offroadj
139616
3037
55
Was driving home from work and wasn’t able to merge on the freeway like I usually do to get to the winding backroad I take and was forced to take a side road (Normally I take the freeway and get off at the next exit because it’s quicker than said side road)
I was cruising at a crisp 45 mph on an flat straight road when all of a sudden my passenger side dropped and started dragging on the ground and somehow, amidst a sea of sparks and hardly any steering control or brakes I managed to safely pull to the side of the road
God I hate changing CV Axles
Had I been on the freeway or the sharp turn laden back road I normally take I’d probably be seriously injured or dead. Thankful that I get to start off the new year with no injuries because vehicle parts can be replaced. We can’t. Most Viral Edit: Just woke up to find myself in most viral! It’s my first time and I’m glad my “Oh Shit” moment sparked so much debate and interest. Thank you all for the feedback I appreciate it :) Also send front page goodies or helpful life advice my way
alx03153
He Always Is!?
jennymclean1
It’s called circumstance
onefukkedduck
You must have been hearing a strange noise for at least a month now.
M4Firefly
Ive seen it happen when a wheel falls off on freeway. You probably would have been fine but slid way further.
DogBrick
That'll buff out.
Doomster9
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runners had a recall for the lower front ball joints separating like this, see if you're still covered by checking NHTSA
MyronTheDormouse
You my friend are starting the new year on wheel's hat! It's a badly translated French idiom, "sur les chapeaux de roue", meaning very fast
evildeadtwo
eyyyyy happy NYE!
TheInternetIsASeriesOfTubes
Same thing happened to me 2 months ago. Mechanic said he replaces his every 25k miles to avoid this kind of thing.
4shizzlemynizzle
I think your car is broken
offroadj
stitchypoohs
Lower control arm broke which caused the gals shaft to come apart. Lucky you weren't on a freeway! Glad you are Ok!!
yoyo42
Looks more like someone tried to kill you...
ironwill2008
Two words: Preventive Maintenance
SnapeKilledDumbledore
Sorry it happened dude. Step one I’ve done every time I bought a 4runner was replace the lower ball joints no matter what. Glad you good
Primotimewaster
The same exact thing happened to me about 15 yrs ago. Was taking a side street instead of the highway. I'm glad you're safe! Happy New Year!
offroadj
Thank you very much, glad to hear I’m not the only one that had it happen
Vyrro
Check your ball joints and tie rods folks
offroadj
Yeah, I’m going to change the other side as well just a bummer the alignment shop didn’t catch it and I didn’t notice anything
43rdpresident
Luck can be a fortune at times. Happy to hear you all safe and shit. Can always replace a bung car.
allenrutt601337
Need to have ur car maintained
offroadj
I had an alignment done a few weeks ago and asked them to check my ball joints and everything and they said it was good, I also checked 1/2
offroadj
For any looseness or movement while it was on jack stands when I changed the oil. There was no noise or vibrations when driving either 2/2
bubbacable
What make of car was that?
offroadj
98 Toyota 4Runner
physicsisabitch
That’s NUTS! What part actually broke that caused the failure? Control arm?
offroadj
No, the ball part of both ball joints are on the control arms still
hmmgottathinkofausername
Ball joint came apart. Everything else is still In place but both ball joints came apart from the look.
obviouscoconut
See your problem is the wheel isn’t supposed to be sideways
offroadj
heyisti1
3rd gen LBJ, replace mine 6month ago. Only on 1996-2002
krugle
It's good you're safe, and this is a good reminder to do regular vehicle inspections.
offroadj
Literally checked it all last week and greased all the fittings
krugle
Weird, it's pretty rare for things to just let go all of a sudden. Mostly I was meaning that as a general statement to people.
offroadj
I work at an auto body shop and both myself and the tow truck driver had never seen one come off like that except when it’s hit something.
fpsnoob
Or when hardware was left loose during previous maintenance...
Skawomplious
For everybody jumping his shit, that's a lower ball joint fail on a Toyota 4Runner, and due to the suspension design they're known to (1)
Skawomplious
fail without warning. Those should be changed every couple of years, and only with OEM parts, but if OP didn't know he didn't know. (2)
offroadj
I didn’t know, and I just had it aligned after a tire rotation a couple weeks ago and they didn’t notice anything
Skawomplious
There's nothing to notice unless you take the whole thing apart. Because the BJs are in tension, you can't detect a worn joint.
Titty5prinkles
Who says I cant replace you
offroadj
I see how it is, trade me in for the newer model then
Ayehkay
Tell me where you work and I'll apply for your designation
offroadj
But I like my moneyyyy
Ayehkay
I like your money too
CheeseB0t
battlepants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feIFOpnCPSs
cousteau
I love people who can MacGyver their way around stuff like this.
SankariSuomi
Those little Hyundais are surprisingly hard to kill.
CheeseB0t
Yah, hoondies are great cars
dasoffendor
early 4-runners have a non-failsafe balljoint design. so when it fails, blammo...
dasoffendor
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/toyota-truck-4runner-tundra-balljoint-failures-244804/
offroadj
Thank you for posting this even though more people are just saying I’m neglectful.I didn’t even know it was as common as it is till this
dasoffendor
No problem hope it was useful info
BenGoodal
Yeah ifs has only really become strong in recent years, it’s why 4wders either run solid axle or get real good at changing them
offroadj
First time I’d ever seen one go like that.
BenGoodal
I’ve seen a few, but it’s a way more common vehicle in Nz. And I’m in a large club so we see them snap under load more often.
IReactToCommentsInMemesAndGifs
Never ignore weird noises!
NotTheCommentYouAreLookingFor
Especially the ones from OPs mom
vanelanjenkins
I had the same thing happen years ago. No noise. Just broke.
ZombodyLovesZombies
Happened to me 3 months ago, luckily I was pulling into a parking spot when it happened instead of the day before when I was highway driving
LuciusNeedful
Unless they're coming from an adjacent room mate or hotel room; then hope you have ear plugs or head phones.
gmcsorley365
notyourusualsaturdaynight
When a ball joint fails there is generally no precursor to it
gmcsorley365
Sometimes you can get a weird wobblr that comes and goes.
iamthepush
Absolutely incorrect. There will be slack (which you can hear) or metal on metal noise. Unless it was an impact failure (pothole ect)
L337TurboZ
Theres knocking sounds that can be heard when going over bumps. It also doesnt hurt to shake down the suspension every few months.
offroadj
There was no noise that’s the thing
cousteau
There was no noise… until there was. And sparks. But I guess at that point you were absolutely not ignoring it.
IReactToCommentsInMemesAndGifs
angelfixer
is this just about cars, or in general?
IReactToCommentsInMemesAndGifs
Lol, in general I guess.
LearnSomethingNew
Idk why this is so downvoted... not every problem makes noise.
Sergio1d
Idk. My wife was pretty quiet before we tied the knot.
DropBearAttack
Well the problem caused noises, so I guess that's something.
iamthepush
Metal on metal does.
FluffiestRhino
Am technician. I can vouch for that statement
iamthepush
If OP didn't hit anything (pothole ect) and ball joint was tight and quiet, you really think it could break out of thin air?
AllisDashChalmersWasAnInsideJob
I'm assuming a lower ball joint failed, which can spontaneously fail, but usually gives audible clues.
offroadj
I’m learning apparently this is a common thing on these older 4Runners and Tacoma’s
notyourusualsaturdaynight
Dude your ball joints failed. When was the last time they were replaced?
offroadj
It’s been a while but when I had it aligned a couple months ago after my last rotation and balance they said everything was good and 1/2
tehdrmonkey
3rd Gens are notorious for sudden ball joint failure.
offroadj
Last week I just did a quick check of steering and suspension and greased all fittings 2/2
iamthepush
Why are you checking the steering? Oh, because something didn't seem right....
bananatoday
The ball joins on the 4Runner and Tacoma of the late 90's early 2000's are notorious for going bad
notyourusualsaturdaynight
How old is your car? Late 90s model, Explorer maybe?
Agathon
Late 90s Toyota 4Runner is my guess.
BenGoodal
That’s a blazer isn’t it?
dustmywets
Time for some uniball upper control arms. Upgrayedd
pillsburydroboy
Ball joints amlre commonly misdiagnosed becouse of how you check them, some are load bearing some are not so you have to lift the car right
ArchangelArtist
How did you check it? You need an hydraulic test rig...
offroadj
Alignment shop after a tire rotation a couple weeks ago and I checked last week if there was any weird movement in the wheels when I had 1/2
offroadj
It on the lift during an oil change 2/2
bananerbread
You just need a pry bar and a floor jack to check ball joints. Nothing more.
Surbies
How many times did a mechanics warn you about this before it happened?
mercpop
Took a used car I just bought to the mechanic for an airbag light and he said i needed this replaced. Went to take off the tire 1/2
mercpop
2/2 To inspect it myself. Turns out it was missing a lug nut along with the rest loose. Slapped new nuts on it and the noise went away lol
WholesomeJoke
Just once, but it was in a dream.
saucE90
sometimes ball joints just let go, some will show no actual movement and be worn.
HD2composer
kinky metaphor (possibly)
AllisDashChalmersWasAnInsideJob
This. The axle shaft was just a victim of the cascading failure that started with an upper or lower ball joint failing, likely the lower.
iamthepush
No, there will always be noise except for an impact failure E.G. hit a pot hole or auto accident
URNSHOW
He just learned the lesson of the $1/$10/$100 rule ...
C0dester
3rd gen 4runner, those balljoints where recalled because of this. Not all where affected but this could have happened without any warning.
eastbayrae
The check engine light wasn’t on so why would he be concerned?
adjunctum
A sensor light doesn't check the CV.
offroadj
I just had it aligned a couple weeks ago after a tire rotation and balance and had them inspect the steering and suspension, I’m not 1/2
offroadj
An expert by any means when it comes to that but would have replaced any bad parts had they told me. 2/2
FiSTy1457
Maintenance neglect is usually the cause of this. People need to pay att to the service intervals in their owner's manual. RTFM!!!
bluetyrion
RTFM= read the freaking manual ?
That0neguy727
Yes
gts26tt
Ball joints are on service intervals?
SurfingWithTheAlien
It may not say "ball joints" specifically, but checking all wearing suspension parts periodically is absolutely vital for safety.
BenGoodal
They should be. Usually not a specific item to check, but noted as “when changing x, replace ball joints”
iamthepush
Inspect ball joints, not replace
adjunctum
Older vehicle... they didn't stake the tulips back then which allows the cage and bearings to come out during high angle. Glad you are okay!
Blackfinity
CV joint pulled apart after the lower ball joint let go. CVs aren't structural. This was a wear, impact (pothole) or neglect problem.
adjunctum
Working for GKN who is the leader in CVJ, no. However, like I said, over extension without staking the tulip cause this.
Blackfinity
CVJs don't hold the suspension together, they only transmit torque. Damage to the half-shaft is similar to a ripped brake hose -- a...
Blackfinity
...consequence of the upper and/or lower ball joint pulling out and the knuckle and wheel pulling away.
bananerbread
Are you trying to say the CV axle caused the knuckle to break off? CV axle is not a suspension component.
adjunctum
If you look at the pictures the IR, Cage, and Bearings came out of the Tulip. You are wrong. Done debating. The pics show this.
offroadj
None, I had just inspected the steering and suspension and greased all the fittings
tumoore
Have someone else do the inspection next time.
physicsisabitch
Is THAT what happens when you pump too much grease in the ball joint?! (Kidding)
BenGoodal
And by time it’s mixed with that water, yup.
hofbrauhauss
2/2 last week. .. fixed your comment for ya
eggyismyfriend
Need new tires ?
offroadj
I do now, I still had quite a bit of meat to the wear bars on them
eggyismyfriend
It’s stories like this I wish we can all throw u a $1 and get u a used car
FiSTy1457
Sounds like you need to find a new mechanic.
MrBoh
He said he checked it. Not had it checked. Plus he said I hate doing CV axles so I'm guessing he does the work too
Kvothe11
Thats the joke bud. Woosh.
jamadrien
Ford
PresidentOfMexico
1st gen Tacoma’s and 4 runners has a bad problem with lower ball joints. Get replaced ASAP if you drive one of these trucks
myhousesmellsliketuna
I drove a 2000 Tacoma and the control arm/ball joint was fucked on my passenger side. Fixed/replaced 3 times, bullshit
PresidentOfMexico
My baby is a 99 Tacoma lifted and it’s my DD i went and got the whole front end replaced last February along with the lift and shocks/spring
PresidentOfMexico
Did you replace it with an OEM part from the dealer? Or the cheaper Moog brands or 888s?
myhousesmellsliketuna
Dealer parts, idk why but it was just shitty
UrekMazino1
Ball Joint, the one thing you don't want to lose because then you lose your entire wheel assembly.. Also inspections can't really catch it 1
UrekMazino1
2) I had one go on me but I was just parking so I got lucky. What happens is the grease wears away/dry up and the ball joint begins to rust2
UrekMazino1
3) or wear down due to metal on metal, at that point it is no longer secured because they're usually press fit. It gets a jolt while driving
UrekMazino1
4) and next thing you know your driving over your own wheel. The problem with inspection is that it has a rubber cover, all they can really
JustBlarg
Not sure if you know, with a "short and long arm" suspension like this, you have to place a support under the lower control arm to unload
JustBlarg
The tension on the ball joints. With the suspension hanging, the ball joints are under tension and you can miss huge amounts of play.
offroadj
I did not know that. In my older truck I have you can definitely tell when a ball joint is going out lol
[deleted]
[deleted]
Dainslaif
State inspections mean little. They just check to make sure you don't have an engine light and that your lights/wipers work, not suspension.
Dainslaif
At least, that's how it was in Cali and Texas.
JustBlarg
Not in MA. Our inspections are supposed to be pretty stringent, and in 2017 they updated the whole system to put cameras in all
JustBlarg
The inspection stations and are holding the inspectors more accountable. Still see cars on the road that should have never passed.
gigem77
Hate changing CV axles but dont bother to worry when the oil looks like milk... I call bullshit
GaurieBanner
If i recall, inner cv joint grease is suppose to be a yellowish color
wastedpoptart
The fact that this got a few upvotes is sad.
WC2ElectricBoogaloo
CV grease comes in a few colours depending on mgf. Thats a normal colour.
gigem77
Been a wrench for 25+ years.... Military and civilian.... I have never seen a "milk" colored grease/oil
WC2ElectricBoogaloo
Cool, absence of evidence blah blah blah.
IHateToTurnUpTheVolumeOfMyTvBecauseMyCatIsSnoring
What oil? In the CV? That's fat. But it's usually a dark color, granted
BenGoodal
Fat? That’s water mixed in with the grease.
IHateToTurnUpTheVolumeOfMyTvBecauseMyCatIsSnoring
Grease was the word I was looking for, thanks. But how does that happen? Driving through standing water?
R66Y
No, it isn't. That's what color inboard CV grease is. Especially on Toyotas.
offroadj
Last week
DogeTopMK2
So I did the responsible thing and kept driving it till it made expensive noises and endangered innocent lives.
alsoAzrael
Lol without a 2/2 this comment seems to be your grudging admission that you were lying about the inspection.
Metallica93
A "2/2"?
alsoAzrael
It's the second of two comments, but there's nothing linking them. Most people write "1/2" on the first comment and "2/2" on the second.
StewedTomaters
It's better to just nest them, since votes affect where they're going to show up anyway. Case in point.
cousteau
We should upvote this second part a lot so that it ends up as the top reply.
LordoftheLulz
offroadj
Rats, and I can’t edit comments so looks like I am at the mercy of the upvotes
LetumComplexo
Sorry buddy, this makes it way more hilarious.
StewedTomaters
This is why we nest our replies when they're in two parts...
offroadj
I forgot proper comment etiquette :(