Thread: Diagnosing various front end noises

Hi all
So, just returned from a trip to Ningaloo Station on the West Coast Aus which for those that have done it will know it’s a long and badly corrugated road. Since returning I’m convinced that the front end is noisier but I cannot explain it or know how to pinpoint it. I’m presuming it’s something on its way out as it’s not discernible as to what it is yet.
I do have a small notch/knock when turning the wheel first thing in the morning when I move the car which I suspect is something suspension related (sway or sus arm bushing).

So my questions are:

How does one know a wheel bearing is gone or past its best? Go until it’s clearly failed and obvious?

How does one know when the front arm bushings have failed and should be replaced?

How do I know when the sway bar bushings are gone or should be replaced?

Thanks dudes.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

So I had a fiddle last night, on the car that is. The steering rod/tie rod ends seemed ok. No obvious movement, and all movement of the wheel resulted in direct steering movement. As for the lower control arms, the rear bush on the drivers had little to no movement but the passengers side one was noticeably easier to move. I have to admit, I've never been good at diagnosing such things. I might seek professional help at some point, or replace everything lol.

This has usually been my approach, only to find out later that the problem was a loose sunglasses holder or something equally annoying (and cheap) haha