Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly 8-97365019-0 8-98005826-0 For ISUZU D-MAX 4x4 TFS 2003-2012 — OEM Verified, Ø17.6mm, 3-Stud Flange, Upper Front L/R

The Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly with OEM references 8-97365019-0 / 8-98005826-0 is a verified direct-fit front suspension component for ISUZU D-MAX 4x4 (TFR/TFS) pickups from 2002–2012. This ball joint is the upper pivot that connects the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing the suspension to articulate while maintaining correct wheel alignment geometry. It is the front upper axle position component, distinguished from the lower ball joint by both its location and its load characteristics.

The part is cataloged under CTR reference CB0153 (Front Upper) and cross-referenced by Blue Print ADZ98611 with a confirmed weight of 0.826 kg and fitting position: front axle, both sides, upper. The RIW catalog specifies a stud diameter of Ø17.6 mm for the OP1528 equivalent, and notes the part is for D-MAX 4x4 applications from 05/2002 onward. Supplier certification includes ISO9001/TS16949, with a reference 12-month warranty and MOQ of 1 pc for sample orders.

• Position Verified: Front Upper Axle — confirmed by CTR catalog (CB0153, FRONT UPPER, 8-97365-019-0) and Blue Print ADZ98611 (Fitting Position: Front Axle, Upper).
• Stud Diameter Verified: Ø 17.6 mm — confirmed by RIW catalog for OEM 8-98005826-0 under part OP1528 (Suspension Ball Joint Upper).
• Weight Verified: 0.826 kg — confirmed by Blue Print ADZ98611 specification.
• Vehicle & Drive-Type Coverage Verified: Confirmed for ISUZU D-MAX 4x4 (TFR/TFS) 05/2002 onward, with RIW explicitly listing the part under "D-MAX 4X4 05/2002-".
• Cross-Reference Density Verified: 8-97365019-0, 8-98005826-0, 8-98005-826-0, 8-94374-424-0, 8-94374-424-2, and 8943744240 are consistently grouped as interchangeable/related references across DEAUTO, Blue Print, Oscaro, and RIW catalogs.
• Certification & Warranty Reference: ISO9001/TS16949 and 12-month warranty confirmed by supplier listing for the 8-97365019-0 assembly.
• Sample & MOQ Verified: MOQ 1 pc (sample) and bulk MOQ 10 pcs confirmed by Guangzhou-based supplier data.

• Clunking or popping from the front upper suspension: A worn upper ball joint allows the control arm to shift under load, producing a metallic clunk over bumps or during steering input — the most common early symptom on D-MAX 4x4.
• Vague or loose steering feel: Excessive play in the upper ball joint translates to steering free play and reduced directional stability, especially noticeable at highway speed.
• Uneven or accelerated front tire wear: A worn upper ball joint changes camber and caster angles, causing shoulder wear, cupping, or feathered edges on the front tires.
• Squeaking or creaking over bumps: Loss of internal lubrication or a damaged boot allows contaminants into the ball socket, producing audible friction noise.
• Visible boot damage or grease loss: A torn or cracked dust boot is the leading cause of accelerated ball joint wear — if the boot is compromised, the joint should be inspected and replaced promptly.
• Wheel alignment that cannot be brought into specification: A ball joint with excessive axial or radial play prevents correct camber/caster adjustment, indicating the joint itself must be replaced.

• 4x4 vs. 4x2 is the first check: This ball joint is positioned for D-MAX 4x4 applications. While some OE numbers overlap with 4x2 listings in aftermarket catalogs, the front suspension geometry and load requirements differ between drive types. Confirm the vehicle is a 4x4 before ordering.
• OE number family: 8-97365019-0 and 8-98005826-0 are treated as interchangeable for the same upper ball joint position. 8-98005-826-0 and 8-94374-424-0 are also grouped in the same functional family. Read the original ball joint marking where possible — if a specific suffix is stamped, match it.
• Upper vs. lower: This is the upper ball joint. The lower ball joint uses a different OEM reference (8-98005-875-0 or 8-98389-667-0 in CTR data for later D-MAX platforms) and is not interchangeable with the upper unit.
• Alignment is mandatory: After replacing any front suspension ball joint, a professional wheel alignment is required to restore camber, caster, and toe settings.

1. 1Confirm drive type and position first: Verify that the vehicle is a 4x4 and that the replacement is the upper ball joint. Compare the stud diameter and taper to the original unit.
2. 2Safety first: Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before raising the vehicle. Support the front corner securely on jack stands.
3. 3Support the lower control arm: Place a jack under the lower control arm to relieve tension on the upper ball joint before removal.
4. 4Separate the ball joint from the knuckle: Remove the cotter pin and retaining nut. Use a ball joint separator to press the stud out of the knuckle. Do not hammer on the knuckle or ball joint housing — this can damage the taper or crack the knuckle.
5. 5Remove the ball joint from the control arm: Depending on the design, the ball joint may be press-fit or bolt-in. Use the appropriate press tool or remove the mounting bolts. Note the orientation for reassembly.
6. 6Clean the mating surfaces: Remove all dirt, rust, and old thread-locking compound from the control arm and knuckle tapers. A clean taper is essential for a secure fit.
7. 7Install the new ball joint: Press or bolt the new 8-97365019-0 ball joint into the control arm. Do not grease the taper unless specified by the workshop manual.
8. 8Reconnect to the knuckle: Insert the stud into the knuckle taper, install the nut, and torque to the workshop manual specification. Install a new cotter pin.
9. 9Grease the joint (if equipped with a grease fitting): Use the specified chassis grease until fresh grease purges from the boot. Do not over-grease — excessive pressure can rupture the boot.
10. 10Professional wheel alignment: Mandatory after ball joint replacement. Camber, caster, and toe must be reset to specification.
11. 11Road test: Test drive at low speed, listening for abnormal noise and checking for steering pull or vibration before returning the vehicle to service.

• Inspect ball joint boots at every suspension service or every 20,000–30,000 km — a torn boot is the leading cause of premature ball joint failure.
• Check for play by raising the front wheel and attempting to rock the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Any detectable play warrants replacement.
• Grease the joint (if equipped with a fitting) at every oil change or according to the ISUZU maintenance schedule.
• Replace in pairs when possible: If one upper ball joint has failed, the opposite side is likely at a similar wear stage. Replacing both simultaneously maintains balanced suspension performance.

• Standard packing: Neutral carton with protective wrapping; customer-branded packaging available on request.
• Package contents: 1 × Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly. Mounting nut, cotter pin, and grease fitting (where applicable) may vary — confirm inclusion at inquiry.
• Set options: Single ball joint / front upper pair (left + right) — specify at inquiry.
• Suitable for: ISUZU D-MAX 4x4 suspension repair shops, 4x4 specialists, fleet maintenance departments, spare parts distributors, and export wholesalers serving Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
• Related parts available: Lower ball joint (8-98005-875-0 / 8-98389-667-0), upper control arm, lower control arm, tie rod ends, and complete front suspension rebuild kits for the D-MAX 4x4 platform.