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Steering problem after changing lower ball joints
#1
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Steering problem after changing lower ball joints
Hello all, I just recently took my gs430 for the replacement of the lower ball joints. After picking up the car, I notice that the steering feels loose....and the it feels like the power steering jerks the steering wheel. I've research but did not find similar problems. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks CL.
#2
Intermediate
Could be 'stiction' in the new ball joints, which I've had on other cars. It goes away in time. Or they screwed up the alignment.
Sounds like something worth calling them on to fix on their dime.
Sounds like something worth calling them on to fix on their dime.
#3
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My car does the exact same thing, although it got a little worse after I changed the lower ball joints. I even changed the tie rod ends and that did nothing. The car wanders all over the road and I have to constantly correct the steering. I've gone over all my suspension components and I've come to the conclusion that my steering rack is crap.
#5
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My car does the exact same thing, although it got a little worse after I changed the lower ball joints. I even changed the tie rod ends and that did nothing. The car wanders all over the road and I have to constantly correct the steering. I've gone over all my suspension components and I've come to the conclusion that my steering rack is crap.
Did you get an alignment?
#7
Check the steering rack bushings....there are 3 bushings to replace.
If these are worn, the newly replaced ball joints will be "stiff" and have little play. All the play in the steering will then come from other worn components. The steering rack bushings **may** be the culprits. I'd also check the control arm bushings. This is something that the tech doing the ball joints should have pointed out.
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#13
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Alignments only go for $70 which is not much considering all the work and effort put to replace/maintain 11 year old parts.
So the answer is Yes, alignments should be done after suspension work. since the eye wont pick up on 3mm +/- differences resulting from part replacement or modifications including wheel and tire change
#14
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Thanks for all the input, I have a friend who's brother works for Lexus, he will be looking at my car tomorrow. I want to see what he thinks and an aligment will follow.