gazi001

I replaced both side lower control arms with ball joints (beck/arnley) for better suspension week ago. I checked my old arms was good and both ball joints was bad. I did the alignment after installation. But now my steering wheel vibrates and shakes badly on high speed (50-70 mph) when brake applied. I have drilled slotted rotors front and rears about two years ago and brake pads almost new. I don't understand why the steering wheel vibrates and shakes. May be I need alignment again or should I put oem complete arm with balljoint.

artbuc

Didn't they test drive your car as part of the alignment?

RX300CE

But now my steering wheel vibrates and shakes badly on high speed (50-70 mph) when brake applied.

You might need new front rotors they are warped and remember Torque Lug Nuts Properly .

gazi001

My rotors and pads are almost new.

salimshah

Since it is related to braking, and not related to rotational speed, the prime suspect are the rotors. The other suspect would be a loose mechanical binding (captive joints (like ball joints) and fixed). Firm joints would dampen the vibration.

Have the rotors checked and turned if needed. The pads may also need surface cleaning or burn off.

Salim

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Even thought the rotors are almost new, with having the wheel off, you need to make sure you torque them back on to specs. Having them too tight or one nut tighter then the other, would definitely cause warping.

RX300CE

I have drilled slotted rotors front and rears about two years ago

They are not new to me ( 2 years ago) have the rotors checked and turned if you don't want to buy new rotors .

hypervish

I would un-do all of the lug nuts, take a torque wrench to them and tighten to 80lbs, or 76lbs to be precise.

gazi001

I have to check the ball joint at the passenger side. You know Beck/Arnley ball joint screw settings are different than oem. Mechanic broke one of the nut in the ball joint ( which has 3 screws & nuts) circled red in picture at right side and he installed with other oem nut. May be that side ball joint is not enough tide. Now while I drive little bumpy road my steering wheel shakes and feel like loose. It is not strong like before.

gazi001

Does oem Toyota Camry 1998 V6 engine 3.0 (1MZFE)'s Lower control arms are same specifications of 2000 RX 300. Prices toyota & lexus are $189.00 and $295.00.

salimshah

Play or not so solid feel is due to the linkages/joints--due to play in the system.

The vibration during braking is still due to non-smooth or warped rotors.

Salim

gazi001

Thanks Salim. I will lift up the car check tomorrow.

jimmyad

I just purchased a 2000 RX 300,and am in the process of replacing bushings,,starting with control arm,and rack bushings,,,are they interchangeable with standard Toyota parts? I live in the Republic of Panama,and parts are a problem,,,, extremely expensive to ship also eg, $ 280 for a 10 x 12 sq by 18 inches box ,,four pounds ,,Any help is sincererly appreciated,,,Jim

gazi001

Sorry. I didnot replace the bushings of lower control arm but did the complete arm with new oem lower ball joints. I heard about the Toyota bushings interchangeable with Lexus RX 300. But never tried. I saw some in eBay. Here is the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roca-Toyota-...80770072741%26

code58

That's what I tighten 'em to, but is there anyone other than me who feels like that 76 lbs. just isn't tight enough to make sure the wheel stays on? I chicken out and sometimes go to a little over 80- maybe 82-84, but ALWAYS torque 'em.