kenkaniff

You guys think there's big difference, considering how much the OEM joints suck?

TRD911

It is my understanding that there are no aftermarket ball joints for the 2nd Gen GS.. Anyone know other wise?

BP

sbgs400

there are aftermarket ball joints on ebay, personally i used the OEM ones. i

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

I got aftermarket non oem for the LS

works fine. Also, considering that our oem ones have a lifespan of 80,xxx - ???,??? miles than i think anything else may be equal or better lol.

I had a 1990 accord on original balljoints with 220,000 miles. sad

Funny thing is that ALL lexus mechanics and specialists dont know about the BJ problem! They all either deny knowing or not know at all.

raytseng

Was under the impression after reading all the balljoint forum threads that just the stock balljoints that shipped with 98-00 years "sucked". The replacement "OEM" ones are not direct copies but updated versions which don't have problems which is why 2001+ owners aren't seeing their wheels falling off.

kenkaniff

Good insight.

Maybe it's safer to go with the OEM ones in that case...

ShaneC

could it just be that the 98-2000 are just older and 2001 models got there yet. hah iono..

i have a 2000 and i really need front ball joints. do you guys have a part number or a good place to order ??

kenkaniff

Sewell or Carson Toyota. Carson is having a 15% off sale for us CL members, I believe the code is ClubLexus.

Saiji

It's a $130 replacement...just to save a few bucks I wouldn't risk the consequenses that might come with the China made products. Not to offend anyone, but I would rather go with the safer OEM ones if I were you.

PushinLEX

iTrader: (9)

Seriously guys, this is a serious issue. Dont nickel and dime a maintanence problem like this one. I went thru TM Engineering. Did balljoints, inner/outter tie rods, control arm brushing kit, and daizen sways all at once. Best thing I ever did for the GS. Oh I replaced them at around 77-78k on my 1999. The ball joints were already making noise and were making my handling sloppy. If your over 80k, you need to address this problem, TODAY.

raytseng

I think OP's concern was on replacing a failing OEM part with the exact same OEM part that's also going to also fail, rather then saving money.

With the clarity that the replacement ones would be "updated" versions and not the same, I think it's all sorted.

Saiji

Yeah, just wanted pinpoint the danger in using Ebay ball joints. =)

ShaneC

i cant find the price on sewell's site. i saw part number 43330k in the picture but dont see the item in the list below. man.. everytime i read about ball joints i get really scared. ahh

raytseng

at lexus-parts.com, click on service&maintenance, enter your model info.

Click on common service items. It's on the first page. Also consider any other items there that you might need (thumbs up for daizen steering rack bushing kit).
43340-39415-02
http://www.lexus-parts.com/parts_detail.asp?id=90178

Check the vendor forum area for possible coupon code.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Mevotech & Moog (reputable aftermarket companies) make ball joints for various Lexus models including the 2nd gen GS. I replaced my oem ball joints on the GS back in 2003 with Moog. The Moogs held up for 2 years, only to be replaced in 2005 with the oem units. So far so good with the oem units, and we are in 2008.. I have yet to try the Mevotech units, but they sure look better than Lexus oem. The outer casing appears to be made of a stronger rubber or polyurethane material. Not sure about the internals.. Here it is below.



Does anyone know what if any improvements were done to the 2001 & up ball joints for the 2nd gen GS??