I was curious if rotors can be changed without replacing the pads ? My front rotors are in bad shape but the pads have pleanty of life in them( about 75%).
Also what is the best way to identtify the cause of a front end clunk ? Should I be able to some how visually identify a bad ball joint and/or tie rod end ? I can reproduce the clink when I push the front end side to side but not up and down. the noise is coming from the driver's side. I am somewhat capable with a wrench and very capable of losing screws ands bolts into the engine bay.
Lastly about a year ago I replaced my P/S pump with a junk yard pump and now the pump is making alot of noise again. I am in the process of replacing the fluid, about two reservoir's worth has been r/r in the past week and I dropped a large magnet to pick up and metal shavings but it is still chattering, especially at cold start up. Would a faluty rack and pinion take out a pump or am I just getting burned for being a cheap SOB ?
By the way I have a 97 850 GLT with 110K miles.

thnaks to any responders.