1999 Volvo C70 FRONT END " GRINDING"

When driving forward into tight parking spot, a grinding noise comes from the front suspension area. Also backing out of a tight spot, the front end reacted as if going over a softball sized rock----nothing was there, honest! Is this a ball joint, bad shock or strut problem. My brakes & pads were examined last month and was informed they are fine for another year. As a blonde female I don't want to be duped by the mechanic.