Hi all,

Thank you again for your infinite Lexus forum wisdom.

The dealer told me I need to replace one or more front lower control arms. I also notice an alignment issue. Are these related? Also, is it safety issue or car damage issue if I wait a bit on this repair?

Also, should I just go ahead and replace the ball joints on each side even though they did not suggest doing so in their evaluation of the car? I’m looking to cut costs where possible, but I read it’s a good idea to do both at the same time.

Also, is the tire wobble test the best way to know if they need replacing?

Thanks!

 

Control arms have to be really bagged out before the tire wobble test will show it. Worn ball joints however will readily show in the same test. Control arms are "captive" meaning even if the rubber isn't there the wheel/knuckle won't fall away from the rest of the car. It is possible for a ball joint to fail to the point where you lose steering but that happens mostly in the rust belt. If possible go OEM 43330-39435 on the ball joints.

How many miles? My ES is only at 45,000 miles but the rubber is starting to crack due to age.

Alignment can go wonky if the control arm rubber is degraded.

 

Hi there! Thank you for your reply. About 185k.

Do you think I need to replace both or could I get by with just the control arms if the dealer only suggested the control arms? I notice only an alignment issue.

 

At that mileage I would replace both control arms along with ball joints. You'll need a wheel alignment after so not much point in trying to use the old ball joints they might need changing shortly after. Also it can be damn near impossible to get the ball joints out without destroying them. Rear suspension should also be checked for wear items. Are the struts original?

Any chance you can find an independent shop to do this job? Dealers charge a premium and not always premium service.

 

they are definitely related and it must be aligned when you change suspension parts. You can wait on the repair. I was told i needed new struts and control arms. I waited over two years and it was fine. Once the motor mounts gave i finally decided to fix it all at once.

 

I just looked at my service notes and my LCAs lasted to about 290k miles (mostly highway miles/good pavement). I replaced the LCAs, ball joints, and both axles around that point. There’s a big difference between “that LCA has a little crack in the bushing and could be changed” and “yeah that needs to be changed.”

I second what was said above about an indy shop. Get them to take a peek if you aren’t able to judge the bushings and things yourself. Would prefer/trust most of them over most dealerships.

 

Ok, yeah sounds good

They didn’t mention wear on the back but possible

Yeah I for sure have someone else that works on this stuff: the dealer charges crazy prices

Thank you!