Before ordering, verify:
- Vehicle year, model and trim
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- Left- and right-side OE numbers
- Mounting-hole locations
- Stud taper and thread
- Housing shape
- Production date or VIN-specific differences
What Comes in the Kit?
The package includes:
- One front lower driver-side ball joint
- One front lower passenger-side ball joint
These are side-specific components. Compare each replacement with the removed joint before installation instead of assuming the parts are interchangeable from side to side.
Mounting hardware, cotter pins or replacement fasteners should only be listed as included if they are physically present in the package. Inspect the box before taking the suspension apart. Discovering missing hardware after the car is on stands is an old garage tradition that nobody needs to preserve.
Why Replace Both Front Ball Joints?
Ball joints allow the steering knuckle to move while maintaining a controlled connection to the suspension. They operate through steering movement, suspension travel, braking loads and road impacts every time the vehicle is driven.
When one original ball joint is worn, the joint on the opposite side has usually experienced similar mileage and operating conditions. Replacing both sides together can provide more consistent steering response and save a second round of labor.
A two-piece replacement is especially sensible when:
- Both dust boots are cracked or leaking grease
- Both joints show measurable play
- The vehicle has high or unknown mileage
- Suspension work is already underway
- Uneven tire wear appears on both front wheels
- The car is receiving new control arms, bushings or dampers
If you’re refreshing more than one suspension component, the Pro Street Energy Suspension buying guide explains how worn bushings can contribute to steering wander, inconsistent alignment and unwanted suspension movement.
Symptoms of a Bad Lexus Ball Joint
Common signs of a failing front lower ball joint include:
- Clunking over bumps
- Knocking while entering driveways
- Loose or vague steering
- Steering-wheel vibration
- Uneven front-tire wear
- Alignment settings that will not remain stable
- A torn or grease-covered dust boot
- Visible movement between the joint and steering knuckle
These symptoms do not automatically prove that the ball joint is bad. Worn control-arm bushings, sway-bar links, tie-rod ends, wheel bearings and loose hardware can make similar noises.
A proper front-end inspection should be performed before ordering parts. Replacing the same component repeatedly because a clunk “sounds like it’s coming from there” is an expensive diagnostic strategy.
Construction and Quality Standards
According to the supplied product information, these GOAT Parts suspension components are manufactured in facilities certified to IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality-management standards.
Those certifications relate to manufacturing and quality-control systems. They should not be interpreted as proof that every component fits every version of a model. The VIN, drivetrain and original part numbers remain the final fitment checks.
The ball joints are marketed as direct-replacement components engineered for:
- Vehicle-specific mounting
- Controlled suspension articulation
- Consistent steering-knuckle movement
- Everyday street use
- Domestic and imported passenger-vehicle applications
- Resistance to normal suspension loads and road vibration
Installation Notes
Ball-joint replacement is an intermediate-to-advanced suspension repair. The vehicle must be raised at the correct lifting points and supported by properly rated jack stands. Read the Pro Street guide on how to use an automotive jack safely before working underneath the car.
Typical tools may include:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Metric socket and wrench set
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench
- Ball-joint separator
- Pry bar
- Penetrating oil
- Appropriate press or service tools
- New one-time-use hardware where specified
Do not let the brake caliper hang from its hose. Protect the ABS wiring, and avoid striking the steering knuckle or threaded stud carelessly.
Always follow the Lexus service procedure for your exact VIN. Torque values can differ by model, year and suspension configuration, so generic internet numbers should not replace the factory service information.
Pro Street’s OEM replacement parts guide also covers the importance of checking dimensions, hardware and application details before dismantling the car.
Is an Alignment Required After Ball-Joint Replacement?
A professional wheel alignment is strongly recommended after replacing front ball joints or disturbing related suspension connections.
The ball joint is part of the assembly that locates the steering knuckle. Even if the repair does not include a factory alignment adjustment, existing wear may have influenced the previous measurements. Checking camber, caster and toe protects the tires and confirms that the suspension is operating correctly.
Inspect the following components at the same time:
- Lower control-arm bushings
- Upper control arms
- Inner and outer tie-rod ends
- Sway-bar links and bushings
- Wheel bearings
- Struts or shock absorbers
- Tires
- ABS wiring and brackets
If the vehicle is lowered or fitted with aftermarket wheels, confirming alignment and clearance becomes even more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit fit AWD Lexus models?
No. The stated applications are for RWD vehicles unless the model, such as the GS450h or IS F, is listed without a drivetrain distinction. Lexus AWD models can use different ball-joint housings and suspension geometry. Verify by VIN and OE number.
Are these upper or lower ball joints?
This kit contains two front lower ball joints.
Does the kit include both sides?
Yes. It includes one driver-side and one passenger-side front lower ball joint.
Does it fit the 2006 Lexus GS300?
Yes, the listed application is the 2006 Lexus GS300 with rear-wheel drive. It should not be assumed to fit the AWD model.
Does it fit the 2007–2011 Lexus GS350?
Yes, but only the RWD GS350 applications listed here. AWD versions use different components.
Does it fit the Lexus IS F?
The stated fitment covers the 2008–2014 Lexus IS F.
Can bad ball joints cause uneven tire wear?
Yes. Excessive joint movement can let suspension geometry change while driving. However, worn bushings, incorrect alignment and damaged steering components can produce similar wear. Inspect the entire front suspension before blaming one part.
Is professional installation recommended?
Yes. These parts affect steering and suspension security. If you do not have the correct lifting equipment, separation tools and torque information, have a qualified technician perform the repair.
The NHTSA tire-safety guide explains why regular tire inspection and proper maintenance matter. Abnormal tire wear after a suspension repair should never be ignored.
Final Verdict
This two-piece lower ball joint kit is a practical option for replacing the left and right front joints on the specified RWD Lexus IS and GS applications. Its main advantages are matched-side replacement, broad Lexus fitment and production under recognized automotive quality-management systems.
The critical detail is drivetrain. Confirm RWD fitment, compare both original joints and check the VIN before ordering. Once installed, have the front suspension inspected and aligned. That is cheaper than sacrificing a set of tires to the gods of “it looked straight in the driveway.”
OE/ Interchange Part Number: 4334039505,4333039625
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