Do the boots covering the joints have to be busted or leaking for the joint itself to be bad? Even if the boot were busted, that doesn't mean that the joint would need to be replaced, just a new boot with some new grease, right?

 

not neccesarily.........

a ball joint is basically a cup with a ball that fits into it and moves as the suspension goes up and down. if the cup or ball has been worn enough there will be a certain amount of play that can affect the suspension and make it hard to get an alignment.

it might be worth it to take it to a mechanic you trust and have an expert opinion on it..............im sure it wouldnt cost much to have looked at then you'll have some peace of mind.