How long before balljoints fail completely?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 614
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From: FL
How long before balljoints fail completely?
I noticed today over lunch that my car has began making noises in which I believe to be signs of my ball joints beginning to fail. It almost seems like a ball rolling back and forth (as if on a teeter toter) when turning at times.
I can't seem to find the answer to my specific question. If they just started making noises today, what is everyone's actual experience with how long they will last before failing completely? I have ordered the parts today, but wont have time to install them for another 2 weeks. Am I playing with fire here, or is driving the car for another 2 weeks generally ok?
Thanks in advance.
I can't seem to find the answer to my specific question. If they just started making noises today, what is everyone's actual experience with how long they will last before failing completely? I have ordered the parts today, but wont have time to install them for another 2 weeks. Am I playing with fire here, or is driving the car for another 2 weeks generally ok?
Thanks in advance.
I've had the noise on my car for about a weak before my parts came. It was pretty scary driving it because it could clunk out of my driveway each time. Basically it was a reminder telling me I'm driving a deathbomb 
Try not to do sharp turn or brake hard. You'll put more weight on the joints.
BTW when I pulled off my balljoints, it was actually my passenger side that was going bad. You could tug on the balljoint and feel the socket being loose.
Try not to do sharp turn or brake hard. You'll put more weight on the joints.
BTW when I pulled off my balljoints, it was actually my passenger side that was going bad. You could tug on the balljoint and feel the socket being loose.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 298
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From: Pennsylvania
I agree, dont chance it and take it easy on the car. just so you know my car was like this when i got it @ 129k, so maybe since 120k....and i drove until 140k before i had it done...i just read all sorts of threads and hit the ones about the balljoints and realized mine had the symptoms (noise when turning) so i replaced control arm tie rod end ball joints both sides, really made the car feel better..
I replaced mine aroudn 110k miles and they were in bad shape...then again I was dropped for a good half of those miles. It's pretty simple DIY maybe 2-3hrs depending on your ability.
Yea, if you already know you're gonna do it at some point, might as well do them now. With simple tools, you can both sides done in 30mins maybe 45. 
and change your tie rods while you're at it. I believe Sewell has a kit with both ***** and tie rods for a great price, plus with the CL discount very much worth it.
and change your tie rods while you're at it. I believe Sewell has a kit with both ***** and tie rods for a great price, plus with the CL discount very much worth it.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: KY
I would stop driving the car until you can get them done. They go out on people when they aren't even making noise yet. I don't want to sound dramatic, but that car could litterally kill you every time you drive it. 
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Brett Foote
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Waipahu, Waikele, HI
To answer the question....
How long before balljoints fail completely?
Ummmmm...I'd say the lbj fails completely at 72,345 miles....give or take 70,000 miles.
Sorry...couldn't help it!!!
How long before balljoints fail completely?
Ummmmm...I'd say the lbj fails completely at 72,345 miles....give or take 70,000 miles.
Sorry...couldn't help it!!!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 614
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From: FL
Well I just received my order of both front tie-rod ends and ball joints from Sewell Lexus today. I have an appointment to bring the car in on Friday.
I have been driving the car for the past week (and all this week) just to be sure that if there is a problem, it happens to me and not my wife.
Like I mentioned before, I have only began noticing the noise/looseness in the steering within the last 8-9 days. So hopefully the car will last till Friday for my appointment.
I have been driving the car for the past week (and all this week) just to be sure that if there is a problem, it happens to me and not my wife.
Like I mentioned before, I have only began noticing the noise/looseness in the steering within the last 8-9 days. So hopefully the car will last till Friday for my appointment.
Might as well replace the lower control arms, upper control arms, and steering rack bushings as well. Or at least change the bushings in the control arms. They are all probably shot or near shot by now.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 614
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From: FL
I dropped the GS off at Lexus this morning and just got a call saying it's done. Ended up installing new front ball-joints, front outer tie-rods and doing an allignment.
Now I don't have to be worried everytime I drive it!
Now I don't have to be worried everytime I drive it!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,859
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From: Waipahu, Waikele, HI