Jan 7, 2015, 12:33 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Steering and Suspension
- How to Change Ball Joints
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Browse all: Steering and Suspension
DIY Lower Ball Joints for the 2nd Gen GS. - Step by Step Instructions and Pictures
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
Interesting. When we did PHML's ball joints and tie rods we used the same pitman puller for both and it worked fine. Not sure what size it was, but it fit over the tie rod joint and lower ball joint just fine. I just did my ball joints and tie rods yesterday (Drivers Side) and today (Passenger Side) and the same pitman puller worked on both my joints as well.
The one thing I did notice is you have to try and get the ball joint level (Whether it is the tie rod arm or lower ball joint) as if it is cocked a little its much harder to pop it out. My first attempt my tie rod was at an angle to the mount so the ball joint itself wasn't vertical so the pitman puller kept slipping off. Once I got it all lined up straight the puller stayed put and popped the joint out no problem. For the other side I made sure everything was straight and they all popped out on the first try.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,859
Likes: 12
From: Waipahu, Waikele, HI
Funny, when I bought the pitman puller in CA...I just drove to the nearest Autozone...and asked them for a Pitman Arm puller... and its worked for both LBJ and tie rod.
Finding an adjustable one would be ideal for any future DIYers out there.
Finding an adjustable one would be ideal for any future DIYers out there.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: California
Anybody live near San Jose, CA with tools to do DIY?
Just like it said in the title. I am currently out in the San Jose, CA area and have no tools with me since I didn't carry them with my from NC. So does anybody live local that wouldn't mind letting me borrow some tools or a 12 pack of beer or wine?
Thanks for rockautoparts I will be ordering from there.
One more quick question I'm ordering a set for me and my buddy. He has a 98 GS and I have a 01 GS...are the ball joints teh same or do I need to order specifics. I recall there was something different about 98s vs 01s.
Please fill me in.
One more quick question I'm ordering a set for me and my buddy. He has a 98 GS and I have a 01 GS...are the ball joints teh same or do I need to order specifics. I recall there was something different about 98s vs 01s.
Please fill me in.
I changed my ball joints yesterday. I bought the tool from Autozone, but it was too big, so I went to look at Advance Auto which was next door. I ended up just getting the loaner tool kit. (Pay for it up front, and when you return it, you get a full refund). It had everything in it all different sizes. I suggest those that do this get go this route. Good luck.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 7
From: Georgia
This DIY is very easy.. I did it a few days ago and it took me longer to jack the car up.. put it on jack stands and take the wheels off then it did to change the ball joint... Just make sure to get a puller from a local store...
I rented it for a refundable $95 and got it back upon return. They have several sizes of pullers... Def an easy job... I would recommend a breaker bar though.. with that it is simple as 1,2,3
I rented it for a refundable $95 and got it back upon return. They have several sizes of pullers... Def an easy job... I would recommend a breaker bar though.. with that it is simple as 1,2,3
Looks like I bent the right front passenger spindle on a pothole in the Bronx (along with cracking the front bumper) and will be tackling this in the next few days.
Found out via my last alignment (which took 90 mins) and he couldn't get my camber under 3.5 degrees.
Hopefully this DIY will help.
Found out via my last alignment (which took 90 mins) and he couldn't get my camber under 3.5 degrees.
Hopefully this DIY will help.
You only need to disconnect the parts in blue arrow. To disconnect the tie rod you need to hold one end and turn the other...see blue circle (don't turn the bolt in the middle of the two blue circle; the tiny red arrow bwtween the two blue circle). That way, you won't need to do alignment right away or at all.
Disconnect the ball joint.
Disconnect the tie rod (reference the blue circle).
Everything comes out.
This is for those that bought the tie rod and ball joint.
Disconnect the ball joint.
Disconnect the tie rod (reference the blue circle).
Everything comes out.
This is for those that bought the tie rod and ball joint.
Last edited by sam430; Apr 21, 2009 at 11:33 AM.
