the car dropping off. Getting under the car I could see the front left ball joint had failed and lower wishbone had fallen to the ground.
The car is getting on (170'000km) but the engine has plenty of life in it yet, so I want to completely replace all wearing parts in the suspensions to ensure this never happens again. I am thinking of changing:
-Ball joints, bushings, shocks, springs (see post on Terrain Tamer vs OEM)
My questions is what am I missing? Should I replace anything else? stabilizer bar and bushings? front wishbones? rear suspension trailing arms? steering elements?
The garage has already told me that I need to replace the front "rack ends" (I guess to do with the steering - part no: E04C71) and recommended that I change the power steering belt and pump adjuster bracket.
Many thanks for your suggestions,
Roberto
Comment