Look at the design of the LCA. It's basically a U-channel shape. There is nothing to support the top of the LCA when you apply torque. When you have a box shape LCA, the LCA will have 4 sides to it. 4 sides are better than 3 when it comes to withstanding torque.

On a car like yours where you do not have crazy amount of power, the OEM should be fine. Just get it replaced. It's the bushings that die before the actual arm.

 

I guess it's time to take out the tools and work on your own car. Balljoints are easy to replace. Do you really need a shop?

 

I'm taking my car to the shop of GSteg.

 

Yes

 

slickgt1 just helped me change my lower ball joints. i got a 98 gs300 86k. both ball joints were broken, the left tie rod was leaking too. good thing i researched the forums and picked that up from sewells too. after my experience, i would suggest everyone change their tie rods too while changing the lower ball joint. after the ball joint is off, the tie rod only held by one nut easily removed. the car drives soooo much better.

 

just got mine changed.

2000 GS400 with 18" Rims 69K

Right side was broken.

Replaced both sides.

Parts were $77 a side from Lexus.

The steering wheel feels a lot tighter with no more play at highway speeds.

 

You should do the Daizen steering rack Bushings also.. GSteg did a nice write up and looks fairly easy..

 

How do you change upper and lower ball joints? Where is the cheapest place to get them and struts?

 

This thread is really an eye-opener, I was told by my Lexus tech at about 120K that I should replace my ball joints. I did here the clunking sound going over potholes and train tracks but I just chalked it up to the dealer wanting me to spend additional cash. I now have 160K miles!

Well after reading through this thread I just ordered the following from Sewell:
1 43340-39415-02 - Lexus Lower Ball Joint Set - LH and RH $110.70
1 45460-59015-02 - Lexus GS Outer Tie Rod Ends - RH & LH $97.20
1 G2-2030 - Daizen Steering Rack Bushing Kit $39.95
1 G2-2002 - Daizen Front Control Arm Bushing Set $99.99

Anything else you guys suggest?
And I am shutting down the Lex until the parts arrive and have them installed.

Peace and good looking out CL!

-Mark

 

Have fun installing the control arm bushing

 

Ok, I went to the shop today that installed my coilovers and the rear end squeak came from behind the rotor. I guess there's a adjustment behind there which i didn't do when myself and a buddy put on the rear brembos last year. So as u can see this noise has been going on for a while. The shop tightened both sides because both rotors had way to much play in them.. You need a screwdriver to do the adjustment. The really quieted down the the squeak..

So make sure you double check that while your installing the rotors.. thanks guys..

ball joints are fine after almost a week

Thanks to GSteg and lexforlife for there feedback..

 

It is take around 8-10 hours. Yes, I know it is hard job hehe

 

do not , i repeat do not change the lower control bushing to the daizen 's , you car will tramline like crazy and destroy your tires in no time ....

just change the castor arm and upper a arm bushing but leave the lowers alone

 

hey i just checked my lower ball joints, and they look fine, not torn or anything, i compared it to my new ones i have sitting in the box (that i over paid for them, since lexus decided to have me pay 130 per side...) and they look the same.

i'm going to go return them (didn't even open the package yet) and buy some from sewell when i need to. i'd rather pay 130 for both than for one!

 

from looking at them you cant tell if the joint is compromised just because boot is not torn does not mean they are still good , they wear quickly and if fail while driving you will be paying alot more then 130 to fix car

remove old assembly and check for free play if tight them reinstall