Knocking noise from 1990 Corolla sedan

[touringcamry]

I was driving my dad's '90 Corolla sedan and everytime I accelerate from a stop and press the brakes to slow down, there's a loud knocking noise like two pieces of metal hit each other. It doesn't make continous knocking noise when turning, only when accelerating and decelerating.

It sounds like it's coming from the driver side wheel area.
What could be the problem and what would the approx repair cost be?

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Um, I'd get that to a garage asap. Could be a ball joint or a tie rod end (which would be extremely dangerous to let go at any speed).

Then again, it could just be a rotten strut mount or control arm bushing (how well maintained is the car?). If it's one of the first ideas (ball joint or tie rod end), it'll probably be a couple of hundred bux. Plus alignment, of course.

I hope it's not serious...

[karugs]

Happened to be brake pads for me, similar thing happened. More like a "tok" sound.

Do Corollas have guide rods that run from the control arms to the chassis? I know they have MacPhersons but in case they do, might be a likely source too.

['88ROLLAGTS]

i had the same type of noise from my sedan, it turned out to be the motor mount had been backing out slowly from the last time the motor was pulled. it was a very nerve racking noise and like yours only happened when i was accel'n or lightly braking.