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Lexus IS: How to Replace Ball Joints

Worn ball joints can affect your Lexus IS' handling and your comfort. Replace them yourself using this step-by-step guide.

By Piyush Kayastha - December 10, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2013).

Worn or damaged ball joints can affect the handling of your Lexus IS on the road. While cornering, your car will feel sloppy and disengaged. In "sudden" or "hard stop" situations, you will feel a noticeable clunk. A car's suspension comprises of many components. Ball joints are crucial to the longevity of a comfortable, well handling ride. They cost around $30-$50 each. Another cost is renting or purchasing a Control Arm Puller SST for $10-$15. Optional costs include tie rods (which run about $25 a side online) and control arm bushings (priced at around $35). Reputable shops can charge $75/hour plus the cost of the parts, so you'll be saving a substantial amount.

Materials Needed

  • Hydraulic jack with jack stands and wheel chocks
  • 14mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm and 27mm sockets
  • Breaker bar
  • Control Arm Puller SST
  • Torque wrench
  • Flat head screw driver
  • Pliers

Step 1 - Loosen the front wheels and raise the car

Using the breaker bar, loosen the wheel lugs on both front wheels. Chock the back wheels and raise the car with the jack.

Figure 1. Raise the car with a jack.

Step 2 - Remove caliper bolts

There are two 14mm bolts to be removed.

Figure 2. The caliper bolts are indicated.

Pro Tip

Use a hanger to secure the caliper off to the side or place atop a spare jack stand or cinder block.

Step 3 - Remove tie rod crown nut

Use pliers to remove the cotter pin from the crown nut. Use 17mm socket wrench to remove the nut.

Fig. 3. Using pliers to remove cotter pin.

Step 4 - Separate control arm from tie rod

Using the SST Puller, separate the rod from the arm.

Figure 4. Rod being separated from arm.

Pro Tip

The Pitman Arm Puller can be rented/purchased from many auto stores such as Autozone.

Step 5 - Remove ball joint bolt

Use the 27mm socket to undo the bolt holding the ball joint in place.

Figure 5. Remove this bolt with a 27mm socket.

Pro Tip

There is also a cotter pin that needs to be removed prior.

Step 6 - Remove ball joint bolts from knuckle

Two 17mm nuts secure the ball joint to the knuckle. Undo these with a socket wrench.

Figure 6. The bolts connected to the knuckle are indicated.

Step 7 - Separate ball joint from control arm

Screw the pin down to separate the ball joint from the arm.

Figure 7. A separated ball joint.

Pro Tip

Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the rubber boot on the old ball joint to secure the puller.

Step 8 - Installation is reverse of removal

Re-install components in the order you removed them. Don't forget to torque!

Figure 8. Old joint vs new.

Pro Tips

  • Lower bolts to hold new ball joint to knuckle: 83ft/lb torque
  • Lower ball joint: 112 ft/lb torque
  • Tie rod end: 48ft/lb torque
  • Caliper bolts: 87ft/lb torque

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