How long does Lexus ball joint last?

How Long Do Lexus Ball Joints Last?
Lexus ball joints can last a significant amount of time, but the specific lifespan can vary depending on several factors.
Type of Ball Joints and Vehicle Suspension System:
– The type of ball joints a vehicle has will depend on its make and model, as well as the type of suspension system it uses. Ball joints can be serviceable or sealed units, with the latter intended to last the full life of the ball joint.
Estimated Lifespan:
– The lifespan of ball joints can depend heavily on the type of vehicle and the kinds of driving it’s subjected to. In general, you can expect to get at least 70,000 miles out of a ball joint before it needs replacement.
– A trusted senior Lexus technician mentioned that ball joints should last about 60,000 miles, possibly less if the car is lowered.
Factors Affecting Lifespan:
– Vehicles with strut-type front suspensions have only lower ball joints, but double-wishbone styles have upper and lower ball joints. They often last more than 100,000 miles but can wear out earlier if driven frequently on rough roads, which puts more stress on the suspension.
– Load-bearing ball joints that carry the weight of the vehicle tend to wear out sooner than those that aren’t load-bearing.
Signs of Wear and Replacement:
– Ball joints should exhibit obvious signs of wear before breaking, and they are usually replaced if they have excessive play, are loose, or if the dust boot is damaged.
– Mechanics have specific instructions from car manufacturers on how to inspect ball joints and when a ball joint is deemed to be bad.
In conclusion, the lifespan of Lexus ball joints can vary based on the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and the specific type of ball joint used. Regular inspections and attention to signs of wear are important for ensuring the safety and longevity of the ball joints.

Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?

There’s no denying that it’s very important to replace your ball joints when needed. However, it’s worth noting that doing that doesn’t necessarily mean you need an alignment. The only time you need one after replacing the ball joints is if the previous alignment was performed when ball joints were not in good shape.

Is it worth replacing ball joints?

Ball joints play a major role in the steering and suspension of cars and can last a long time. However, driving on bad ball joints can cause major damage and total ball joint failure can be fatal.

Is replacing ball joints a big job?

Ball joint replacement is not straightforward, as they can be very tricky to access and install – especially with age and rust.

How many miles do ball joints last?

70,000 to 150,000 miles
Answer: Any joint that exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear needs to be replaced. Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint.

What are the symptoms of a failing ball joint?

But when there’s a problem with a ball joint, you’ll see signs well before it completely fails and separates.

• Clunking Noises.
• Steering Wander.
• Uneven Tire Wear.
• Vibration.
• Steering Difficulty.

Can you replace just the ball joint without replacing control arm?

In the case of a ball joint mounted on a cast track control arm you can often settle for only replacing the ball joint if the bushings of the track control arms do not show signs of wear and tear.

How urgent is ball joint replacement?

Ball joints play a major role in the steering and suspension of cars and can last a long time. However, driving on bad ball joints can cause major damage and total ball joint failure can be fatal. If you’re unsure about the condition of the ball joints in a car, then speak to a garage about good quality replacements.

Should you replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time?

Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four). Another item that should be checked when ball joints are replaced is the stud hole in the steering knuckle — especially if the ball joint stud has broken or is loose.

How often do you need to replace ball joints?

There’s no set time to replace your vehicle’s ball joints, they’re usually replaced when they start to show the symptoms we’ve discussed. But of course, you should get your mechanic to check the ball joints to ensure that they’re working properly.

Is it common for ball joints to go bad?

Ball joints are a common culprit. If the rattling is more pronounced as you go over bumps and dips in the road, then it’s almost certainly coming from a suspension problem. Over time, the sound may get louder as the ball joint wears further and becomes even looser as you drive.