GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

ball joint again

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Old 08-11-11, 06:02 AM
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Chris98GS4
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Default ball joint again

Hey guys. 10 minutes ago I had my ball joint pop out. Took a corner and felt my alignment out of whack, then boom! I was going about 40 and was very lucky to keep the car in somewhat control as i skidded about 200 feet to a stop, smashing into a curb. I took a video walk thru from the point of impact to when it stopped.

I already replaced both sides at 130,000. It looks like my upper control arm is bent . I haven't had a chance to look at rockauto.com to look at prices. Any ideas for parts?

The pic is of where the my car slammed into the ground after joint popped out.

I just need to find an ABS wire for cheap. maybe car-part.com?

My mechanic replaced both ball joints and banged some of the fender in so its drivable. $340. He also bent my upper control arm back into position.
He thinks they came out cause I'm lowered (Eibach Pro &KYB)

Well now I need some body work. Fun fun.
Attached Thumbnails ball joint again-droid-pics-114.jpg  

Last edited by Chris98GS4; 08-11-11 at 12:27 PM.
Old 08-11-11, 06:43 AM
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SaiyanGS3
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What brand did you replace the first time? OEM or aftermarket? If you wanted to go the aftermarket route, I would go Moog. But after looking at our discount on ball joints vs the price of Moog, OEM is $20 more expensive...so in this case I would go OEM Rockauto has great prices on parts.

I have a 02 and I haven't replaced them yet. That will be the first thing I replace along with tie rods since they will be off to replace ball joints anyway. What year is your car?
Old 08-11-11, 07:26 AM
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Chris98GS4
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Its a 98. I already replaced it 2 years ago $500 OEM. I just saw it on rockauto for $150 or so. There's a few of them. I def snapped ABS wire.

Last edited by Chris98GS4; 08-11-11 at 12:33 PM.
Old 08-11-11, 07:31 AM
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That's where it hit (nice chunk taken outta the pavement) and the car on the side is me. Such great fun.
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Last edited by Chris98GS4; 08-11-11 at 02:37 PM.
Old 08-11-11, 12:37 PM
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SaiyanGS3
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Originally Posted by Chris98GS4
Its a 98. I already replaced it 2 years ago $500 OEM. I just saw it on rockauto for $150 or so. There's a few of them. I def snapped ABS wire.
Dang...snapped again in 2 years!?!? How many miles did you put on your car since the breaking? I keep hearing these horror stories with the OEM ball joints, it really makes me want to just say F it and try the Moog!
Old 08-11-11, 12:44 PM
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Ouch. Sorry to hear/see this happened.
Old 08-11-11, 01:00 PM
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ThomasGS4
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Ouch. What a bummer.
Old 08-11-11, 02:35 PM
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Chris98GS4
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Originally Posted by GokuSSJ3
Dang...snapped again in 2 years!?!? How many miles did you put on your car since the breaking? I keep hearing these horror stories with the OEM ball joints, it really makes me want to just say F it and try the Moog!
Its approx 80-90,000 miles. Funny thing is, this time it wasn't making the metal grind/squeak noise. The steering was a little off but Ive been CLANGING potholes left and right lately. I thought bushing mightve been dry or an arm bent a little. Nope, ball joint strikes again. It's a messed up thing trying to control a car with only 3 working wheels. lol
Old 08-11-11, 03:09 PM
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TxLexus400
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damn sorry bout that, i replaced mine but i still get worried when i hear noises in the front of my car.
Old 08-11-11, 04:55 PM
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vwynn
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its kinda scary how youre only lowered on springs and it snapped not too long after getting them replaced..
Old 08-11-11, 05:51 PM
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BCHDAZ
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that's never nice to see.
Old 08-11-11, 08:54 PM
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That's not good.. Well, at least you're safe.
Old 08-11-11, 11:39 PM
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not cool...sorry to hear bro.
Old 08-12-11, 12:43 AM
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TonyN
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so you replace it at 90k two years ago and you have 130k now?
WTF, I was under the impression that 100k is a good interval to replace them, like it is for the timing belt and water pump.
Old 08-12-11, 04:30 AM
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Another vote for MOOG suspension components. I wouldnt trust some of that Taiwan garbage out there, especially when it comes to such an important part as this. Ive taken my GS to HPDE events at MidAmerica and Brainerd Intl. Speedway and the last thing I need is my ball joints to fail. The MOOG ball joints even have ZERK fittings so you can grease them too!


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