Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 1998 Lexus GS

Another Lexus Gs-300 owner filed this report on March 6, 2007: "we own a 1998 Lexus, model Gs 300. This Saturday my wife was driving the Lexus and the entire wheel assembly came off the vehicle due the failure of the lower ball joint. In reviewing recall information for Lexus\Toyota, it is very apparent there is an ongoing issue of quality control related to their lower ball joints. For our specific model, there was a recall in 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97 specific to this part. Given we have a 98 and a recall has not been issued (yet), the Lexus dealership refused to provide us with any accommodation towards fixing the failed part, or the resulting body damage related to the vehicle traveling down the road on only three wheel. Fortunately, we were not traveling on the highway, but a side street when this incident occurred. But moreover, regardless of our financial loss, in my opinion, this is a public safety concern. . . " we experienced a similar failure wherein the lower driver's side ball joint failed while backing out of our driveway. Prior to this event the whole front suspension has been making a "creaking" noise during slow driving while turning.