A heads up for everyone in NZ. I've just seen a copy of the latest MTA news letter at work & it has a section for unusual wof faults found on vehicles. One of the mechanics pointed it out to me as Altezza's ball joints are mentioned.

So I guess there will be a few more people getting failed on them now, which is probably a good thing as quiet a few have gone un-noticed on here, including my own.

Thanks for the heads up man.
These aren't to expensive to replace are they ?,
Just a wheel alignment afterwards ?

Nar generally no alignment is needed but just keep in mind that if you had an alignment done previously, it's probably aligned to the old sloppy balljoints, so although it's not needed, it is recommended.

Not dear at all.
RRP - $80.00+GST
VIP - $56.00+GST

Since 1998, the balljoints for Altezza/IS200/IS300s have been superseded twice already, currently on the 3rd generation of balljoints.

And yes, they are indeed very common, I go through approx 5 pairs a week here, nearly 1 pair a day

Mine were $70 each + 2hrs labour.

DEFINITELY wheel alignment afterwards.

http://z4.invisionfree.com/lexusaltezzaclu...?showtopic=9344

You shouldn't need an alignment - the four bolts that get undone are all fixed, so can only go back into the same place they came out of.

I just had one done the other week, paid an hour. Should've done them both. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20

2 hours labour!?!?!?!?! :blink: If they are the ones i am thinking of, they're half an hour job to do both sides!

Yes we got our warrant last week and sure enough thats the only thing that the Tez Failed on... :rolleyes:

mine failed twice it for ball joints and replaced them for around 70-80 dollars each....yes a wheel alignment is a good idea to do after it !!!

mine are 165 a side :\(includes balljoint and arm)
unless some1 here can get me them cheaper ;)

Do they not check these as part of a standard service at Toyota dealers?

I'm due up for 90K service, so will remember to ask them to take a look.

$165 a side :o someones having a laugh

Did you not see the 3rd post?

iv done both of mine only afta 196000km so i go a good run out of mine and did it in 15 min

u live in nz i live in tasmania....

Oh haha. PM Nick, It'll work out cheaper to get a pair off him including freight. NZ$80 = AU$65 a side!

Bugger! Failed WOF today for guess what? front lower ball joints :S
So what would be a good time for changing them? I have figured about 1-1 1/2 hours labour?
Cheers

Half an hour a side.

I'm wondering if we've all been running on buggered ball joints for years, and everyone's just noticing it since this newsletter.

nahh we have known these as a common fault for ages almost every1 i check has buggered ball joints

Had my wof done a few days ago with no problems!! I should drive my car harder rofl

Had my car serviced at Rutherford and Bond Toyota in Wellington. They reckon checking the ball joints was part of the regular service, but they didn't think there was any problem with mine.

However, they found the shocks were leaking instead :(
Thanks to Nick, getting replacement front shocks at a great price.

If the ball joints are buggered do they make any clunking noises or anything?

Mine made a real loud squeaking noise when turning the wheel, not a clink clink clink noise