Don't Forget to Replace Those Balljoints!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 57
From: CA
Don't Forget to Replace Those Balljoints!
Hi guys,
When I bought my 2001 GS430 in 2011 (90k miles), the first thing I did was replace the balljoints with MOOG replacements from RockAuto. However, I know a lot of guys here are running around on original balljoints with well over 100K miles.
Yesterday I am out for a walk with the family near our home in the SF Bay Area. As we are walking, I hear a loud tire screeching sound that lasted 2-3 seconds. I look back and see a gold 01-05 GS430 with the driver's side front wheel facing nearly perpendicular to the fender... yup classic failed lower balljoint.
I go up to the owner to give him a hand but the car won't roll. Luckily a nearby business had some cones which we put around the car while he waited for a tow truck.
Interestingly, up to now I have only heard of these balljoints failing at slow speed while turning as that stresses the balljoints. However, in this case, he was going completely straight down the road probably doing 40mph or so, as was confirmed by the 50+ ft of rubber he left behind him as he dragged the broken wheel sideways down the road.
Folks, these balljoints are cheap. If your balljoints have 100K miles or more, get them changed out.
Here is a picture I took of his car yesterday. As you can see, the fender is trashed and the balljoint stud is broken off.
Be safe out there guys.
When I bought my 2001 GS430 in 2011 (90k miles), the first thing I did was replace the balljoints with MOOG replacements from RockAuto. However, I know a lot of guys here are running around on original balljoints with well over 100K miles.
Yesterday I am out for a walk with the family near our home in the SF Bay Area. As we are walking, I hear a loud tire screeching sound that lasted 2-3 seconds. I look back and see a gold 01-05 GS430 with the driver's side front wheel facing nearly perpendicular to the fender... yup classic failed lower balljoint.
I go up to the owner to give him a hand but the car won't roll. Luckily a nearby business had some cones which we put around the car while he waited for a tow truck.
Interestingly, up to now I have only heard of these balljoints failing at slow speed while turning as that stresses the balljoints. However, in this case, he was going completely straight down the road probably doing 40mph or so, as was confirmed by the 50+ ft of rubber he left behind him as he dragged the broken wheel sideways down the road.
Folks, these balljoints are cheap. If your balljoints have 100K miles or more, get them changed out.
Here is a picture I took of his car yesterday. As you can see, the fender is trashed and the balljoint stud is broken off.
Be safe out there guys.
Last edited by BayAreaLex; Apr 4, 2016 at 03:48 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: CA
Good advice. Mine were changed--but what is the lifespan of the ball joint? ie, if they are changed at say, 125k, when are they due for another change?
And just morbid curiosity: did this happen in the city, or out in the burbs?
And just morbid curiosity: did this happen in the city, or out in the burbs?
mate01, I've got 175k on my 2001 GS430. I'm afraid this may happen to me soon. What is the lifespan on these things? Was his car lowered by chance?
mateo01,
Is not a lifespan time for this? They are way too factors to determine that.
First, as you driving your car for example. If you drive your car very aggressively, what happen?? The life of them is shorter
and vice versa, If you drive your car very nice and the road on your area are good, they last much longer. It makes sense this for you? 
Also, Parts are parts and can fail in any moment.
mateo01,
Is not a lifespan time for this? They are way too factors to determine that.
First, as you driving your car for example. If you drive your car very aggressively, what happen?? The life of them is shorter
and vice versa, If you drive your car very nice and the road on your area are good, they last much longer. It makes sense this for you? Also, Parts are parts and can fail in any moment.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 57
From: CA
I am not sure what the lifetime recommendation is from the manufacturer but I do know that a lot of guys on this forum follow ~100K miles or so.
Remember, when one of these goes, it totally takes out the fender and can put your life in severe risk depending on when it fails.
Also, the MOOG replacements come with grease fittings. They also look noticeably beefier than OEM. I have about 30K miles on mine and have been happy with them.
And this happened outside of the city, on the Peninsula. The car did not appear to be lowered.
Best of luck guys!
Remember, when one of these goes, it totally takes out the fender and can put your life in severe risk depending on when it fails.
Also, the MOOG replacements come with grease fittings. They also look noticeably beefier than OEM. I have about 30K miles on mine and have been happy with them.
And this happened outside of the city, on the Peninsula. The car did not appear to be lowered.
Best of luck guys!