2001 Mazda ES Creaking noise on front end.

[bbutchart63]

Our 2001 Mazda (just about to turn 80K) recently developed a creaking sound when turning the steering wheel either way backing out of the driveway or turning into a parking spot. Couldn't feel anything on the steering wheel, but noise was getting annoying.
I took the front wheel off and used a pry bar and moved stabilizer bar up and down and found the noise on the upper ball joint of the stabilizer link. These have no grease fittings and will dry out. Best to replace them. I, being a bit of back yard mechanic, took them off, removed the rubber boot and added some grease and worked it into the joint.The ball joint was still tight in the socket. Installed rubber boot back and installed them back on. Noise is gone now. The rubber boot has a spring ring around it, so it has to come off to make it easier to get the boot off. Before removing the nuts on the links, spray with some lubricant and then wire brush the threads, makes it a little easier to remove the nuts.