New Lower Ball Joints = AWESOME
10-06-11, 08:28 PM
#1
New Lower Ball Joints = AWESOME
Thank u everyone for threads on these... they are certainly a must on the update/replace list. Ordered my bushings too but couldn't wait for them to arrive once my ball joints arrived in the office today. I can't believe i was okay with how the car felt before replacing them now that I know the difference.
10-06-11, 11:01 PM
#4
i used OEM replacement parts... first thing i noticed pulling out of the shop was a stiffer touch with the steering... didn't feel so loose and broken in. just tightened up. It felt more responsive. took a look at the old ball joints once they were pulled... turns out i just dodged a bullet. they were both leaking and worn. the only other thing i have right now is the upper strut brace. i'm replacing the lower front brace and lower control arm bushings once those come in. Also looking into a TRD sway bar.
i was so impressed i had to text the shop to tell um after stopping 3 lights later lol
i was so impressed i had to text the shop to tell um after stopping 3 lights later lol
10-07-11, 10:59 AM
#8
Pole Position
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: canada
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I know what your saying!!!! I just got my car back from the shop on Monday. I changed my upper & lower ball joints, it's like a night & day difference it's crazy!!!! My car drives and handles great now compared to how it was driving before!!! And no more clunk sounds!!!!!!:-))
10-07-11, 12:29 PM
#10
Intermediate
LBJs
I just installed OEM LBJs and non-OEM upper arms. Yeah a huge difference, I like my car again, I was going to sell it if this didn't improve things.
NOTE: I installed Beck Arnley LBJs last April and they wore out in that time. I know there is a very interesting post about how the lower trailing arm bushing is what causes the LBJ issue. i boought the Sewell poly bushing for this, but haven't yet installed.
Has anyone else experienced LBJ wear-out in one year?
Did installing the poly bushing extend or normalize the life of the LBJ?
NOTE: I installed Beck Arnley LBJs last April and they wore out in that time. I know there is a very interesting post about how the lower trailing arm bushing is what causes the LBJ issue. i boought the Sewell poly bushing for this, but haven't yet installed.
Has anyone else experienced LBJ wear-out in one year?
Did installing the poly bushing extend or normalize the life of the LBJ?
10-07-11, 04:59 PM
#12
Shops have been telling me that mines are prefectly fine and don't need to be replaced. When I had my car lowered I got new shocks along with the springs then recently had the motor mounts & tranny mounts replaced and noticed my steering is dead on and almost as sharp as my bimmer. I wish there were other 2gs fanatics in San Antonio would love to test out a car that has new LBJ to compare my ride. Glad to see our 2GSs can feel brand new again!
10-07-11, 07:04 PM
#13
Pole Position
Join Date: Sep 2011
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I have high milage I changed them @320000km.... But when I got the car it had 317000km I changed them cause the right side was going to break! But rides real sweet now!!!!! Night& day!!!
10-07-11, 07:09 PM
#14
I must add that you should do the outer AND inner tie rods if you have mileage creeping towards 100K or past 100K and order a set of the new polyurethane PSB(Problem Solving Bushings) steering rack bushings from Sewell Lexus. This along with new balljoints and a good alignment has made my car drive laser great now. The car soaks up bumps now, it seems much more planted and the steering wheel is very tight now! 02GS430 112,000 miles on OEM 17 inch wheels.
10-07-11, 11:09 PM
#15
134k miles and yes milellie i agree ... i'm ordering inner and outer tie rods tomorrow. my issue is waiting for everything to arrive and putting it all on at the same time vs. going to the shop as the show up. I think i've stumbled on my new drug... my name is mike and i'm addicted to modding