The other cause of creaks and groan is track rod bushings.
Ball joints squeal, creak, or groan while turning, whether the car is moving or not. Thumps, creaks, or groans from the front end going over bumps or while braking are usually track rod bushings.
Turn the wheel side to side while listening -- if you get the same creak, it's ball joints for sure. If it ONLY happens while turning and braking, or only when applying brakes, it's more likely track rob bushings on the body end. Lift the rubber boot, when they are bad you can tell they have separated.
Bad ball joints need to be replaced pronto. Peter
