I'll be changing my front lower ball joints very very soon.. I read someone changing the outer tie rod ends as well.. Is it necessary or i'll be okay by just replacing the lower ball joints? Also i still have power train warranty on my car. Am i covered or not? Please advice!!

 

I left my tie rods alone. You can change it if you want, but I decided mine were still good. I dont think powertrain covers suspension, only engine/transmission. I have no idea since i never had warranty. lol

 

I had Lexus change out my lower ball joints last May. I had the outer tie rod ends in the trunk just in case the tech felt he should replace those too. As it turns out, the tie rod ends were fine and didn't need replacing. Everyone always says that you may as well replace the tie rod ends at the same time you replace the lower ball joints because they're right there, but, as I understand, the tie rod ends don't take nearly the same beating as the lower ball joints. Hope this helps.

e

 

all joints take the weight of teh vehicle constantly...
toe rod ends only take the load of the wheel on the steering rack...

my philosophy.. if it ain't broke, don't fix it... or if it ain't broke and you fix it, you'll go broke fixin' it...

 

The reason i'm asking is because i'm ordering from sewell lexus.. If i should replace the tie rods, i will order it at the same time with the lower ball joints to save on shipping cost.. Also since i'm replacing the ball joints i can replace the tie rods at the same time and save labor.. You guys know wat i mean?

Tommy

 

hi tommy,

something to consider. if you change the tie rod, i believe you have to get another alignment.

if you just change the ball joints, no alignment is needed.

i changed both ball joints and outer tie rods just to be on the safe side.