Fortunately, the 124 has a much simpler front suspension. The illustration is not for your car, don't let it scare you ;~)

Check the ball-joints, they can dry out and get stiff. Push down on each front corner to see if it binds and creaks, or moves easily and smoothly. If popping and creaking, likely ball-joints.

The strut bushings at the top also get old. Put your location in your sig, it helps, but if you're in a warm part of the country especially, and the strut bushings are original, they're probably separated from the mount and need replacement.

Usually the control arm bushings hold up well, I've not seen any bad ones yet, but others' experience might be different. Look at all of the bushings and joints in each side.

If the ball joint is creaking, but the boot is in good shape, I've had good success with injecting some high-pressure grease in the boot to lube it. I have used MoS2 grease, CV-Joint grease is a common MoS2 grease, and inject it with a needle attachment for your grease gun available at many auto-parts stores.

The rear suspension is much more complex, wait until you start replacing parts there! Lots of bushings and links.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff