one way to check if the wheel bearings are going is to (while its parked) push and pull the top of one of the front tires, as if trying to rock the car sideways. if there is a clunking noise then that would be the problem. if there is noticable free movment before each "clunk", then your problem is bad and the bearings should be replaced.
just a reminder, from 1983 to 1985.5 the a a-arms were the same as a VW rabbit. however, in 1985.5 the a-arms were switched to cast aluminum, with the lower ball joints built in. therefor if you blow a lower ball joint, you have to replace the whole a-arm.
