Sounds like a ball joint to me (lower). Is it coming from one side or from the middle? If it is coming from the side, try this: jack up the front end on the side in question (not undere the control arm, but the body of the car) untill the wheel is off the ground. Then locate the ball joint and pry on both sides of it with a prybar of some sort; if there is play, DO NOT DRIVE. Ball joints usually run around $200 plus parts ($20-$30). Tell-tale for the BJ will also be a squeek when you rock the body up and down from the fender area. Check that, and then post your findings. Have fun!

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1989 300E 144K