Most likely just the guide rod bushing is bad. Groans or pops on speed bumps too, eh?

Replace the bushing on the firewall end (do a search for instructions, I've not had to do this one yet!).

Bad ball joints usually cause groans and squeaks will turning the wheel. If quiet, leave that alone. You can check by raising the tire off the ground and prying up on the tire directly in the center. If the ball joint moves vertically or clunks, replace. Upper one will do the same thing. If the rubber boots on the joints are bad, replace at least the boot -- likely the joint will go soon from dirty and lack of lube.

The rest of the linkage is probably OK ULESS the other front tire is badly worn -- in that case, tie rods and a new drag link are definitely in order (check, the usualy wear is drag link ends and outer tie rod ends), and get a new steering damper, too. The bad damper allows the front end to hammer the tie rods to death.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!