help strange sound in steering

Needing help my truck is making a squeaking popping noise on passenger front wheel. Maybe the ball joint not sure .

 

Could be a lower ball joint, if so DO NOT WAIT LONG to change it or I promise you'll be very very sorry & if it lets go at speed you'll be changing your shorts too...

 

I've heard various prices on parts and labor and it sounds outrageous would it be easy to fix on my own because the part is cheap but the labor is just ass rape. Thanks

 

Easy to change. I've done this twice recently and takes about an hour. Just make sure you have the right tools, like a pitman arm puller to pop the tie rod and LBJ out. You could try the hammer method but didn't work for me and I've read others that started the job and then realized they need the pitman arm puller. You don't have to buy it either, just rent from a parts store.

The popping sound could be a couple different things. I suggest raising up the front suspension and checking for play in the LBJ, tie rod, wheel bearings. When you check the LBJ for play make sure to use the pry bar method


As for parts and labor... Oem is best and recommended. If you go aftermarket try
Raybestos ProGrade. If you want to pay for labor then your probably looking at at least an hours worth of labor which at most shops is probably gonna run $85+

 

Thanks a lot that was very helpful. Hopefully I can do it on my own.