I love my 2002 and its been great for many years has 180k miles and i need advise on what to try. Front steering feels loose, mild pop sound when backing up turning corners. I have taken wheels off and inspected the lower ball joints did not see any damage though it still feels loose, no wobble. Two months ago just to see i had a front end alignment done but didnt fix. I have saved up $500 so i can afford work. Where do i go next replace both lower ball joints? plus alignment? repack wheel bearings? Thanks for your time and recommendations

 

try fixing the problem before spending money replacing parts.

Check your cvs.

 

You mean check both CV - CV Axle Shafts? the left seem to have the pop sound

 

Maybe ur steering box may need attention O2... or is the looseness actually coming from the knuckle itself...

 

Both wheel bearing are bad will replace

 

Oh ok, Not a big job but the torque specs are important. Let us know how ya make out bud.

 

The single pop when backing up and turning can be from worn tie rod ends. When they wear out they move about too much (rotate on the knuckle) and tie rod bumps on the frame. When you reverse that is when they rotate from one extreme to another. Its a pretty easy to check and replace them.

 

Keep us posted bud.