Just a note to be aware that there is a service notice to lube the front ball joints if necessary. I had my 2001 CLS in today to check on a squeaking, grinding noise coming from the front. It turns out it was a problem related to leaking front ball joints. Don't wait a minute if you hear a similar noise.

Thanks for all the useful info the past three years!

 

I had one of mine go on me already.

It sounded horrible. I was scared to drive the car.

The dealer told me that they've never seen it happen so I figured it was an isolated incident.

 

Ball joints, eh ?? I've had both lower control arms replaced already

 

At what mileage?

 

7500 and 15,000.

I had a little "clunk" in the front at about 4500K miles or so. Figured it was the front swaybar or something. I took a trip up to Maine and it was was getting worst, really annoying me, so I called for service, to have them check it out. Tech adviser said that there was bolts missing and some stripped threads, but they bolted every thing back up as good as they could and had me come back when the control arm came in after a couple days. That was the drivers side.

When I went for the 15K check up, I mentioned that I had a little clunk in the front again. They took a look at it, and had to order the passenger side lower control arm. This time I had to keep the loaner another day, as they said they couldn't let me drive it like that.

This isn't a wide spread problem. I just think that my car was put together (at least the front suspension) on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon

Needless to say, I've had my CLS in for warranty work more times in 15K then my 94 Ford Tbird in ~136K miles

 

damn, I bet some dealers would give you shit if you have springs, or even aftermarket wheels.

 

It's all ball bearings these days...Fletch

 

I've replaced ball joints on cl's and tl's like maybe once a year...not a big problem. They are a big problem on RL's though...even a recall on rl's. But i wouldn't worry about this guys....besides it's impossible to lube them...they're sealed units

 

is the ball joints the same as the tie-end rods? I had my tie -end rod come loose while I was driving and I couldnt steer the car

 

I remeber that one.

 

not impossible to Acura of Ocean in NJ. those fucking assholes supposedly lubed the ball joint. Next thing i know im sitting on my fucking wheel and axle on the street. fucking thing broke. luckily i was coming to a stop, and i was about 5 minutes from the acura dealership.

 

ohh shit...sorry to hear that man...r they fixing it??