Hey everyone,

My 98' GS300 makes loud banging noises when it goes over bumps sometimes. So far from what I've researched is that it could be sway bar end links becoming loose and banging on something when hitting bumps OR my ball joints are going bad. It doesn't sound like metal on metal grinding but like something bangs on something. The car has 177k miles on it so if the ball joints were going to fail I feel like they would have failed already and I am unsure if they were changed by the previous owner. I am just debating on whether or not to drive up to Utah in it (from Vegas) if it has the potential to fail on me. I made it to cali and back with no issues a couple weeks ago, but I am not gonna take any chances. I am going to inspect my ball joints after I post this. What do you guys think?

 

 

Update: I did all the tests to see if the ball joint is bad, there is no grinding noise when turning and the boots look good, looks likebtgey have been changed at one point (including upper). No flex as well. Hm...

 

To check the lower balljoint your supposed to jack the car up and grab the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and rock to see if the balljoint moves. Then grab at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and see if it moves that way then its either the inner tie rod, outer tie rod or both. BTW that picture looks like the boot is cracked. I would not drive that car if it is. i had a balljoint break on me. NO FUN!

 

Yeah I did that and it was solid both ways, I don't know if that is a crack or just some **** on it, I think they are alright but I am probably gonna changem out soon anyway just for peace of mind. I'm thinking I have that strut mount issue causing the knock noise, the sway bars are okay.

 

update: double checked to see if there is upward movement from the ball joint with a crow bar & chris fix video method. No movement. The person who did the ball joints most likely messed up the boot on this side hence the grease, will be replacing it. Sorry for lengthy post!!

 

Check your caster/radius arm bushings?

 

Nice, you should be able to check control arms pretty easily next time you have it up too.

 

When I was getting some work done the other day a customer came in with a nissan and had the same problem. It was his front shocks on the upper section knocking against the frame because his mounts were worn out. Lowered people have the same issue with the upper control arms hitting the wheel well area. Might be something to take a look at

 

Yeah I am pretty convinced its worn out mounts, thanks for the input they will be getting replaced soon, I'll let everyone know of it works.

 

I would replace that ball joint.. That doesn't look safe. The boot looks torn and deteriorated

 

I agree, I have both the right and left side ordered, the parts are cheap and its worth the peace of mind to know that I changed them myself.

 

If budget allows get something other than ACdelco. i replaced my tie rods maybe a year year in a half ago and they are rusted. Next ones will be Moog or OEM.

 

Yeah I ended up getting MOOG, seems to be what everyone recommends

 

I just did lower ball joints with ACDelco parts made in Japan. I would buy them again