it seems a little extreme to remove the knuckle every 30K to regrease them

any of you 2geners normally grease them?

 

It seems extreme to me too. If you had that done at a dealership, you'd be looking at several hundred dollars. And, in the end, you're really only protecting about $90 worth of parts.

I would just leave them alone and replace them if they go bad. If you've got the right tools, it can be a do it yourself job. I replaced mine recently, but had access to a shop with a lift and hydraulic press.

From my research, I found that the bushings Toyota used are prone to failure. Dealerships have begun replacing them with a needle bearing/thrust bushing combo that they claim lasts longer. I did a write up on my install if you want to take a look at it:

Steering Spindle Bushing Replacement

 

exactly what i was thinking. i read your write up. just looked over my bills and the dealer changed mine to the needle bearings 3 years ago
thanks!