I had done the vacuum gage on dash just like that when wondering what was actually wrong for me.
After replacing them, I have to tell you...it isn't nearly as bad of a job as I thought it would be.
I am used to never being able to disconnect/reconnect a ball joint.
Knocking the top loose, swinging the spindle around, removing and replacing the IWE went FAR quicker than I had anticipated (dreaded and feared).
When I did the other side for good measure, even faster and easier than first.
If no other cause found, replace or delete them.