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Lower Ball joints

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Old 10-10-09, 08:57 AM
  #226  
BLAXCGS430
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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.
Old 02-02-10, 10:31 AM
  #227  
amcdonal86
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Does anyone know if the ball joint problem is as widespread on the LS4? I have a '97...
Old 02-02-10, 10:43 AM
  #228  
jcat_350
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Originally Posted by amcdonal86
Does anyone know if the ball joint problem is as widespread on the LS4? I have a '97...
um..check your ball joints and see if they need replacing....
Old 02-02-10, 04:03 PM
  #229  
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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).
Old 02-02-10, 04:42 PM
  #230  
jcat_350
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Originally Posted by amcdonal86
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).
clicking while turning is a classic sign of ball joints getting ready to take a dive.

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.
Old 02-02-10, 05:59 PM
  #231  
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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.
Old 02-02-10, 06:48 PM
  #232  
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Originally Posted by amcdonal86
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.
it is, but it also could be low or bad power steering fluid too
Old 02-02-10, 07:00 PM
  #233  
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I just replaced my PS fluid in the last 5k miles, so I doubt that's it!
Old 08-29-10, 01:30 PM
  #234  
MU521
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how to do i know whether i need to replace the upper or the lower? Im assuming it the lower
Old 05-27-11, 09:40 PM
  #235  
Rex671
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i replaced them a few weeks ago. car has 168k. the whole ball joints going out on other people got me paranoid,so it made me wanted to replaced them ASAP..
Old 05-31-11, 02:49 AM
  #236  
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Originally Posted by Rex671
i replaced them a few weeks ago. car has 168k. the whole ball joints going out on other people got me paranoid,so it made me wanted to replaced them ASAP..
it is a smart move my friend, or it would've looked like my car lol


Last edited by takashi; 02-27-13 at 04:45 PM.
Old 05-31-11, 03:01 AM
  #237  
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holy..lol
these problems mostly happen on the 98-00 GS's right?
Old 06-12-11, 01:08 AM
  #238  
nodoubt711
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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?
Old 06-14-11, 08:30 AM
  #239  
ac921ol
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Where is the best place to get my ball joints? Sewell still? Or anyone have some forsale?
Old 06-14-11, 11:21 AM
  #240  
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^ if someone has em for sale its most likely going to be used... so dont bother on those.

Buy Sewell with CL Discount or local parts store for a different brand LBJ (if u want)


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