I also bought it from a Japanese importer.The problem was that NAPA gave two different lower ball joints, and I didn’t realize that until installed with 90 degree zerk fitting. It was making contact with the CVC hub. When I started the driver side is when I noticed that it had the zerk fitting on the side.. I should have looked all the part’s before starting.
It was the one in the photo on the right.
Even though only 4WD is sold in Japan.
Moreover, the internal ball is not returning properly and is spewing out grease.
With the lower arm lifted and the load removed, I flipped up the boot and pushed in the grease.
I don't cross the river, so I haven't had any problems for now.
The factory ball joint started to malfunction after I rode for about an hour on a mountain pass road where a typhoon caused many rivers about 300mm deep to form on the road.
When I removed it, sand was mixed in.