a failed bearing will generally make a groaning sound, but bearings can also wear and not casue any sound at all while in operation.
A good way to check if its the bearing, tie rod, or the lower A arm is to remove the wheel and put the lug nuts back on to securely hold the brake rotor.
Now proceed to wiggle the rotor and see where the movement is comming from. Watch the steering tie rod to see if that moves. If it does, watch it more closely to determine if the movement is comming from the ball joint which is covered with the rubber boot or if the stud is moving in the hole.
Then check the lower A arm, again wiggling the wheel hub. You want to look up from below at the A arm since its attachment lug is riveted onto the assembly. Watch for loose rivets and watch for movement at its attachment point on the lower surface of the wheel hub. The A-arm is attached to the hub by a stud that fits into a split hole and clamped with a bolt, the attachment stud of the a arm also has a groove that engages with the bolt to secure the stud in place. This bolt has no plating on it to protect against corrosion. It is very possible that the bolt has corroded to the point where it no longer enguages the stud. And with the ammount of salt MA uses on the roads I wouldn't be suprised if that was the problem.
If all the attachemnts seem good and tight my only other suggestion is that the wheel bearings may have worn.
Clean off the wheel hub as best you can and check around everywhere there is something that mounts to it, around each attachment.
If you still have questions send a PM to Terry Haines.
