416tt

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys,

just wanted to post this as a warning to how important the lock pins are which are placed in our ball joints bolt after the nut is tightened.

I had alignment done few weeks ago during nice weather and after alignment i noticed the car steering was feeling strange.. felt like right side was loose and any bump would cause the right wheel to pull me suddenly in a different direction.. VERY SCARY. i came home parked car and was waiting to book an appointment because i felt like my rack broke/failed or something...

I have been very busy at work so finally i got a chance yesterday and decided to lift it and this is what i saw.



looks like the pin is gone, so i put a thick nail and bent it.. problem solved... just thought i would let people know who may leave pins out if they cant find theres .. Lol DONT.. there were like 4-5 threads to go and this bolt wouldve came off the lower control arm

Bon

Good catch! Was that joint disassembled to your knowledge? Reusing cotter pins is risky. They work harden when bent and tend to crack when reused. That said, OEM Lexus cotter pins aren't bent, rather they are spring clips. It's possible that the clip was snagged and moved out of position and later fell out. I'd rather have a new cotter pin every time than Toyota's reusable springs clips for this very reason. They're practically free at any auto parts store.