Warning To All 2nd Gen Gs Owners
10-08-07, 05:50 PM
#46
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So ball joints are not covered under warranty? My GS has 44k miles and I'm already starting to hear a creaking sound whenever I pull in and out of driveways or I take a turn.
10-08-07, 05:59 PM
#47
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Sorry to see this. I think we can gather some more info on folks impacted (I've read of only five or six here on CL I think since 2001), but honestly I think its not going to get a lot of attention from Lexus Corporate for a couple of reasons (I just noticed others have posted the same in this thread).
1) Its a normal wear item that needs service and replacement much like tires or brakes. If you dont' take care of your car (and know the symptoms described in this thread) it can cause problems.
2) I have to believe aftermarket suspension and plus sized wheels can significantly accellerate stress and wear on this item. This is probably one of the 'valid' cases for a dealership to say "your modification caused this problem".
3) Not to minimize the concern at all - this is a serious concern - for all the discussion I do not believe an actual failure has happened to a lot of people
The plus side for getting attention - if it goes there can be substantial damage or injury.
If you've had this problem (an actual failure, not 'creaking'... if you have that go get it fixed), please post a picture here in this thread of the issue and the circumstance including your mileage and suspension / wheel modifications. We'll take stock in a week or two how many we have and I'll try to search through the archives as I have time this week.
1) Its a normal wear item that needs service and replacement much like tires or brakes. If you dont' take care of your car (and know the symptoms described in this thread) it can cause problems.
2) I have to believe aftermarket suspension and plus sized wheels can significantly accellerate stress and wear on this item. This is probably one of the 'valid' cases for a dealership to say "your modification caused this problem".
3) Not to minimize the concern at all - this is a serious concern - for all the discussion I do not believe an actual failure has happened to a lot of people
The plus side for getting attention - if it goes there can be substantial damage or injury.
If you've had this problem (an actual failure, not 'creaking'... if you have that go get it fixed), please post a picture here in this thread of the issue and the circumstance including your mileage and suspension / wheel modifications. We'll take stock in a week or two how many we have and I'll try to search through the archives as I have time this week.
10-08-07, 06:12 PM
#49
You are very lucky to walk away from that. The ball joints are truly a weak link in this car. I beleive it has a great deal to do with the suspension geometry as these cars were not designed with sport in mind. Even the non-Toyota balljoints made by Moog ( a reputable company)http://www.moog.com/Industrial/Newsl...013/story_667/, can wear out quickly on GS's as well. I know because I replaced the oem ball joints with Moog. had them on my car and there was noticeable play after just 15k of driving. I currently have the Toyota ball joints, and so far so good.
Ball joints are designed to serve as pivot between the tires and suspension, as well as to support the auto weight. Some joints are also used in wheel alignment settings. Lowering the suspension on the GS makes things worse. Negative camber and stiffening the suspension with added components will result in more stress to the ball joints as it is the weakest link in the suspension system. For an added level of safety, you guys have to check the ball joints at every service interval just to be safe. In the mean time, this is a concern to owners of these cars. You guys can complain to the NHTSA to get Lexus Corporate to issue a recall. Your safety should be their #1 priority. This should do it
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Ball joints are designed to serve as pivot between the tires and suspension, as well as to support the auto weight. Some joints are also used in wheel alignment settings. Lowering the suspension on the GS makes things worse. Negative camber and stiffening the suspension with added components will result in more stress to the ball joints as it is the weakest link in the suspension system. For an added level of safety, you guys have to check the ball joints at every service interval just to be safe. In the mean time, this is a concern to owners of these cars. You guys can complain to the NHTSA to get Lexus Corporate to issue a recall. Your safety should be their #1 priority. This should do it
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
10-08-07, 06:16 PM
#50
Methodical, no I don't think ball joints are covered. They are a wear and tear item along with brakes and tires like davegs4 had said.
With that being said if anyone here know or heard that any CL member have had an incident where their ball joint gave out on them, like how mines did please refer them to this thread so we can take them into account and try to do something about it. Thanks
With that being said if anyone here know or heard that any CL member have had an incident where their ball joint gave out on them, like how mines did please refer them to this thread so we can take them into account and try to do something about it. Thanks
10-08-07, 06:43 PM
#53
I thought I read in this forum that this mainly applies to 01 and older GS's??? What was the newest year of someone who had this problem? I've seen mostly 99 and older in the posts.
10-08-07, 07:09 PM
#54
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That pic is the reason i got mine changed. Sorry to hear that this has happened to you, but at least you'll get it repaired and you'll be back on the road. Think of it as a $900 lesson that will benefit many many others.
10-08-07, 07:34 PM
#55
MrG4Life, I would check your lower ball joints for any play. Just like another member said, if you haven't changed it or don't know rather spend a 160 something to go ahead and replace it than like me to pay a lot more to fix it later in the long run. I still need to fix my bumper and right fender 
I hear a knock or a couple of them when pulling out and during sharp turns
10-10-07, 04:32 PM
#57
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Is an inspection of the lower ball joints a standard part of each 5,000 mile Lexus service? If so, is it just a visual inspection or something more substantial? I just had my 85K service done at a Lexus dealership and I recall seeing the inspection of the ball joints being listed on the invoice.
10-10-07, 05:35 PM
#59
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The reason I ask is my GS300 is a 01 with 35K miles. I DEFFENTLY don't want this happening to me.
