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Toyota 2H and 12H-T digital engine factory workshop and repair manual

Tools & supplies
- Floor jack, sturdy jack stands (rated) and wheel chocks
- Wheel wrench / breaker bar, impact gun (optional)
- Metric socket set, wrenches, extension bars
- Torque wrench (appropriate range)
- Ball joint press kit (C-frame style with multiple adapters) OR correct-size ball-joint removal/installation tool
- Ball joint separator / pickle fork and large hammer (optional)
- Punch/drift and brass/steel hammer
- PB Blaster or similar penetrating oil
- Pliers (for cotter pins), wire cutters
- Bench vise (helpful for pressed-in joints)
- Grease gun (if replacement ball joint is greaseable)
- Shop rags, drain pan, gloves, eye protection
- New ball joint(s) — OEM or equivalent for your vehicle (specify bolt-on or press-in type), new castle nut and cotter pin if used, new dust boot if not integral, grease
- Anti-seize or thread locker (per manufacturer)
- Service manual or OEM torque specifications for your exact vehicle

Safety precautions (must do)
1. Work on a level surface, set parking brake and chock rear wheels.
2. Loosen lug nuts slightly before lifting. Use jack stands — never rely on the jack to support the vehicle.
3. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep bystanders well away.
4. Support suspension components when disconnecting so springs/loads don’t suddenly drop.
5. Use the correct sized tools and stay clear of pinch points when pressing or striking parts.

Overview of procedure
- This covers both bolt-on and pressed-in ball joints. Confirm whether your vehicle’s ball joints are bolted or pressed (service manual). Many Toyota trucks have press-fit ball joints in the steering knuckle; others use bolt-in replacement types.

Step-by-step: preparation
1. Park on level ground, chock rear wheels and set parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts slightly.
3. Raise vehicle with a floor jack at the correct lift point. Place on jack stands. Remove wheel.
4. Remove any splash shields or components obstructing access to the ball joint.

Brake/hub/knuckle prep
5. Remove brake caliper and hang it with wire (do not let it hang by the brake hose). Remove rotor if necessary to access the ball joint.
6. If applicable, remove hub/axle nut and separate hub from knuckle according to manual. Support the hub/knuckle assembly so wheel bearing or CV axle isn’t damaged.
7. If the ball joint is part of a control arm assembly, support the control arm with an extra jack or jack stand so the spring load is controlled.

Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle
8. Remove cotter pin and castle nut (if present) from ball joint stud.
9. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the stud from the knuckle. If using a pickle fork, be aware it can damage rubber components — use the appropriate puller or separator if possible.
10. If the ball joint stud is heavily corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak.

If ball joint is bolt-on (removable by bolts)
11. Remove the retaining bolts/nuts that secure the ball joint to the control arm/knuckle. Remove the old ball joint. Clean the mounting surface.
12. Install the new ball joint with supplied bolts, using thread locker or anti-seize as recommended. Torque to OEM specs. Install new castle nut and torque the stud nut to spec; insert new cotter pin.

If ball joint is press-in (common)
12a. Position the ball joint press C-frame over the knuckle/control arm so the forcing screw presses the ball joint out of the knuckle. Select adapters that support the knuckle and press on the ball joint housing (not the stud).
12b. Assembly: place a receiving cup behind the knuckle/housing to accept the pressed-out joint. Assemble the press with the forcing screw bearing on the ball joint housing adapter and the receiving cup behind it.
12c. Tighten the press screw with a wrench or impact adapter slowly and evenly. The joint will press free into the receiving cup. Keep hands clear and ensure adapters are correctly seated. Use penetrating oil if necessary and protect threads.
12d. Clean the bore thoroughly. If the replacement is a serviceable greaseable unit, check boot fit and orientations.
12e. To install the new ball joint, position the new joint into the bore. Use the press with the appropriate installation adapters so the press forces on the ball joint housing flange (never force on the stud). Press the new joint straight in until it seats fully and the stop ring (if supplied) engages.

How to use the ball joint press — detailed
- Choose the press adapters that match the outside diameter of the ball joint housing and the receiving cup that accepts the old joint.
- Place the large C-frame around the control arm/knuckle with the receiving cup behind the joint and the driver cup on the stud side (driver cup pushing against the stud end is acceptable only for pushing the housing — follow the press tool instructions).
- Turn the forcing screw gradually with the appropriate wrench. Keep the press square; if it binds, stop and re-seat adapters. For stubborn joints, apply penetrating oil and small heat to the knuckle (careful with boots and sensors).
- For installation, use the driver cup that contacts the outer flange of the new ball joint to ensure even pressing into the bore; never press on the ball stud.

Reassembly
13. Reinstall the knuckle/hub assembly and bearings if removed. Torque hub nut and wheel bearings to specification.
14. Reconnect control arm to knuckle and torque bolts to OEM specs.
15. Install new castle nut on ball joint stud, torque to spec, align the castellations and insert new cotter pin; bend over ends securely.
16. If greaseable, pack the ball joint with the correct grease via grease fitting until boot is seated (do not over-pressurize).
17. Reinstall brake rotor, caliper, and any shields. Refit wheel.
18. Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts to wheel torque spec.

Final checks & follow-up
- Torque: always use factory torque values for castle nuts, control arm bolts, hub nut, and lug nuts. If you don’t have the manual, do not guess — find the OEM spec.
- Wheel alignment: always have a professional front-end alignment after replacing front suspension ball joints.
- Road test carefully: listen for noises and recheck fastener torque after 100–200 miles.
- Re-grease serviceable joints per interval; non-serviceable joints are sealed and should not be punctured.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Using incorrect press adapters or pressing on the stud: can ruin the new joint. Always press on the joint housing flange with correct adapters.
- Not supporting suspension: let-down without support can cause component damage or personal injury.
- Reusing cotter pins, nuts, or damaged dust boots: replace cotter pins and any worn hardware.
- Overheating or applying torch near rubber boots and electronic sensors: use heat sparingly and only where safe.
- Failing to replace both sides when one is very worn; mismatched components alter handling.
- Not performing alignment: causes uneven tire wear and poor handling.
- Skipping grease on serviceable joints: leads to premature failure.

Replacement parts typically required
- New ball joint(s) (correct model for pressed-in or bolt-on type)
- New castle/nut and cotter pin (if applicable)
- Grease (lithium or recommended type) and grease fitting if not supplied
- Dust boot if the new joint does not include one
- Any bolts/nuts showing thread damage (replace)

Notes
- Vehicle-specific service manual required for exact procedures and torque values. If your Toyota chassis or suspension layout differs (solid axle vs independent, left vs right differences), follow the manual for that variant.
- If you encounter seized parts beyond reasonable removal, heat, penetrating oil, or cutting may be necessary — know local regulations on disposing damaged components and understand the safety implications.

Done.
rteeqp73

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