what options for changing front ball joints?

[xagna]

I keep hearing some clunking noises from engine bay and this only happens when I turn the steering wheel to park. So I suspect that front ball joints are at the end of their lives.What are my options in regard to changing the front ball joints do you all think? Do I just get new ball joints or is it more economical to change the entire front lower control arms? I want to do this job myself. If you could recommand some products, I would appreciate a lot.

[NISTECH]

I believe the ball joints only come as part of the control arm assembly. You can do this your self. You need to support the chassis of the car during R&R. Do not tighten the control arm bolts/nyts to the chassis all the way till the car is setting on the ground though. tighten them only hand tight when you install them then let the car down on the ground and torque them to spec. This allows the bushings in the control arm to take a natural curb stance position so they are not twisted and suffer premature wear.

[skydragoness]

You sure this is your balljoints? How are your front strut mounts? Inside is a bearing that can get gunked up and 'pop' a lot everytime you turn the wheel close to full lock. What car is this on anyway? year?

[navysnail]

my brothers car did the same thing, and i have seen it on other cars as well, just as sky said, the strut bearing can do the exact same thing.

[xagna]

You sure this is your balljoints? How are your front strut mounts? Inside is a bearing that can get gunked up and 'pop' a lot everytime you turn the wheel close to full lock. What car is this on anyway? year?

Gosh, thanks a lot. I will look at the strut mount.