Jan 7, 2015, 12:33 PM
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DIY Lower Ball Joints for the 2nd Gen GS. - Step by Step Instructions and Pictures
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Sensors
I recently replaced the ball joints. Now, the ABS and the VSC controls aren't working. I've read other threads that indicate the wires are the most likely issue. Is this a common issue after replacing the ball joints? Is it more likely the sensors themselves have been damaged?
I recently replaced the ball joints. Now, the ABS and the VSC controls aren't working. I've read other threads that indicate the wires are the most likely issue. Is this a common issue after replacing the ball joints? Is it more likely the sensors themselves have been damaged?
,,,,
Felt a little to splashy if you know what I mean... if you ever want to really test yours there's a section in the OEM book with test procedures...
Last edited by Tank; Oct 1, 2008 at 09:42 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 3
From: MN
Thanks for this DIY. Once you get familiar with the area the work becomes really fast. I have a 2000 GS400.
One problem I had was like Coco-Bun mentioned a ways back; be darn careful when putting the brake caliper back on. My pax side went together fast and clean which added to my complacency. Driver side for some reason decided to begin stripping the threads out of the caliper!
I think it was because I was having trouble with the rotor trying to fall off when placing the caliper into position. So I used a couple lug nuts to hold her on and free up my one hand. This may have caused the caliper to not align correctly. After MUCH ranting, raving and swearing, I called it quits for the night. In the morning I consulted with a minor gear-head buddy of mine over the phone he told me to take the bolts to a parts store and get a tap to match them.
I carefully ran the tap through the top and bottom then gingerly put the caliper back on ... no lug nuts were used on the rotor, just dealt with it.
Sorry about the length of post. All told it is an easy DIY with the correct tools.
One problem I had was like Coco-Bun mentioned a ways back; be darn careful when putting the brake caliper back on. My pax side went together fast and clean which added to my complacency. Driver side for some reason decided to begin stripping the threads out of the caliper!
I think it was because I was having trouble with the rotor trying to fall off when placing the caliper into position. So I used a couple lug nuts to hold her on and free up my one hand. This may have caused the caliper to not align correctly. After MUCH ranting, raving and swearing, I called it quits for the night. In the morning I consulted with a minor gear-head buddy of mine over the phone he told me to take the bolts to a parts store and get a tap to match them.
I carefully ran the tap through the top and bottom then gingerly put the caliper back on ... no lug nuts were used on the rotor, just dealt with it.
Sorry about the length of post. All told it is an easy DIY with the correct tools.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 522
Likes: 7
From: sc
Thanks for this DIY. Once you get familiar with the area the work becomes really fast. I have a 2000 GS400.
One problem I had was like Coco-Bun mentioned a ways back; be darn careful when putting the brake caliper back on. My pax side went together fast and clean which added to my complacency. Driver side for some reason decided to begin stripping the threads out of the caliper!
I think it was because I was having trouble with the rotor trying to fall off when placing the caliper into position. So I used a couple lug nuts to hold her on and free up my one hand. This may have caused the caliper to not align correctly. After MUCH ranting, raving and swearing, I called it quits for the night. In the morning I consulted with a minor gear-head buddy of mine over the phone he told me to take the bolts to a parts store and get a tap to match them.
I carefully ran the tap through the top and bottom then gingerly put the caliper back on ... no lug nuts were used on the rotor, just dealt with it.
Sorry about the length of post. All told it is an easy DIY with the correct tools.
One problem I had was like Coco-Bun mentioned a ways back; be darn careful when putting the brake caliper back on. My pax side went together fast and clean which added to my complacency. Driver side for some reason decided to begin stripping the threads out of the caliper!
I think it was because I was having trouble with the rotor trying to fall off when placing the caliper into position. So I used a couple lug nuts to hold her on and free up my one hand. This may have caused the caliper to not align correctly. After MUCH ranting, raving and swearing, I called it quits for the night. In the morning I consulted with a minor gear-head buddy of mine over the phone he told me to take the bolts to a parts store and get a tap to match them.
I carefully ran the tap through the top and bottom then gingerly put the caliper back on ... no lug nuts were used on the rotor, just dealt with it.
Sorry about the length of post. All told it is an easy DIY with the correct tools.
You scare me. I would buy new calipers.
BP
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 400
Likes: 22
From: OK
Ok guys I have just ordered a pair of Lower Ball Joint for $145 from CasonToyota and a pair of outter tie rods from http://alleurasianautoparts.com/ (free shipping) ,
Lower Ball Joint:
Qty Description Core Price
1 Mechanical Catalog - 2000 - Lexus - GS 300
Front suspension, Lower control arm, Lower ball joint, Lower ball joint, gs300, gs400, right - gs300/400/430, is300, sc430 - GS300/400/430, IS300, SC430 $0.00 $66.08
1 Mechanical Catalog - 2000 - Lexus - GS 300
Front suspension, Lower control arm, Lower ball joint, Lower ball joint, gs300, gs400, left - gs300/400/430, is300, sc430 - GS300/400/430, IS300, SC430 $0.00 $66.08
Sub Total: $132.16
Tax $0.00
Shipping $13.22
Total: $145.38
Outter Tie Rod:
Qty Brand Sku Description Retail Price Core Total
1.00 AAA:SNK M3010-146588 Tie Rod End 54.74 49.38 0.00 49.38
1.00 AAA:SNK M3010-146591 Tie Rod End 73.72 57.07 0.00 57.07
Core Charges: 0.00
Subtotal: 106.45
Additional Shipping Charge: 0.00 Shipping - UPS Ground Residential: 0.00
Total Weight ( 2.70 pounds ):
Tax: 0.00 0.00
Order Total: 106.45
The Total is (Ball Joint + Tie Rod) = $251.83
what u guys think ?? fair enough?
Lower Ball Joint:
Qty Description Core Price
1 Mechanical Catalog - 2000 - Lexus - GS 300
Front suspension, Lower control arm, Lower ball joint, Lower ball joint, gs300, gs400, right - gs300/400/430, is300, sc430 - GS300/400/430, IS300, SC430 $0.00 $66.08
1 Mechanical Catalog - 2000 - Lexus - GS 300
Front suspension, Lower control arm, Lower ball joint, Lower ball joint, gs300, gs400, left - gs300/400/430, is300, sc430 - GS300/400/430, IS300, SC430 $0.00 $66.08
Sub Total: $132.16
Tax $0.00
Shipping $13.22
Total: $145.38
Outter Tie Rod:
Qty Brand Sku Description Retail Price Core Total
1.00 AAA:SNK M3010-146588 Tie Rod End 54.74 49.38 0.00 49.38
1.00 AAA:SNK M3010-146591 Tie Rod End 73.72 57.07 0.00 57.07
Core Charges: 0.00
Subtotal: 106.45
Additional Shipping Charge: 0.00 Shipping - UPS Ground Residential: 0.00
Total Weight ( 2.70 pounds ):
Tax: 0.00 0.00
Order Total: 106.45
The Total is (Ball Joint + Tie Rod) = $251.83
what u guys think ?? fair enough?
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: California
I am ordering the parts RIGHT now. I have 128,000 on my 98 GS4 and just drove it across country. Still rolling but it's now time to do this with my stimulus check. Thanks President Obama. 700 bucks on a 300 tax return.
I am new to California, any car clubs out this way?
I am new to California, any car clubs out this way?
I just replaced my lower ball joints between yesterday and today. I started yesterday, but ran into some issues with the Pitman Puller as it was the wrong size. The most common size is the 1-5/16" opening. The one that is needed for the GS is the 1-3/4" opening which is a little harder to find in my neck of the woods. Although, after I bought the smaller opening puller, I noticed that the smaller one didn't fit well on the ball joint, so I used the small one for the tie rod and the bigger one for the ball joint. Total of 30 min on each side to get it all done and buttoned up. 
So, note to any more DIYer's out there...
1-3/4" Opening
--Tie Rod
1-5/16" Opening
--Ball Joint
So, note to any more DIYer's out there...
1-3/4" Opening
--Tie Rod
1-5/16" Opening
--Ball Joint
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 400
Likes: 22
From: OK
I just replaced my lower ball joints between yesterday and today. I started yesterday, but ran into some issues with the Pitman Puller as it was the wrong size. The most common size is the 1-5/16" opening. The one that is needed for the GS is the 1-3/4" opening which is a little harder to find in my neck of the woods. Although, after I bought the smaller opening puller, I noticed that the smaller one didn't fit well on the ball joint, so I used the small one for the tie rod and the bigger one for the ball joint. Total of 30 min on each side to get it all done and buttoned up.
So, note to any more DIYer's out there...
1-3/4" Opening
--Tie Rod
1-5/16" Opening
--Ball Joint
So, note to any more DIYer's out there...
1-3/4" Opening
--Tie Rod
1-5/16" Opening
--Ball Joint
Same here bro. I changed those over the weekend too and you are right the differences are just day and night...that also fixed my vibration on the steering wheels when I was driving around 60mph