ISUZU D-MAX Upper Ball Joint 8-97235777-0 OEM Fit
Key Attributes
Product Summary
Durable cast-steel upper ball joint for ISUZU D-MAX/Rodeo/MU-X, OEM 8-97235777-0. Precision M14×1.5 thread and dual-taper fit ensure stable steering. ISO/TS 16949 certified, 12-month warranty, custom packaging available.
Product Details
ISUZU D-MAX upper ball joint
,OEM 8-97235777-0 ball joint
,D-MAX front suspension ball joint
The Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly with OEM numbers 8-97235777-0 and 8-98005827-0 is a verified direct-fit replacement for the front suspension system of ISUZU D-MAX / Rodeo / MU-X. This ball joint is the critical articulation element between the upper control arm and the steering knuckle. It transmits lateral and longitudinal forces during suspension travel and steering while allowing multi-axis rotation of the knuckle relative to the arm, ensuring stable front wheel alignment geometry and precise steering response.
The upper ball joint is a ball-and-socket articulation joint consisting of a ball stud, ball seat, dust boot, and housing. The ball stud's tapered shank is pressed into the steering knuckle's tapered bore and secured with a castle nut and cotter pin; the housing is bolted to the control arm. The joint is packed with grease, and the ball seat (typically engineering plastic or a metal composite) provides a low-friction sliding surface between the stud and housing. During suspension movement or steering, the stud articulates multi-directionally within the seat, absorbing impacts and transmitting loads. The M14 × 1.5 thread and 17.6/20 mm dual-taper design ensure precise fit with the ISUZU OEM knuckle bore, while the 4-hole mounting secures the housing firmly to the control arm.
Replace the ball joint when any of these symptoms appear:
- "Clunking" or metallic knocking from the front suspension over bumps — increased internal clearance between the stud and seat causes impact.
- Increased steering wheel play or delayed steering response — a worn joint allows relative displacement between the knuckle and arm, preventing precise transmission of steering input.
- Abnormal front tire wear (scalloping or cupping) — a loose joint allows front alignment parameters to change dynamically while driving.
- Vehicle pulling during braking or acceleration — asymmetric wear on one side causes uneven suspension geometry.
- Torn ball joint dust boot or grease leakage — contaminants enter the joint, accelerating seat and stud wear.
- Visible looseness, corrosion, or thread damage on the ball stud — structural failure requiring immediate replacement.
⚠️ Critical Inspection Note: When replacing the upper ball joint, also inspect the lower ball joint, control arm bushings, stabilizer links, and tie rod ends — these components share highly overlapping failure symptoms with upper ball joint degradation. Ball joints should be replaced in pairs (both sides of the same axle) to maintain front suspension balance. New castle nuts and cotter pins must be used during installation, torqued to specification. A wheel alignment must be performed after replacement to restore camber and caster to factory specifications.
| Verification Item | Data / Standard | Source / Method |
|---|---|---|
| Primary OEM | 8-97235777-0 / 8-98005827-0 | DEAUTO; Euro4x4parts; PiecesAuto24 |
| Long-Form OEM | 8972357770 / 8980058270 | Spareto; PartsInMotion |
| Part Name | Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Assembly | DEAUTO; Euro4x4parts |
| Vehicle Models | ISUZU D-MAX (TFR/TFS, 2003–2020), Rodeo, MU-X, Chevrolet LUV D-MAX, Holden Colorado | Euro4x4parts; TNK; PiecesAuto24 |
| Thread Size | M14 × 1.5 | Apec AST0222; Febi 197681 |
| Cone Sizes | 17.6 mm / 20 mm (dual taper) | Febi 197681 |
| Mounting Holes | 4 | Apec AST0222; Euro4x4parts |
| Thickness | 100 mm | Febi 197681; SWAG 33 11 2687 |
| Material | Metal / Cast Steel | DYS 27-20594 ("Gjutstal") |
| Unit Weight | Approx. 0.73–0.74 kg | DYS 27-20594 (0.73 kg); 555 SB-5361 (0.74 kg) |
| Mounting Position | Front Axle, Upper Control Arm, Left/Right | Apec AST0222; Febi 197681 |
| Cross-Reference / Interchange | 8-97365-018-0 / 8973650180 / 8-98005-827-0 / 8-94374-424-0 | Euro4x4parts; Spareto; SWAG |
| Competitive Cross-Reference | Apec AST0222 / Febi 197681 / TC3669 / SWAG 33 11 2687 / SKF VKDS 819006 / CTR CB0155 / 555 SB-5361 | PartsInMotion; PiecesAuto24; CTR |
| Certification | ISO/TS 16949 (IZUMI platform) | Third-party system audit |
| Brand | Model | Chassis | Engine | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISUZU | D-MAX I | TFR / TFS / 8DH | 2.5 TD / 3.0 TD | 2003–2012 |
| ISUZU | D-MAX II | TFR / TFS / RT | 2.5 / 3.0 TD | 2012–2020 |
| ISUZU | Rodeo | — | 2.5 / 3.0 TD | 2003–2012 |
| ISUZU | MU-X | UCS / UCR | 2.5 / 3.0 TD | 2013–2020 |
| Chevrolet | LUV D-MAX | — | — | 2003–2012 |
| Holden | Colorado | RC | — | 2008–2012 |
| Engine Model | Displacement | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 4JK1 / 4JK1-TC | 2.5L Diesel | D-MAX, MU-X |
| 4JJ1 / 4JJ1-TC | 3.0L Diesel | D-MAX, MU-X, Rodeo |
| 4JH1 | 3.0L Diesel | D-MAX (some markets) |
⚠️ Important Fitment Notes:
- This ball joint is designed for the ISUZU D-MAX / Rodeo / MU-X upper control arm. The specific model, year, and installation position (left/right) must be confirmed before ordering.
- The 8-97235777-0 and 8-98005827-0 are the primary OEM numbers. The 8-97365-018-0, 8-98005-827-0, and 8-94374-424-0 are cross-reference numbers for the same application. Verify against your original component.
- Ball joints should be replaced in pairs (both sides) to maintain front suspension balance.
- New castle nuts and cotter pins must be used and torqued to specification during installation.
- A wheel alignment must be performed after replacement to restore camber and caster.
- For right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, verify installation orientation. Refer to the ISUZU workshop manual.
📌 Fitment Verification: To ensure 100% accurate matching, please provide the VIN or chassis number before ordering. We will verify it through the ISUZU global EPC system.
| Feature | Benefit + Verification Signal |
|---|---|
| Precision M14×1.5 Thread | Exact match with the ISUZU OEM knuckle thread for reliable castle nut locking — verified by Apec AST0222 and Febi 197681 specifications. |
| Dual-Taper Design (17.6/20 mm) | Matches the knuckle tapered bore geometry for a secure taper fit and precise steering geometry — verified by Febi 197681 specification. |
| 4-Hole Bolted Mounting | Ensures firm housing-to-control-arm attachment, distributes loads, and reduces loosening risk — verified by Apec AST0222 and Euro4x4parts specifications. |
| Metal / Cast Steel Housing | High structural strength, impact resistance, and deformation resistance for commercial pickup and off-road use — verified by DYS 27-20594 "Gjutstal" material note. |
| Broad Aftermarket Cross-Compatibility | Interchangeable with Apec, Febi, SWAG, SKF, CTR, and 555 brand numbers for easier procurement and inventory management — verified by multilingual catalogues. |
| Fits All D-MAX and Same-Platform Models | Covers D-MAX I/II, Rodeo, MU-X, Chevrolet LUV D-MAX, and Holden Colorado — verified by Euro4x4parts and TNK application data. |
| QC Item | Verification Method / Standard |
|---|---|
| Ball Stud Thread (M14×1.5) | Thread gauge, 100% inspection |
| Cone Sizes (17.6/20 mm) | Dedicated taper gauge, 100% inspection |
| Mounting Holes (4) | CMM, 100% inspection |
| Thickness (100 mm) | CMM, 100% inspection |
| Ball Joint Swivel Torque | Torque tester, 100% inspection |
| Axial / Radial Play | Play gauge, 100% inspection |
| Housing Hardness | Rockwell hardness tester, batch sampling |
| Dust Boot Integrity | Visual / air-tightness sampling |
| Surface Plating / Coating | Visual / thickness sampling |
| Batch Traceability | Material lot number + production date |
| Packaging Protection | Anti-rust oil + VCI film + carton |
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Suspension system service must be performed by a qualified technician. Never reuse a ball joint with looseness, corrosion, or a torn dust boot. New castle nuts and cotter pins must be used during installation.
- Preparation: Raise and support the vehicle at the front axle. Remove the front wheels. Clean the ball joint mounting area on the knuckle and control arm.
- Removal: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut. Use a ball joint separator to press the stud out of the knuckle taper. Remove the 4 bolts securing the ball joint housing and extract the old joint.
- Inspection: Inspect the knuckle taper for wear or deformation. Check the control arm mounting holes and bolts for damage. Inspect the opposite ball joint, lower ball joint, and arm bushings.
- Installation: Install the new ball joint onto the control arm and torque the 4 mounting bolts to specification. Insert the stud into the knuckle taper, install a new castle nut, torque to specification, and install a new cotter pin.
- Lubrication: If equipped with a grease fitting, pump chassis grease into the joint.
- Wheel Alignment: Perform a professional wheel alignment to restore front camber and caster to factory specifications.
- Road Test: Perform a road test to confirm no front suspension noise, no steering play, and no pulling.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Ball Joint Housing-to-Control Arm Bolts | Per ISUZU workshop manual specification |
| Ball Stud Castle Nut | Per ISUZU workshop manual specification (new cotter pin required) |
| Wheel Lug Nuts | Per ISUZU workshop manual specification |
- Every 10,000 km: Check front suspension for abnormal noise; inspect ball joint dust boots for damage.
- Every 40,000–50,000 km: Check ball joint play and swivel torque; replace if loose or if the dust boot is torn.
- When abnormal front tire wear or increased steering play is detected: Inspect the upper ball joint, lower ball joint, and arm bushings immediately.
- Standard Packaging: Anti-rust oil + VCI film + neutral carton.
- Custom Packaging: Neutral box, color box, or customer-branded packaging.
- Suitable For: Suspension system repair shops, ISUZU parts distributors, fleet maintenance centers.
- Supply Capacity: Stable batch supply with batch-level quality reports available.
- MOQ: Small quantities accepted (quantity discounts available).