Need Advice: Lower Ball Joint Replacement

[darkwingbenny]

1999 I4 Camry, 155K miles

Left lower ball joint is oozing grease and makes a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Source of noise was confirmed by being under vehicle and having helper turn the steering wheel.

1. Any helpful hints on the repair?
2. Would you recommend OEM parts from the dealer or after market parts?
3. Are ball joints something that need to be changed in pairs, ie change out the right side while I'm at it?
4. Any other suspension parts to consider replacing?

Thanks in advance.

[Hajoca]

If you are keeping the car, change both.

OEM unit is good, but if you want to get aftermarket, go to reputable part store like a NAPA, CarQuest, Advanced, etc and ask for options, usually they will sell economy, service, permium grades of the part.

[flyeri]

You may want to get the alignment checked afterwards. Tell them you just changed the balljoints. Usually they will make sure everything looks good. My guy does at least. See how it drives.

[JohnGD]

You can get OEM. However, I would also use:

Spicer Profession$32.79, "permanent lubed, easy care":
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1033011

Moog $40.79, the disadvantage of having to own a grease gun and periodically having to lube it, but a highly regarded brand:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=204084

Yes. Change in pairs. Also inspect the stablizer bar linkages:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1032575

Originally Posted by darkwingbenny

1999 I4 Camry, 155K miles

Left lower ball joint is oozing grease and makes a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Source of noise was confirmed by being under vehicle and having helper turn the steering wheel.

1. Any helpful hints on the repair?
2. Would you recommend OEM parts from the dealer or after market parts?
3. Are ball joints something that need to be changed in pairs, ie change out the right side while I'm at it?
4. Any other suspension parts to consider replacing?

Thanks in advance.

[darkwingbenny]

Thanks for the replies. End links were changed recently when I installed Monroe quick struts.