Front Suspension knock...
Ok, my son inherited the 98 v70 na. a month or so ago, he told me wheel vibrates and makes noise. I replaced the driver's side CV axle as it was screaming. while apart, I found a worn out ball joint so replaced the lower wishbone/ball joint assy too and had it aligned. Last week big noise when turning left. I though the cheap axle I went with was already failing but when taking the thing apart, the hub bearing fell apart in pieces. I replaced the hub bearing and all is well except there remains a knocking noise from the front left when going over speed bumps or potholes etc. The strut top mount appears good so I am thinking perhaps the strut cartridge itself. It is the original at 187k miles but don't wish to just do an expensive parts swap and still have the issue. Your thoughts?

187K on any strut is about 50K overdue for replacement. Check the rubber bushing by turning the top large nut clockwise with a pair of channel locks, if it is hard to turn and goes back to the original position, it is good.

Push down on the bumper and listen for air being forced out and back in the shock, assume that all of the oil has leaked out of the shock.

A 'clack' sound when hitting a tar strip is usually an endlink. Struts will be a 'clunk'.

BTW, CV joints never make a high pitched sound. Just bearings.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Thanks, Klaus.
Yes, strut top mount is good.
I don't hear air if I compress the strut but not sure what "Bumper" is that your referring to.
I will check the endlink...

Think Klaus means front bumper...