So, I was out for a drive today, in the rain. All told about 140km, mostly high speed freeway.

At home, pulling into my parking spot, I noticed a new noise I have not heard before. It only happens at low speed, like when parking - but it is a very distinct rubbery "creaking" noise coming from the driver's side front.

Could this just be bushings, or am I looking at ball joints? I hope it isn't too expensive to do? Given that I have a daughter on the way in a couple of months I am extremely safety-minded and will likely be taking it to my trusted dealer for the work. But before I do, I want to talk it through with you guys to try and do a little diagnosis.

I also have the dread hot idle shake, but it isn't very bad. What I do sometimes hear is if I am shaking at hot idle, and I shift into N (this is an automatic) I can hear a rhythmic knocking noise that is exactly the same frequency as the shake, coming from around the middle of the car. I wonder if my centre carrier bearing is shot?

Thanks for any help!

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1984 300D Turbo, 326000 Km, Thistle Green Metallic