just replaced front lower ball joints
#32
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
this is an easy job, i did it myself with NO power tools...just the balljoint puller from autozone for 10 bucks. I did have an 18in breaker bar with 1/2in drive...used a 1/2 to 3/8 drive adapter to be able to use my 3/8 drive sockets with the breaker bar. Nothing hard at all...and my car has some mileage on it, trust me...the ball joints need to be inspected and replaced, it seems they dont last long and i never would've suspected it until it was too late...thanks to searching cl i found that ppls ball joints were coming apart....i'm lucky it didnt happen to me..my ball joint had about an 1in of up and down play...:O got a new one from the dealer for 104.00 i could've saved some money looks like from the posts i've read...but i couldnt wait..the car was wandering all over the road and needed to be fixed asap.
#33
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Missouri
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Post](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Definetly recommend replacing lower ball joints. It is more preventative, but for your safety it is a small price to pay.
At around 80,000mi. I reported to a local Lexus dealer the aforementioned 'play' in the steering and uncharacteristic clicking noises. We took the car for a test drive at a commercial parking lot-performing figure 8's, high speeds and sharp turns,...... I was informed it was nothing to be concerned with and that the extremely cold weather we had could be contributing to these things. No less than three days later my lower front driver's side ball joint completely failed.
Fortunately for me, I was pulling out of my driveway doing 2mph. Lexus did step up to the plate and fixed everything, but it could have been a lot worse.
It seems I am not the only one to have this problem.
Lower Ball Joint Failure
BTW.
(A newbie who knows how to use the search function.........how novel?!)
At around 80,000mi. I reported to a local Lexus dealer the aforementioned 'play' in the steering and uncharacteristic clicking noises. We took the car for a test drive at a commercial parking lot-performing figure 8's, high speeds and sharp turns,...... I was informed it was nothing to be concerned with and that the extremely cold weather we had could be contributing to these things. No less than three days later my lower front driver's side ball joint completely failed.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
It seems I am not the only one to have this problem.
Lower Ball Joint Failure
BTW.
![Hello](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/hello.gif)
#35
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by ILOVEGIRLS
so when you press out the lower ball joint you push it upwards? how do you press it back in when there is the screw on the other side?
#38
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by corkycal
ed,
when you replaced your tie rods, was it the outter or inner or both? i think the outter is connected to the ball joint??
we still need a diy guide for this project..hint..ed![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
when you replaced your tie rods, was it the outter or inner or both? i think the outter is connected to the ball joint??
we still need a diy guide for this project..hint..ed
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#39
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (8)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
ed,
i found this thread with pictures that's pretty good. i got stuck on step #11 where he said to mark the tie rod end, i don't know why but maybe you can explain?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...wer+ball+joint
i found this thread with pictures that's pretty good. i got stuck on step #11 where he said to mark the tie rod end, i don't know why but maybe you can explain?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...wer+ball+joint
#40
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
if you are replacing the outer tie rod ends you will need to have a new alignment done , marking it will give you a pretty good chance of putting your toe back to where it was so at least you can drive to get a alignment done , remember your outer tie rods set inner and outer toe
#42
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This thread has inspired me to replace my lower ball joints... and I'm replacing the front "caster arms," too.
These are the control arms which locate the suspension fore/aft.- the bushings deteriorate, contributing to the GS front tire wear issue. Then off to Shoreline Motoring for a four-wheel alignment...
These are the control arms which locate the suspension fore/aft.- the bushings deteriorate, contributing to the GS front tire wear issue. Then off to Shoreline Motoring for a four-wheel alignment...
#43
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
ball joints left and right
tie rod left and right
outter tie rod?
bushing?
upper mounts?
I will need a full part list to get mine done. Please advise.
tie rod left and right
outter tie rod?
bushing?
upper mounts?
I will need a full part list to get mine done. Please advise.
Last edited by sputniknyc; 07-12-05 at 09:22 AM.
#44
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
low priced tie rods.
Anyone ever use these or should I stick to OEM Lexus?
http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/the...rt=Tie+Rod+End
also
http://www.olyonline.com/Lexus/lexus_catalog.htm
anyone have pricing on OEM lexus tie rods?
GROUPBUY!!!!!
Anyone ever use these or should I stick to OEM Lexus?
http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/the...rt=Tie+Rod+End
also
http://www.olyonline.com/Lexus/lexus_catalog.htm
anyone have pricing on OEM lexus tie rods?
GROUPBUY!!!!!
![EEK!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/eek1.gif)
Last edited by sputniknyc; 07-14-05 at 01:31 AM.
#45
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Very interesting review of the tie rods... Maybe i should do this in the near future?
sputniknyc--- I assume that the website you posted for the tie rods is for 98-2000 Gs 400 models... Just curious and the price seems to be pretty decent
Also saw the right up from corkyal and very inforamative. My car only has 54,900 miles and I'm about to put 20's on.. So this may be a good idea to do?
Tony
sputniknyc--- I assume that the website you posted for the tie rods is for 98-2000 Gs 400 models... Just curious and the price seems to be pretty decent
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Tony