Lower Ball joints
#226
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Confederacy Capital (S)
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good Day:
I changed both the ball joints and outer tie rods at 96k on an 01' GS430 after the dealership noticed play in the ball joints and an inner tire wear problem. Thanks for asking.
I changed both the ball joints and outer tie rods at 96k on an 01' GS430 after the dealership noticed play in the ball joints and an inner tire wear problem. Thanks for asking.
#228
#229
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't really know how to check them. I've done all of those "6 and 12" tricks and haven't found any play. However, I have these clicking/popping sounds occasionally when I turn (sometimes when I am driving straight) and also when I brake occasionally. I replaced my front brake pads and shims and fitment kit and the noise still happens.
I'm thinking ball joints. Hopefully ball joint failure isn't as catastrophic on LS4s because I don't have time to replace them until the snow clears (I have ordered them, though).
I'm thinking ball joints. Hopefully ball joint failure isn't as catastrophic on LS4s because I don't have time to replace them until the snow clears (I have ordered them, though).
#230
I don't really know how to check them. I've done all of those "6 and 12" tricks and haven't found any play. However, I have these clicking/popping sounds occasionally when I turn (sometimes when I am driving straight) and also when I brake occasionally. I replaced my front brake pads and shims and fitment kit and the noise still happens.
I'm thinking ball joints. Hopefully ball joint failure isn't as catastrophic on LS4s because I don't have time to replace them until the snow clears (I have ordered them, though).
I'm thinking ball joints. Hopefully ball joint failure isn't as catastrophic on LS4s because I don't have time to replace them until the snow clears (I have ordered them, though).
there shouldn't be much play in the ball joint if you push straight up from underneath, or pull straight down from the top. There should be a little bit of play if you rotate it like a motorcycle throttle.
just based on the clicking, you're due for lower balljoints, tie rod ends, and maybe even upper control arms depending on mileage.
#231
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the info. I only have 112k miles so I don't know if my UCA is ready to be replaced. The ball joints on my UCAs are certainly still good. I checked the tie-rod ends for play and I cannot detect any.
Another symptom that I seem to have is the poor returnability of the steering wheel to center after making a turn. It's not that bad, but it does not seem to return to the center with the same gusto as other cars. I have heard that this is a sign of bad ball joints.
Another symptom that I seem to have is the poor returnability of the steering wheel to center after making a turn. It's not that bad, but it does not seem to return to the center with the same gusto as other cars. I have heard that this is a sign of bad ball joints.
#232
Thanks for the info. I only have 112k miles so I don't know if my UCA is ready to be replaced. The ball joints on my UCAs are certainly still good. I checked the tie-rod ends for play and I cannot detect any.
Another symptom that I seem to have is the poor returnability of the steering wheel to center after making a turn. It's not that bad, but it does not seem to return to the center with the same gusto as other cars. I have heard that this is a sign of bad ball joints.
Another symptom that I seem to have is the poor returnability of the steering wheel to center after making a turn. It's not that bad, but it does not seem to return to the center with the same gusto as other cars. I have heard that this is a sign of bad ball joints.
#236
#238
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: OK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have japan toyota aristo and both front lower ball joints are bad, found a good deal online but they are for usdm gs300.. same year and same body style. does anyone know if i will have any problems with the install?