xpkranger

Just bought a used 2007 ES350. Mechanic who inspected it says it's in good shape but needs lower ball joints. He wants $870 to replace them. Seemed steep to me. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, just have never done ball joints before. Can't find any videos or tutorials specific to the ES350 5th Generation. I've found a lot of videos about LBJ's in general, but was hoping someone had instructions specific to the ES350. Thanks in advance and please don't be too hard on the FNG here. Any advice welcomed.

jkayca

Procedure should be identical to that of the Camry of the same year. Try searching for that instead.

xpkranger

Awesome, thanks! Found one:

chuyrobles

How many miles on your ES350? If ball joints are shot, the bushings are not far behind. I replaced the lower control arms on both sides; bought them on MAC.Auto Parts. They came with new ball joints and bushings. It was easier replacing the arms than installing the individual pieces. That was 13 months ago and the LCA's are functioning as intended.

See https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...placement.html

xpkranger

i have about 147K on it. Unfortunately already bought the LBJ’s. I’ll keep an eye on it. What are the symptoms of the bushings going bad?

chuyrobles

In the long run, uneven tire wear.
Short run, car drifts across the road; front-end feels loose when braking - you may feel a snap from the control arms moving back and forth. Take a look at them and note if the rubber is cracked.