carlastang

Alright, so I recently started hearing loud squeaks from the front while turning the wheel and read that this may be due to faulty ball joints. The car has been making a slight bit of rough sounds while driving therefore I'm quite sure some components are failing. The power steering is working just fine. Anyway, I figured that while I have the suspension opened up I can replace some other parts. I have 113,000 miles and all front suspension is factory original. So 3 questions:
1: I read in my Hanes manual that the control arm and coils are to be removed for ball joint replacement. Is this true?

2: Any suggestions on tools for the job?

3: easy upgrades while I'm under the fender? IE: bushings, tie-rod ends, etc. (I'm not considering new springs for sport suspension btw)

I have moderate experience with this type of work, just not doing ball joints ever. On a scale of 1-10 with comfort and skill, I would say I'm a 6

THANKS

wizwrath

No matter what anyone tells you, you have to be very careful of the coil springs, if you can get the tool to press on and then off the ball joint you it will save you a lot of hassles, and always use a heavy duty chain to secure the coil spring so it dont unload out of the pockets. If you cant get the tool, then the spring has to come out. If you can get a coil spring compressor that will be safer too. I would look into changing out the A-arm bushings, tie-rod ends, sway bar bushings (all of them), and maybe your steering rack too.