Replaced my front struts last week and after getting an alignment I still get a loud popping sound. Its louder/worse on the passenger side. Aside from struts and strut mount, what else should be replaced to bring my handling back.

Someone at work told me that the ball joint could be worn out and in need of replacing. Im wondering the difficulty of this job?

It'* possible, but I'm surprised they didn't notice this during the alignment process.

the ball joints are typically a little hard to get loose from the spindle if they havent been done. i havent done one on a bonnie though

Ball joints are a pain in the *** for our cars. Especially if they're riveted in. The long and short of it is you have to drill it out. I did that. It took me a full day and ruined a set of drill bits in the process (note: buy a new set and then warranty them out as soon as you're done with the job, like I did).

Here is a link to the RIVAL site (IM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THEM, THERES JUST GOOD INFORMATION IN IT)
Replacing Ball Joints '92 to '99. Other MY may be similar. : Suspension & Steering


Some people suggest buying a new control arm all together. It might be the cheaper route to go.

I'm surprised the forum software allowed that link to be posted.

If one were to look, we do have one of our own.

https://www.gmforum.com/mechanical-1...joints-297462/

The front ball joints are riveted, replacement part uses bolts, make sure you get the best drill bit you can find, or two

rear ball joints are pressed in using a big c clamp you can usually barrow from autoparts store to push out and press back in

to check the ball joinrs, simply take a jack, under a arms and lift un til tire come off the ground a little

take a pry bar, two by four, or even a shovel, wedge under tire and pry upwards a few time, if you see movement other than the strut moving with it, or hear clunking as u pry..feel looseness....time to pop off wheel and inspect ball joint as you pry, and inspect hub for play


hope this helps

I finally got it back to the shop that did the alignment and had them go through it. Turns out I didn't tighten down the mounts enough... oops. They tightened them down for me and now the thing rides like a cadillac, well, the front end at least.

at least it was an easy fix