Doc Yota

First of all I have read the treads about the infamous STRUT ROD BUSHINGS. Park Place told me this was the reason my 00 LS makes this strange popping and cracking noise( up front when I turn the steering wheel about 1 1/2 times in either direction). The car also feels somewhat loose when driving over bumpy roads(more pronounced when I brake). My non- Lexus mechanic(Honda,Mitsu guy) told me that he felt some "slack" in my lower ball joints so I had them replaced, no luck. Now the same guy tells me there is no way that the strut rod bushing can cause the annoying sound that I KEEP HEARING. He's saying that it's my upper ball joints even though they show no signs of wear and have very little slack. Have any of you had your upper ball joints go bad, and if so what kind of sounds would it make,how would the car handle etc, etc...

trukn1

Popping sound, coupled with sloppy steering feel is normally attributed to the ball joints. Strut rod bushings would normally give the sound of a metal clunking together, over bumps, as well as give vibrations while driving. Is not that uncommon for the upper ball joints to need to be replaced. Thank goodness that these do not go bad too often. Good news is it is all fixable. Bad neds, with the upper ball joints, is you cannot JUST replace the UPPER ball joint. It is part of the uper control arm, and the only way to replace is to replace the ENTIRE control arm.