replacement part, suspension upgrades

Front lower ball joint replacement 2005-2010 Scion tC

Posted on by gen1scion
Beck Arnley 101-5320 Made in Japan
This article describes the installation process of the front ball joints for a 2005-2010 Scion TC. I replaced my original ball joints after 220k miles. There’s really not much to it, but I’ll take about a few installation tips and tricks on mine.

Any of these brands will do

Main Symptom of bad ball joints

A worn ball joint will often clunk or pop when:

  • Going over bumps
  • Turning the steering wheel
  • Braking or accelerating
OEM front lower ball joints need replacement
OEM front lower ball joints need replacement


TC1 Scion lower front ball joint worn out
TC1 Scion lower front ball joint worn out
new Beck Arnely lower control arm ball joints made in Japan 1st gen scion tc
new Beck Arnely lower control arm ball joints made in Japan 1st gen scion tc
 
I opted for BECK ARNLEY ball joints p/n 101-5320. They are made in Japan, about $35 per. If you’re interested in OEM, the current Toyota part number is 43330-09670, about $55 per.
Beck Arnley 101-5320 lower ball joint 2005-2010 Scion tC Made in Japan
Beck Arnley 101-5320 lower ball joint 2005-2010 Scion tC Made in Japan
Beck Arnley 101-5320 Made in Japan
Beck Arnley 101-5320 Made in Japan

Installation

1. Get the front of your car on jack stands, chock the rear wheels
2. Take both front wheels off
3. Loosen the three 17mm bolts at the bottom of the ball joint assembly
4. Remove the cotter pin, and remove the top 17mm castle nut. Do not reuse this, the new part should come with a new castle nut and cotter pin.
5. Use a pry bar (if needed) to pry the control arm down and swing the knuckle away from the control arm so you can remove the joint.
Old OEM ball joints vs new beck arnley lower ball joints
Old OEM ball joints vs new beck arnley lower ball joints

6. Reinstall in reverse order. See torque specs below, making sure to lineup the hole w/ a castle nut opening to insert the cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin after final install.
Beck Arnley front lower ball joints installed
Beck Arnley front lower ball joints installed

Torque specs

  • Lower control arm mounting bolts. Torque to 66 ft. lbs. (89 Nm).
  • Top bolt (with castle nut). I’ve read anywhere from 70-100 ft. lbs, not to exceed 125 ft lbs when trying to align the hole with the castle nut opening.

Future plans

Hard Race HR-Q0317, ANT10 ball jointsEdit Image
 
Hard Race HR-Q0317, ANT10 ball joints
 
I plan on ordering and installing the HardRace USA HR-Q0317 ball joints (ANT10 compatible). you can get them for $66 for a pair. They are branded by HR and are OEM quality. I emailed HardRace to find out exactly what was different construction and I only response was:
“The construction is stronger than OEM and has the same fitment as OEM.”

Hard Race roll center 20mm correction plates

I am trying to address really bad bump steer, wheel hop, and roll center angle due to lowering the car (center of gravity). More on this soon.
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gen1scion

I share maintainence and upgrade info for the 2005-2010 Scion tC platform. I also showcase tool reviews, restore projects and custom modifications to inspire other DIY enthusiasts.