kasper634

Hey guys, my upper ball joints are shot, Now am i going to get screwd by having to replace the control arm along with the joints or can i just get the ball joints themselves? i got a 1993 1st gen.

LexusGS3

Don't quote me on this, but the upper arm was also replaced when my driver side upper ball joint was shot. Cost me about $500 w/ labor included at a local shop (not a dealership).

peace,

lyle

LB Lex

Man, that sucks. There was a recall regarding ball joints on our cars, but it only applies to 1995-1997 GS300s. Unfortunately, you can only replace the balljoint by purchasing the whole control arm.

If you're interested, here is the info regarding the recall:

Toyota Motor Corp. Announces Recall of 2700 Lexus GS300's
Toyota Motor Corp.
Lexus Division
Nancy Hubbell
Customer Service Number:
1-800-GO-TOYOTA

May 18, 1999 -- Toyota Motor Corp. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Lexus GS300 automobiles produced from Late 1995 to 1997 to correct problems with the ball joint. The voluntary recalls affect approximately 2,700 of these vehicles sold in The United States. Only 15 automobiles from late 1995 are included in the recall, the other cars involved are 1996 and 1997 models.

According to Nancy Hubbell at Lexus, the reason for the recall is that, on certain vehicles, the ball joint fitting is too tight and does not allow for proper lubrication of the ball joint. This possible lack of proper lubrication can cause excessive wear to the ball joint.

No injuries or accidents have been reported relating to this recall. Lexus plans to begin owner notification, by letter, in June of this year. No press release was issued.

Owners will be able to have their vehicles repaired, at no cost.

Seminole GS300

How did you know they were shot, was their a sound?

kasper634

yeah when i pick up the car and i shake the front wheel there is alot of play where the ball joint is... also when i press on the brakes and the car is about to stop there is this clicking sound, i thought it was the brakes but apparently its not.. also when i go over alot of bumps you can defenitly hear it. i think the little shaking in the steering wheel while i drive but im not sure if thats from the ball joints.

Seminole GS300

I'm not sure if that's my problem. When I turn my wheel there's a really annoying moaning noise, and when I go over speed bumps I get a squishing noise (think maybe shocks and struts). Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Regards,

Kareem

kasper634

yeah there is also noise when the car is still and i turn the wheel. i dont think moaning would be the way to describe it though. put the car on the jack and shake the front wheel while its in the air, youd def be able to tell if the ball joint is shot.

kasper634

also about the recall its for the lower ball joints now the upper ones, (the expensive ones)

indypwr

i got one of recall statements form the mail regarding ball joints replacements.
went to the dealer, and replaced them fr "free".........only the lower ball joints, though.

lexus4jess

I may have this problem,my front wheel is making a noise,you can hear it when I go over bumps.

lexus4jess

called the 800 #. my car did not fall into the date when the car was built.hehe, but my car is making a funny noise on the driver side. .will have to take it to CROWN LEXUS by my house. so i'm looking at spending $$$$ on the repairs.

WILL KEEP YOU GUY UPDATED.


lexus support
1-800-255-3987 ext: 4