Three problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota 4 runner. While driving 3 mph the contact heard a loud noise on the front passenger side of the vehicle. After examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel was pointing in the opposite direction of the other front wheel. The contact also noticed that the lower ball joint had separated from the vehicle and the cv joint boot had separated from the axle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the upper and lower ball joints and cv joints were replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 223000.
- the contact stated that while driving the 1998 Toyota 4 runner with 80000 failure mileage at 15 mph the right front wheel came off. The vehicle needed to be towed. The mechanic stated that the upper and lower ball joints were sheared. The vehicle had been repaired. The current mileage was 106,870.
1998 Toyota 4runner left front passenger side ball joint failed causing the front passenger side wheel to become disengaged, breaking the tie rods and the front half axle. ** answer required***. The manufacturer was contacted but they refused to provide any assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty.