OEM Ball joints vs. Aftermarket Made in China Ball joints
#4
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I got aftermarket non oem for the LS
works fine. Also, considering that our oem ones have a lifespan of 80,xxx - ???,??? miles than i think anything else may be equal or better lol.
I had a 1990 accord on original balljoints with 220,000 miles. sad
Funny thing is that ALL lexus mechanics and specialists dont know about the BJ problem! They all either deny knowing or not know at all.
works fine. Also, considering that our oem ones have a lifespan of 80,xxx - ???,??? miles than i think anything else may be equal or better lol.
I had a 1990 accord on original balljoints with 220,000 miles. sad
Funny thing is that ALL lexus mechanics and specialists dont know about the BJ problem! They all either deny knowing or not know at all.
#5
Was under the impression after reading all the balljoint forum threads that just the stock balljoints that shipped with 98-00 years "sucked". The replacement "OEM" ones are not direct copies but updated versions which don't have problems which is why 2001+ owners aren't seeing their wheels falling off.
Last edited by raytseng; 03-30-08 at 12:22 PM.
#7
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Was under the impression after reading all the balljoint forum threads that just the stock balljoints that shipped with 98-00 years "sucked". The replacement "OEM" ones are not direct copies but updated versions which don't have problems which is why 2001+ owners aren't seeing their wheels falling off.
i have a 2000 and i really need front ball joints. do you guys have a part number or a good place to order ??
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#9
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It's a $130 replacement...just to save a few bucks I wouldn't risk the consequenses that might come with the China made products. Not to offend anyone, but I would rather go with the safer OEM ones if I were you.
#10
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Seriously guys, this is a serious issue. Dont nickel and dime a maintanence problem like this one. I went thru TM Engineering. Did balljoints, inner/outter tie rods, control arm brushing kit, and daizen sways all at once. Best thing I ever did for the GS. Oh I replaced them at around 77-78k on my 1999. The ball joints were already making noise and were making my handling sloppy. If your over 80k, you need to address this problem, TODAY.
#11
With the clarity that the replacement ones would be "updated" versions and not the same, I think it's all sorted.
#12
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Yeah, just wanted pinpoint the danger in using Ebay ball joints. =)
#13
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i cant find the price on sewell's site. i saw part number 43330k in the picture but dont see the item in the list below. man.. everytime i read about ball joints i get really scared. ahh
#14
Click on common service items. It's on the first page. Also consider any other items there that you might need (thumbs up for daizen steering rack bushing kit).
43340-39415-02
http://www.lexus-parts.com/parts_detail.asp?id=90178
Check the vendor forum area for possible coupon code.
Last edited by raytseng; 03-31-08 at 01:32 PM.
#15
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Mevotech & Moog (reputable aftermarket companies) make ball joints for various Lexus models including the 2nd gen GS. I replaced my oem ball joints on the GS back in 2003 with Moog. The Moogs held up for 2 years, only to be replaced in 2005 with the oem units. So far so good with the oem units, and we are in 2008.. I have yet to try the Mevotech units, but they sure look better than Lexus oem. The outer casing appears to be made of a stronger rubber or polyurethane material. Not sure about the internals.. Here it is below.
Does anyone know what if any improvements were done to the 2001 & up ball joints for the 2nd gen GS??
Does anyone know what if any improvements were done to the 2001 & up ball joints for the 2nd gen GS??