Four problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driver's side lower ball joint separated, axle dislodged and wheel pushed into wheel well. . Read more...
This description is a supplement to odi # 10423371 where ball joint failure occurred twice on the same vehicle. I investigated and found the lower ball joint on the passenger side that failed is part # 43330-39585. The repaired part is #43330-39415, both manufactured by ty (Toyota?) which suggests there was a problem with the original. When asked, Toyota did not inform us of the part change and assured us the driver's side lower ball joint is sound. The part 43330-39585 (lower ball joint) is in the 4runners dated '91 up to 2004. There are recalls of this part number only in the 2001-2004 timeline. Toyota recommends inspection every 15,000 miles. Toyota dealership provided me with a multi-point inspection 3500 miles prior (4 months ago) and provided me with a positive (green) check in all areas of interest including suspension and cv joint. There were no warning signs to the failure as the Toyota dealership helps demonstrate. Our family had just gotten off a highway drive and loosing a wheel at those speeds would have been a disaster. Any other events as this please file a complaint. This should be unacceptable to happen twice on the same vehicle. Please investigate this thoroughly and provide me with answers.
At 317,800 miles the front end was rebuilt. Within a week the right front ball joint separated from its mounting resulting in a low speed single vehicle accident. I suspect counterfeit bolts, but unfortunately saved no parts. This was a falcon k90262 right lower ball joint. At 322,055 miles a second low speed accident occurred, the falcon k90263 left lower ball joint failed catastrophically pulling the ball from the socket. Upon inspection the sealed joint appears not to have been lubricated at the factory and shows very visible signs of wear. Repairs were made using another brand of parts. I have the part in a bag, where it was placed uncleaned, after repairs, should you wish to inspect it. Had either of these accidents occurred at highway speeds the outcome would have been very different. Thank you for your attention.
We are the original owner of a 97 Toyota 4runner 4wd that appeared to have a lower ball joint failure. I have notified Toyota and was issued a case number- incident: 061011-000352. Our vehicle has less than 133,000 miles on it and is not subject to any off road conditions. Vehicle was being driven on back streets at less than 30 mph when the right front wheel dislodged and tucked up under the wheel well. Only the steering linkage was attached. These joints are a non serviceable part and there are no warnings of possible failure or preventative measures. I can't imagine under any normal circumstances that this could be or should be acceptable. This indicates to me that this design is either faulty by design or an improper installation from the factory. After eventually receiving the damaged parts, I examined the lower ball joint closely and it was clearly evident that the lubrication in the joint became hard and clumpy. I could hardly move the joint in any range of motion. I would firmly believe this could cause undue stress on the upper ball joint, consequently causing upper joint separation. Under further investigating I have found recall campaigns on lower ball joints on certain years and models. However this ball joint assembly spans from 4runners, tundras, tacomas, and sequoias, from '95 to '04. At concord Toyota (were my vehicle was repaired (CA)), I became suspicious with a few incidences I experienced of a coverup of the lower ball joint problems which I would be happy to detail if requested. I am aware of Toyotaã‚??s q. C. Problems likely because of their quest to take the top spot in manufacturing and their shared parts in different models. Toyotas response to our specific problem was that our warranty period has expired and it is our responsibility. Mine is that this is above and beyond warranty. It is about safety and is a potentially huge liability for them. I share an other concern about the old drivers side ball joint now.