97 jetta front end ?

when i bought new tires about 4 years ago, they told me they couldnt align the front end because something was worn on the front end and needed to be replaced. he showed me it had too much play by placing a rod under the front tire while the car was on the lift and moving the wheel up and down. it seems like he called it a bearing plate?? maybe. they wanted $230 to replace. does anyone know what this part might be?

this is called a strut mount bearing.