02 Hoe LS Front Squeeks

[jujaku]

02 Taho LS with 252K miles.

past few months, i have been suffered from squeeking noise from driver side front suspension.
it gets worse when cool/cold weather.
it squeeks in harmony with body/chassis up/down movement.
even i can make noice by stepping on side step repeatedly.
(only when wheel is straight. when turned, no noise by stepping)
i haven't got time to lift the front but when i wiggle front wheel while it is on ground, there is noticeable click/squick noise.

thinking ball joint is bad.
but how bad is critically bad? safety concern?

i might plan to replace whole upper control arm since it would be little pricey but easier/faster to do it?

from rockauto, found this"heavy-duty" but mevotech's reputation is not that great, i guess.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinf...80361&jsn=486&jsn=486&jsn=486&jsn=486&jsn=486

what you guys thinking about this upper control arm?
and would it be OK if i just do it on driver side?
(passenger side bushings don't look good either but at least it is not making noise.

 

[Doubeleive]

have you greased the sway bar bushings? that's the most common reason for squeaks

 

[jujaku]

have you greased the sway bar bushings? that's the most common reason for squeaks

how can i grease bushings properly to inside?
i sprayed some lithium grease spray externally only.

 

[Doubeleive]

how can i grease bushings properly to inside?
i sprayed some lithium grease spray externally only.

jack up the front wheels to relieve pressure off of the sway bar, then unbolt the 2 brackets, the bushing has a slice in it to remove, coat the inside of the bushing with quality lithium grease and put some on the bar also, put them back on and put the brackets back on. the grease isn't costly they usually have 3 types at the parts store just get the best one. I recommend putting some blue threadlock on the bolts for the brackets when bolting them back on they sometimes have a tendency to work there way loose.