One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Astro. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
3 main complaints: 1. Wipers work sometimes- will cut on and not off, will not work at all, or will work only at high wiper speed- dealer said that this was covered by a recall but when I picked up the van after the dealer fixed it (replaced circuit board) I was told that recall did not include 98 Astro. 2. Paint on hood of van suddenly started to crack- has only occurred on hood 3. Front end problems- causing tires to wear out sooner than expected, loud popping/clunking noise from front end, dealer says that problem is with idler arms and ball joints.