Q: Mine just did and tow driver said it was common in these models -gs 350. I wasn't aware if this. I came to a red light and a sound shot off that sounded like a shot gun. I had no idea what had happened. People were staring at my car with drop jaw. I wondered what could have happened? I went to look at the other side of the car and the whole tire and wheel had broke off and was turned sideways pushing out my fender. oops forgot to share the year of the car is 1999 and has many miles....over 100,000 O.K. I just went outside to check and it is a 300 not 350. don't know if that makes a difference. It just came out of the shop with a $600 bill. I understand my car is made by toyota, but I would never trade it for a camery unless that is what I wanted.
A: When I googled lexus ball joints ,I didn't find anything on the gs 350 model ;I did however find a recall notice on the 300 model; NHTSA Campaign ID #99V12500 recall date:5/19/99 Potential cars affected 2737 Component :Front control arm ;lower ball joint Reason :inadaquate lubrication which causes excessive wear that csan lead to separtation from the steering knuckle and of course the loss of the control of the vehicle -oops You are a very lucky person if that had happened at highway speeds you could have been hurt badly or possibly killed .