Parts for your 2022 Toyota Land cruiser-Ball joints

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser ball joints — what they do and when to service them

Technical sources confirm the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) is fitted with ball joints. Toyota’s global technical briefing for the J300, Toyota Australia’s 300 Series specifications, and the Toyota service manual/EPC illustrations all show a GA‑F ladder-frame chassis with independent front double‑wishbone suspension. That layout uses upper and lower ball joints at the steering knuckle (the upper joint is commonly supplied as part of the upper control arm assembly, while the lower joint is a separate service item). So ball joints are very much relevant to this model.

On the 300 Series, the front ball joints act as heavy‑duty pivots that let the front wheels move up and down with the suspension while also steering left and right. They carry vehicle loads, keep alignment stable, and help the Land Cruiser feel planted on corrugations, towing duty, and city runs alike. From the factory they’re sealed units designed to keep grease in and grit out, which keeps maintenance simple but means condition checks matter.

As part of routine servicing, they should be inspected for boot damage, grease seepage, rust staining, and any free play. A torn dust boot or a weeping seal lets water and mud in — not ideal if the Cruiser spends time on the beach, in clay, or fording creeks. There’s no scheduled replacement interval, instead, plan a careful check at each service or at least every 20,000 km, and more often after hard off‑road trips.

• Common warning signs: clunks over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear, a knock when turning, or poor return‑to‑centre.
• If replacement’s needed: many workshops renew both sides on the front axle to keep feel and wear balanced.
• Upper joint is typically replaced with the upper control arm assembly, the lower ball joint is a separate part.
• Always perform a wheel alignment afterwards, fresh joints can shift camber/caster and toe.
• Use quality genuine or premium aftermarket parts designed for Aussie/Kiwi conditions, fit new hardware and cotter pins, tighten to the workshop manual torque specs.

Sealed OEM joints don’t need greasing, but keeping the boots intact and the underbody clean goes a long way. After deep water or muddy work, a thorough rinse and an early inspection can save the joints — and your tyres — from premature wear.

FAQs

Does a 2022 Land Cruiser have ball joints?
Yes. The J300 uses an independent double‑wishbone front end, which relies on upper and lower ball joints at each front wheel. This is documented in Toyota’s technical materials and parts catalogue for the 300 Series.

How often should Land Cruiser ball joints be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Inspect them at every service (or at least every 20,000 km) and after heavy off‑road use. Replace when there’s measurable play, damaged boots, contamination, noise, or alignment issues that trace back to joint wear.

Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?
Absolutely. Changing a ball joint (or an upper control arm assembly) alters suspension geometry, so a professional wheel alignment is recommended straight after the job.