Lower Ball joints
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 956
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
my gs has 169k. im not sure if the previous owner did them or not but this thread scares the **** out of me so i just ordered a set of moogs from rock auto. $94 for the pair with 2 day shipping. hopefully i will have time to knock them out this week.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Did as you suggested and read through the whole thread.
A lot of the post were from people whose OEM balljoints failed drastically and suggestions that people change theirs. Ok, got that part. Then there's people mentioning that they replaced their OEM balljoints with OEM balljoints (the ones that I'm questioning if the quality is the same as the ones they replaced). There's some mention of the newer year balljoints being maybe better, but nothing concrete. Then there's a member whose balljoint failed after two years, which makes me question the OEM replacement balljoint even more. But since there's only one poster so far, it's not very conclusive. So I guess no answer yet to my question of why replace the OEM balljoint the we know fails drastically with another albeit brand new OEM balljoint that could fail just as bad? It would be like replacing defective part with a newer defective part.
Also on the part where I mentioned if there is a bulletin or a recall, there's none that I found for the 2nd gen GS just the 1st gen.
So anybody who wants to correct me or enlighten me, please do so.
A lot of the post were from people whose OEM balljoints failed drastically and suggestions that people change theirs. Ok, got that part. Then there's people mentioning that they replaced their OEM balljoints with OEM balljoints (the ones that I'm questioning if the quality is the same as the ones they replaced). There's some mention of the newer year balljoints being maybe better, but nothing concrete. Then there's a member whose balljoint failed after two years, which makes me question the OEM replacement balljoint even more. But since there's only one poster so far, it's not very conclusive. So I guess no answer yet to my question of why replace the OEM balljoint the we know fails drastically with another albeit brand new OEM balljoint that could fail just as bad? It would be like replacing defective part with a newer defective part.
Also on the part where I mentioned if there is a bulletin or a recall, there's none that I found for the 2nd gen GS just the 1st gen.
So anybody who wants to correct me or enlighten me, please do so.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Moog is one of the oldest suspension parts manufacturers in the world and their quality has always been stellar. I always use OEM Lexus parts but in this case, I would make an exception. I have the local Toyota dealer service my car and have them check the ball joints regularly. (They are nearing the outside of the tolerance for play) When they do need to be replaced, I will probably use Moog.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Just ordered my ball joints. Front end is making a lot of noise over bumps. Hopefully it's the ball joints. I don't think the previous owner ever replaced them. Found the moog ball joints cheapest on rock auto.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: TX
I have an IS250 with 49300 miles on it. I noticed some noise and steering was pulling a little to the right, so I took it to firestone to get it check out. The guy there said my right lower ball joints is bad and I need to replace it. Firestone quoted for part and labor cost $362. Questions: 1) Does Lexus warranty cover ball joints replacement? 2) What can I do to lower the price? 3) Can I order the part and let them install it? From what I read so far, the lower ball joint cost only around $100, not $220 like the quote said.
I'm pretty clueless about car, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
I'm pretty clueless about car, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Lower Ball Joints
A couple of weeks ago I started hearing noises in the front end. I came to this forum and read the suspension sticky and immediately became aware of the ball joint issue I bought my Lexus new in 2000 and have140,000 miles on it now. Not knowing if this was my problem I ordered new ones and new tie rod ends. I looked up the thread on installation and proceeded to install the ends and joints.
When I finished took it for a spin and no noise.
Its been a couple of weeks and the noise is gone. I want to thank those that did the write-ups on this problem. I got a safety issue fixed and I did it myself. 
When I finished took it for a spin and no noise.
Its been a couple of weeks and the noise is gone. I want to thank those that did the write-ups on this problem. I got a safety issue fixed and I did it myself.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
I'm at 133,000. It just happened to me. I had no idea that could happen, it had been making noise for awhile. I took it to lexus and they said it needed repair but it was so expensive I asked what needed to be done first they said new tires and alignment and the other could wait, ok to drive. It's wasn't, scared the crud out of me and my 5 year old. luckily we were not injured.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: TX
I'm at 133,000. It just happened to me. I had no idea that could happen, it had been making noise for awhile. I took it to lexus and they said it needed repair but it was so expensive I asked what needed to be done first they said new tires and alignment and the other could wait, ok to drive. It's wasn't, scared the crud out of me and my 5 year old. luckily we were not injured.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: il
order parts from net store and find mechanic on craigslist if you cant afford dealer or certified shop i know its a risk
i found a guy that changed 2 upper control arms 2 lower ball joints 2 caster arms and 4 struts for $150
i found a guy that changed 2 upper control arms 2 lower ball joints 2 caster arms and 4 struts for $150
So i heard a slight noise from the front right on my 2002 gs300 sport design, and went ahead and ordered K500102/101 MOOG lower ball joints, they were like 30 bucks a piece. I havent checked them, but im assuming its the ball joints? I didn't order the tie rod ends because the dealer checked them like a month ago and said they were fine, (they did say the ball joints had play in them though). The car only has 78k miles, but i figured id just replace them now. Already replaced the right upper control arm (paid $500, didnt realize back then how easy they are to replace), but the left seems completely fine. Regarding another car, (2000 gs300) the dealer replaced the balljoints at 60k miles, the car now has 107k. Does anyone think i need to replace them again, or am i fine? Its not making any noises, i just want to make sure. Thanks in advance
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Washington
So i heard a slight noise from the front right on my 2002 gs300 sport design, and went ahead and ordered K500102/101 MOOG lower ball joints, they were like 30 bucks a piece. I havent checked them, but im assuming its the ball joints? I didn't order the tie rod ends because the dealer checked them like a month ago and said they were fine, (they did say the ball joints had play in them though). The car only has 78k miles, but i figured id just replace them now. Already replaced the right upper control arm (paid $500, didnt realize back then how easy they are to replace), but the left seems completely fine. Regarding another car, (2000 gs300) the dealer replaced the balljoints at 60k miles, the car now has 107k. Does anyone think i need to replace them again, or am i fine? Its not making any noises, i just want to make sure. Thanks in advance