Check the shock mounts and bushings first. A clicking ball joint is not
a good thing. It is tough to get a worn one to make noise by bouncing
the van. The proper test is to raise the van, then with a big set of
groove joint pliers, (Channel Locks), squeeze the joint. If you can see
it move, it is on its way out. If you hear and see it move, it is shot.
Lower ball joints separating after a big bump is not a pretty sight.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Andy Stalick
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 7:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: clicks in the front end

Just today and yesterday, I've been hearing a disturbing clunk fron the
right side. In bouncing the van up and down in the driveway, it sounds
like
its coming from the right lower ball joint. The joint looks okay at a
glance.

The tie rod end is new, and looks good. The upper ball joint looks okay,
as
do the various bushings in that area.

Any ideas? If I have to replace the lower ball joint, is this something
I
can do without special tools like a spring compressor?

Thanks,
Andy Stalick