Something has to be loose - how do I check?

(Another weird thing is that both of the lower ball joint rubber cups seem to be "blown out".) Guessing that could resiult in some noise if the lube's not on/in the joints.

A dry worn ball joint will make all sorts of noises, and most likely needs to be replaced asap.

To check lower ball joints for play:

Jack up car suspend with jack stand at frame.

Lift lower control arm with jack high enough to unweight lower ball joint, and lift tire off of ground. Fashion a fulcrum and lever place it under tire with enough purchase to be able to lift tire enough to move the lower ball joint.

Look for any vertical, and or horizontal movement of lower ball joint. Less than 0.05”vertical or axial travel, it is ok per FSM. 0.05” ain’t much movement, just the thickness of a freshly minted dime, and any horizontal movement is unacceptable.