are ball joints safe?
 

About 6 mos. ago I noticed a "rubbing " noise in my steering. I was told it was probably a bearing in my steering column. I decided to let it go for a while and it never seemed to get any worse. About a week ago I noticed a "pop" or "click" when I turned left so I decided to check the ball joints. The rubber on all 4 was pretty much gone and I could see the ball so I lubed them with some good bearing grease (no grease fitting ) and drove it some - noise still there. Today I started it up and turned steering wheel fully right/left and didn't hear anything. Ball joints are probably original (2000 2WD B3000 truck) and I've had it for 10 yrs. Could problem be something besides ball joint and does it have a steering column bearing - my Chilton's manual don't have much info on this topic. It drives good - no veering, vibration , shimmying or play in steering. Is it safe to drive for now and what type ball joint should I replace those with? thanks