Knocking noise oversmall bumps

Hi all, Details: Volvo 850 Estate, 96 N, 2.5Ltr 10Valve. 115K. Got a knocking noise which sounds as though is coming from the front when going over small bumps. I.e. driving over fields (not off-roading, I'm a caravanner, or some people call us mobile road blocks!). Or small potholes etc. Any thoughts? I have so far jacked up the front wheels and pushed and pulled suspension components but found nothing obvious. Note that I am not a mechanic. On the NSF I did grab the wheel top and bottom and noticed slight movement. Not sure what this indicates. Also noticed on OSF slight movement left to right. When the car is on the ground I looked at the strut top mountings and did not notice any significant movement when bouncing on car. Any ideas please help. I will probably get a garage to do the work but would like to diagnose the problem myself first if possible. Thanks, cas100uk.

On previous experience of 850 the wishbone bushes and bottom balljoiny are past their best. Complete bottom arms are available at reasonable prices from the likes of Euro Car Parts. Mike

Hi, Movement in the wheel when grabbed top and botton usually indicates worn wheel bearing, check however that the play is in the wheel only and not the whole hub and lower arm, wear in the lower arm bushes will also allow the wheel to move slightly. Side to side in the wheel could be wheel bearings, lower arm bsuhes or more commonly for side to side movement is play in the track rod end balljoint where the steering rack end joins the hub, also when wobbling it side to side, pop your head over the wing and look at the steering wheel....sometimes the steering wheel will move slightly when trying to check for play in the bearings and it can seem like there is play there. If the steering wheel doesn't mave at all and yet the wheel moves side to side check the items mentioned above. The knocking I believe is usually down to the anti roll bar 'drop links' but I haven't had dealings with Volvo's long enough to have dealt with these. All the best, Paul.