Hello everyone:

The steering occasionally shakes a little, especially after hitting a bump. Lifted the front end and tried to shake the wheels. Grabbing at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, I hear a clicking but there is not much movement. Grabbing at the 3 and 9 positions feels quite solid. A little clicking (much less than when grabbing 12-6) but it might still be the ball joints. I think the steering is fine.

Am I correct in my assessment that some (which ones?) ball joints are loose? Do I replace them all? 129K miles. Do the uppers or lowers wear out faster consistently?

If I do replace them all, which ones are best? Rock auto has quite a selection here:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ll+joint,10070

The only 2 brands (in the Daily Driver section - I want to install good quality ones that will last) that have both upper and lower are Dorman (upper 533316, lower 533261) and Delphi (upper TC2208, lower TC597). Which ones are better? Which ones are used by the manufacturer?

Does anyone have a better supplier/brand?

I'm going to ask my local mechanic to do the actual work.

Thanks for any info.

 

Well, I ended up getting the Dorman ones. Both upper and lower. Also got heavy-duty rear shocks. The rear end was really bouncing. The local mechanic will replace them in the next few days.

 

Have you ever replaced inner control arm bushings? The vibration in the steering might be coming from those ones being worn out.