handogg

I'm fairly handy w/ fixing cars but no pro like many on here. Here is the experience I would like to share. I leave a parking garage of a casino go down a ramp and go over a speed bump. I go over another speed bump and POP... I hit the gas but only hear metal grinding and rubber squealing.

I can't leave the car there. I can't afford (I can but too cheap) to tow the car off.. so I force the car through lots of metal grinding and rubber squealing back to a parking space in the garage and go home.

I return the next day to see this (Pics Below)

handogg

It turns out the metal grinding I heard was the bottom of a bolt grinding against the rim in the last pic. I'm planning to go to the Lexus dealer and ask for a lower ball joint and attempt to change it there in the parking lot according to some of the tutorials I've found on this site.

Do I have to change the tie rods or am I OK just changing out the lower ball joint? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

You might as well get new tie rods while you're at it. Plus it'll save you from doing another alignment if you decide to postpone the tie rod replacement.

handogg

Also is that the only damage that I have... "Lower Ball Joint???" and scratched rim ofcourse?

NickW

Is is just me or does that end link look bent too?

YviE

iTrader: (3)

Wow, you were lucky that you didn't lose the wheel on the way home!!

The end link should be changed too, but if you're short on cash, it can wait. Change the lower ball joint AND the tie rod end for sure.

The wheel will probably need balancing too.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Check your ABS sensor wire. It's not uncommon for these to rip (internally) after a ball joint breaks.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

get AAA next time, they worth every penny i pay for them....you lucky you didnt lose the wheel and fubar the fender...

wow OG member from 2002 with 3 posts?

handogg

The tie rods seem stuck pretty strong. Is there a tutorial on replacing those?

handogg

Alright.. I'm ALL DONE w/ the driver's side!! I got the Tie Rod off by Cutting it off w/ a dremel ! I tried getting it off as seen on some youtube videos but enough was enough when it wouldn't budge.. it was no more mr nice guy!!

There's some damage to the bolt it was on (Inner tie rod?) but not enough where there's any fear of it breaking off.

Replaced w/ duplicate factory parts... no alignment required. Steers like a brand new car!

Dscustoms

iTrader: (3)

So lucky that didn't happen at speed!! How long had it been clunking over bumps or in turns? When I swapped mine the right side had just started making noise and I could move the hub a half inch with a pry bar. Scary.