George gave a good run-down of possible problems, but I want to emphasize the ball joint issue. My 122 became gradually harder to steer, but the process was so slow I hardly noticed it. About the time I realized it was a problem the ball joint gave way at an intersection in traffic, dumping the front driver's side of the car down onto the pavement. Other worn suspension parts are a problem and, if they become sufficiently worn, can lead to dangerous inability to steer correctly. A bad ball joint, on the other hand, is a catastrophe in the making. Had the part gone out at highway speeds I could be singing with the angels now!