'06 Torrent AWD, strange front end noise

[rcote20]

Hello, aside from my other recent posts, something else has arisen. As of last night, was turning the steering wheel, and a "popping" noise occurred on the driver's side front. It happens no matter what way you turn the wheel. Someone checked it out, and said it could be a ball-joint, tie-rod, or some sort of swivel bearing on top of the spring/strut. After replacing many parts in this car, am hoping to narrow it down a bit more. The car now has 138,000 miles, and runs good, just keep having new things going wrong. Also, am still having the driveshaft vibration over 50mph if anyone has any thoughts on that as well.

 

[melsg5]

You check the ball joint by jacking up the lower arm and placing a pry bar under the tire whlle watching the ball joint for play. The tie rod you pull up and down and check for play or squeeze with a large plier again looking for play.