Creaking or Popping While Turning Wheel

dshaw340

After the suspension warms up a little if I turn the steering wheel while just sitting there is a loud popping or creaking noise. The noise seems to be equally coming from both sides and only when the car is on the ground. I had my wife turn the wheel while I listened. So, in thinking it might be the steering rack I jacked it up, took the wheels and outer tie rods off. Nothing was wobbling and the rack seemed to move with the right amount of effort. The gear part of the rack was nicely greased and clean. I didn't see any grease on the passenger side of the rack but of course the gear isn't cut that far over on the rack. What makes the most sense to me is that when loaded, the upper and lower ball joints carry the weight of the car, and more so the lower one and if one of them is worn I could see (hear) that popping sound happening. But again, the sound seems to be equal in volume from both wheel wells and so I find it hard to believe the ball joints on both side would fail at the same time. Any thoughts?

Side note: I just had the clutch slave cylinder go bad. I had it replaced at the dealer with the CMAK relocation kit. I love it.
Anyway this service at the dealer was crazy expensive as they had to pull the transmission and so I don't want to start throwing more money at the car trying to get rid of the popping sound.