Lexus LS400 Ball Joint Check

**Lex400** · 04-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Well after alot of fiddling and prying this way and that with the upper control arm i'm thinking it may be ok so probably i'll just get the inner bushes.

brett_celicacoupe: did you get around to fiiting those bushes from fulcrum.. would be keen to know if they still keep the floaty ride or stiffen it up a fair bit. For 100 both sides i may just give them a go.

I would stay away form the arnotts airbags. After some research on arnotts industries i found alot of people weren't happy with their airbags suspension but as for the arm I haven't come to any conclusion. some people were happy with them although some arms were hard to fit and one of them came with a dust boot missing. They also trade on ebay and have a fair bit of negative feedback but i haven't seen what for yet.

**brett_celicacoupe** · 04-05-2009, 09:36 AM

nah i havent fitted the upper inner bushes yet, its a bit of a mission.

see here for a decent scope of what has to be done http://www.planetsoarer.com/celsior/bushes/bushes.htm

i need to change the LCA ball joint/steering arms first. when i had the car on the hoist last, i could move the uprights up and down a couple mm by supporting the wheel under my shoulder and lifting the whole assembly

**brett_celicacoupe** · 04-05-2009, 09:38 AM

here is also another basic guide for changing the ball joints

http://www.planetsoarer.com/balljoint/index.htm

**brett_celicacoupe** · 04-05-2009, 03:41 PM

okay i just changed the upper control arm bushes. replaced them with the super pro ones from fulcrum for $120.

i also changed the LCA ball joint/steering arm assembly. replaced them with genuine toyota items, $350ish i think.

result: no more knocking over small bumps. steering feels alot better. there was oscillations at various frequencies before.

next step is 2 new tyres on the front and hopefully repair the slight bend in one of the rims. ill also get a wheel alignment soon too as it was a waste of time before

**Lex400** · 11-05-2009, 10:20 PM

Hey brett_celicacoupe, how's the new bushes feeling.. would you recommend using super pro bushes?

Now I'm back to considering possibly ordering some arnnots industry Upper control arms.. anyone interested in doing a group buy??

I'm at a point where I'm not sure with how far i should go replacing all the worn bushes. i think just about every bush is worn and maybe some balljoints as well but am considering another vehicle form the toyota stable sometime within 6-12 months and don't feel comfortable spending 1-2k on these bushes/balljoints alone although i do want to enjoy this car while i have it... would prefer to do performance mods

Can anyone recommend any good suspension shops or mechanics in the sydney area where i can get this car's suspension system checked and possibly some work done.

cheers

**Lex400** · 28-09-2009, 08:56 PM

Its been a while since I posted here but I replaced the UCA bushes around 2-3 months ago.

I went with the Vlamos bushes and so far replaced the front passenger side which was the problem side. I must say these bushes are great and as good as you'll find with alot of the vlamos bushes feedback. It still retains the soft ride but now without the loud clunking noise I use to have. I do have a quieter clunk still so now just to find and fix that noise, guessing it may be lower ball joint. Most important part when fitting these bushes is to ensure the UCA is tightened at its neutral postion as it would normally be when driving.

**brett_celicacoupe** · 28-09-2009, 10:02 PM

i found my factory airbags were the next source of knocking. basically the shock inside them was fucked

**Lex400** · 30-09-2009, 10:36 PM

I'm pretty sure the shocks were replaced within the past few years. When I get the chance and weather permits I'll check all possibilities and start replacing parts were required. So far I know I need to replace steering rack bushes and a front wheel bearing.. although never replaced a wheel bearing before so haven't decided if i'll be attempting it or pass it to a mechanic

**CrUZida** · 30-09-2009, 11:24 PM

Are they air bags?
If they are, then the shocks will be original.

**Lex400** · 01-10-2009, 07:41 PM

No, its got the coil spring suspension. When I replaced the UCA bushes I noticed on the shock a sticker with a date (..2005 from memory) so I assume that was the date they were manufactured. If it was any other car I would think the shocks may be gone due to how soft and floaty it is but I found out thats the luxo barge ride

**Gonzo** · 17-03-2010, 08:35 PM

hey guys, i too am new to the web site and have found myself in the same boat ( ball joints dead ) i own a aust delivered ls400, springs not air bags and was wondering if the product from arnott was suitable for a spring set up rather than the air bag. i dont want to order and strip my car to find out its the wrong type.

**Balljoint** · 23-05-2011, 04:49 PM

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All our ball joints carry a 2 year or 30000km warrantee.
If ball joint servicing is all you need the cost for 2 arms would be $187.00 plus post
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