colombianc

Hello all, I just recently took my gs430 for the replacement of the lower ball joints. After picking up the car, I notice that the steering feels loose....and the it feels like the power steering jerks the steering wheel. I've research but did not find similar problems. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks CL.

Arcadian

Could be 'stiction' in the new ball joints, which I've had on other cars. It goes away in time. Or they screwed up the alignment.
Sounds like something worth calling them on to fix on their dime.

Sixdown

My car does the exact same thing, although it got a little worse after I changed the lower ball joints. I even changed the tie rod ends and that did nothing. The car wanders all over the road and I have to constantly correct the steering. I've gone over all my suspension components and I've come to the conclusion that my steering rack is crap.

5t341th

iTrader: (16)

was an alignment done after the balljoints were replaced?

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

Did you get an alignment?

YviE

iTrader: (3)

I thought an alignment wasn't necessary after a LBJ replacement? For tie-rod ends it would be.

diamondmit

If these are worn, the newly replaced ball joints will be "stiff" and have little play. All the play in the steering will then come from other worn components. The steering rack bushings **may** be the culprits. I'd also check the control arm bushings. This is something that the tech doing the ball joints should have pointed out.

colombianc

Aligment wasn't done

SorrGwa

iTrader: (1)

get the alignment done.

my steering was screwed after i changed my lower ball joints.

the alignment fixed it right up...

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Most of the time the alignment will be off if you change your lower ball joint. If it's worn, then your alignment is already out of spec. Your toe is probably screwy, and that changes the steering quite a bit.

fasted1953

When I had my lbj's replaced as a precaution, the mechanic said that the camber arm bushings were totally shot. Replacing the camber arms made the car handle like new again.

goodbuds

alignment needs to be done

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

General rule is when ever you do suspension work, alignment should follow to check for OEM specs. whether or not you notice it is a draw of the straws. a few MM may change how your car feels some of us are more keen to feel prior to and after work has been done.

Alignments only go for $70 which is not much considering all the work and effort put to replace/maintain 11 year old parts.

So the answer is Yes, alignments should be done after suspension work. since the eye wont pick up on 3mm +/- differences resulting from part replacement or modifications including wheel and tire change

colombianc

Thanks for all the input, I have a friend who's brother works for Lexus, he will be looking at my car tomorrow. I want to see what he thinks and an aligment will follow.

Ceezo

I did my Ball joints and my steering was drastacally better...id say check bushings and get an alignment