Don't Forget to Replace Those Balljoints!
#16
Instructor
Thread Starter
#19
In 33yrs of driving Toyota/Lexus (first was a '77 Corolla SR4 "fastback" in '83), I have never, ever, ever seen a catastrophic failure like this, and that's for at least one car approaching 400k miles. I've seen parts that were useless (sway bar links come to mind, that clunk more then do anything useful), yet a failure like this... ouch.
#20
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
In 33yrs of driving Toyota/Lexus (first was a '77 Corolla SR4 "fastback" in '83), I have never, ever, ever seen a catastrophic failure like this, and that's for at least one car approaching 400k miles. I've seen parts that were useless (sway bar links come to mind, that clunk more then do anything useful), yet a failure like this... ouch.
#21
Instructor
Thread Starter
For the guys that aren't familiar with this, just look at these pics...
There is a reason why the first thing that this forum tells you to do when you buy a used 2GS Lexus is to replace the lower balljoints.
There is a reason why the first thing that this forum tells you to do when you buy a used 2GS Lexus is to replace the lower balljoints.
#22
Pole Position
Ouch...that happened on my previous GS300 coming out of a gas station on my way to the shop to have them replaced a few years ago...it was a scary learning lesson.
Before I bought my GS400 this week I made sure the owners replaced the ball joints.
If the sellers had no idea what I was talking about I moved on quickly bc their GS is a nightmare waiting to happen
Before I bought my GS400 this week I made sure the owners replaced the ball joints.
If the sellers had no idea what I was talking about I moved on quickly bc their GS is a nightmare waiting to happen
#23
#24
Pole Position
#26
Wow... impressive photos. Glad to learn something new today...!
Not sure what to do... a set of oem lower ball joints on eBay is about $135, while the upper control arms are $400+ each. Looks like you can't change the upper ball joint, it's part of the control arm.
There's some very inexpensive eBay auctions for very complete kits... upper, lower, links, etc, for around $200. Are you risking replacing those part in a year?
There's some very inexpensive eBay auctions for very complete kits... upper, lower, links, etc, for around $200. Are you risking replacing those part in a year?
#28
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
I am not sure what the lifetime recommendation is from the manufacturer but I do know that a lot of guys on this forum follow ~100K miles or so.
Remember, when one of these goes, it totally takes out the fender and can put your life in severe risk depending on when it fails.
Also, the MOOG replacements come with grease fittings. They also look noticeably beefier than OEM. I have about 30K miles on mine and have been happy with them.
And this happened outside of the city, on the Peninsula. The car did not appear to be lowered.
Best of luck guys!
Remember, when one of these goes, it totally takes out the fender and can put your life in severe risk depending on when it fails.
Also, the MOOG replacements come with grease fittings. They also look noticeably beefier than OEM. I have about 30K miles on mine and have been happy with them.
And this happened outside of the city, on the Peninsula. The car did not appear to be lowered.
Best of luck guys!
Chech post # 11. Those are moogs with grease fittings. That is what I use for like 3 or 4 years and I'm very happy with it.