Interesting. When we did PHML's ball joints and tie rods we used the same pitman puller for both and it worked fine. Not sure what size it was, but it fit over the tie rod joint and lower ball joint just fine. I just did my ball joints and tie rods yesterday (Drivers Side) and today (Passenger Side) and the same pitman puller worked on both my joints as well.

The one thing I did notice is you have to try and get the ball joint level (Whether it is the tie rod arm or lower ball joint) as if it is cocked a little its much harder to pop it out. My first attempt my tie rod was at an angle to the mount so the ball joint itself wasn't vertical so the pitman puller kept slipping off. Once I got it all lined up straight the puller stayed put and popped the joint out no problem. For the other side I made sure everything was straight and they all popped out on the first try.

 

Funny, when I bought the pitman puller in CA...I just drove to the nearest Autozone...and asked them for a Pitman Arm puller... and its worked for both LBJ and tie rod.

Finding an adjustable one would be ideal for any future DIYers out there.

 

Just like it said in the title. I am currently out in the San Jose, CA area and have no tools with me since I didn't carry them with my from NC. So does anybody live local that wouldn't mind letting me borrow some tools or a 12 pack of beer or wine?

 

Is Sewell Lexus the only place I can buy lower ball joints on the net? TME use to have it listed but not anymore.

What about Carson ?

Please advise as I need to order ASAP.

 

There are several places online. I ordered mine from rockautoparts. 35.00 a piece.

I installed them on Sunday and they are rock solid.

 

Thanks for rockautoparts I will be ordering from there.

One more quick question I'm ordering a set for me and my buddy. He has a 98 GS and I have a 01 GS...are the ball joints teh same or do I need to order specifics. I recall there was something different about 98s vs 01s.

Please fill me in.

 

On another note I still have yet to see any post 01' models have a ball joint failure.

 

I changed my ball joints yesterday. I bought the tool from Autozone, but it was too big, so I went to look at Advance Auto which was next door. I ended up just getting the loaner tool kit. (Pay for it up front, and when you return it, you get a full refund). It had everything in it all different sizes. I suggest those that do this get go this route. Good luck.

 

joshoowa, the balljoints you order right now will work for all 98-05 GS.

 

Too bad I don't have jack stands...oh wait i dont have a GS yet

 

This DIY is very easy.. I did it a few days ago and it took me longer to jack the car up.. put it on jack stands and take the wheels off then it did to change the ball joint... Just make sure to get a puller from a local store...

I rented it for a refundable $95 and got it back upon return. They have several sizes of pullers... Def an easy job... I would recommend a breaker bar though.. with that it is simple as 1,2,3

 

Looks like I bent the right front passenger spindle on a pothole in the Bronx (along with cracking the front bumper) and will be tackling this in the next few days.

Found out via my last alignment (which took 90 mins) and he couldn't get my camber under 3.5 degrees.

Hopefully this DIY will help.

 

You only need to disconnect the parts in blue arrow. To disconnect the tie rod you need to hold one end and turn the other...see blue circle (don't turn the bolt in the middle of the two blue circle; the tiny red arrow bwtween the two blue circle). That way, you won't need to do alignment right away or at all.



Disconnect the ball joint.
Disconnect the tie rod (reference the blue circle).
Everything comes out.


This is for those that bought the tie rod and ball joint.

 

yikesss cracked bumper too

 

It's cool, she went to see the beautician this morning.