shaheedGS

so i went to ask if they could weld my muffler and came with this list , the important one was i think the ball joints , but after they checked the car they told me the intermediate steering shaft doesn't work because the steering wheel doesnt go back smoothly to the center when i am turning , not sure because mine is a SportDesign or the steering shaft doesn't actually works ,

so with the parts list i see the moogs ball joint from rockauto is for $35 is it worth it or there is a better brand ?
the intermediate shaft is making creaking noise and doesn't go back to the center when i turn , should i change it ? and is there a brand someone used ?

captainva

iTrader: (1)

I would get a second opinion on the steering shaft. I think its highly unlikely that anything in the intermediate shaft of the steering went bad and it seems like a BS reason to sell you something. Unless you have a lot of play in your steering I would ask a mechanic you trust before shelling that kind of money to fix nothing

shaheedGS

i don't have any play in the steering wheel but the steering wheel doesnt go back to the middle and it is slightly heavy but not that bad, Living in Michigan with the snow and salt all over the place is kinda making it hard to keep this car in a good shape.

captainva

iTrader: (1)

Have you modified your suspension in any way? Also have you checked your power steering fluid?

shaheedGS

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

I can't tell you if your mechanic is being honest about the part needing to be replaced, but I can tell you that $340.19 is full MSRP for that part and you can definitely get it for at least 20% less from a Lexus parts dealer online.

https://www.mylparts.com/oem-parts/l...ft-4526030080/

Personally, I wouldn't make assumptions about why the steering doesn't return to center until an alignment has been done, but we can't diagnose it from here. I would advise to start with the ball joint replacement and alignment, and see if the problem persists before spending $300 on a part.
As an aside- 2.5hrs for an inspection, damn that must be one thorough inspection.

n1ck

Definitely do the ball joints. I would just do both sides honestly, especially if you're thinking about lowering the car and it has high mileage. I found some OEM LBJs on ebay for a pretty good price. More expensive than Moog, but worth it for me personally.

I would also get a second opinion on the steering before you do anything.

brainsurge

I would change Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends and Upper Control Arms. If the Steering then still fails to center, think further.