Front Lower Ball Joint: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY LH
1. As shown in Fig 1, move the ball joint stud back and forth 5 times before installing the nut.
2. 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 fifth turn.
  Standard turning torque: 0.98 to 3.43 N*m (10 to 35 kgf*cm, 9 to 30 in.*lbf) or less
3. Check for any cracks and grease leaks on the ball joint dust cover.
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Front Lower Ball Joint Assembly LH
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002