camaroguy87

Hey guys what's up? Been a while. Lately my 03 Mustang gt has developed a popping noise when I'm parking or turning at very low speeds. I looked at the ball joints and they still look in fair condition. Also not much play in tie rod ends. Just wondering if you could help me narrow it down before I buy new control arms, tie rod ends and ball joints. Car currently has 107,XXX on it. Thanks!

Na306StAnG

60% of the time, every time.. Its ball joints.

camaroguy87

Ok are those joints serviceable or do I need the whole control arm? And which brand do you recommend? Thanks

blacksheep-1

Yes, you can use a tool from Discount Auto parts ( or a floor jack and a BFH) it's relatively easy to change, but somewhat brutal. If the car has been lowered it's time for some steeda X2 ball joints and a bump steer kit.

Steeda X2 ball joint...Steeda 1994-04 Mustang X2 Balljoint Kit - Made in the USA 555-8101

I'm pretty sure these are OEM for something and can be found cheaper, but so far I don't know which application they fit.

Bump steer kit.....Steeda Bumpsteer Kit (94-04 Mustang) 555-8104 - Free Shipping!

How to video.....How to Fix Broken Mustang Ball Joints - www.OperationMustang.com - YouTube

options2rx7

I used the steeda bump steer kits and all my pirate ship creeping and popping went away.

Good luck!

camaroguy87

Replaced the ball joints....and still making a lot of popping noises. Also replaced the struts and shocks while I was in there. :/ The car is stock height.

camaroguy87

Anymore ideas??

billybro1999

well if not the ball joints, then most likely bushings, wheel bearrings, or tie rods could be loose or defective, I've actually had a tie rod break inside the tie rod end and strip out while driving down the road, as soon as I touched the brakes the wheel locked inward and slid me into a ditch.

camaroguy87

Thanks. Pretty sure it's not wheel bearings because they typically make a humming noise when they go bad and gets louder as speed increases. I'm leaning more to control arm bushings or rack bushings. Hope to find out Monday. Every little bump it's making a pop noise and when I'm braking there are multiple pops. If it is control arm bushings, what control arms do you guys recommend?