took the wheel off and got under and had a look yesterday.
CV Joint boot is gone - already sourced a split boot to replace it - although I'm wondering if the boot's been split for some time and the CV is actually the thing that "rattles".

The sound is not very prominent and more so on small road interference than large changes in elevation.
Gave the hub a wobble and nothing obvious with either the ball joint or steering link.

But I did notice the strut was looking worse for wear and the front inner guard plastic had been contacting the wheel at some time.

1. Is there a way to check the strut...there used to be some form of "lean on it and then get off and see how long it takes to stop bouncing" sort of thing.
2. Reckon the CV might be the cause of the dull knock at low amplitudes?
3. If so is the Left front axle a difficult job - seems a new axle can be had ex Sydney for $100 delivered - then I gotta install. A Dorma 03608 split boot was going to cost me $55AUD from the US - so if the axle is a DIY in a couple of hours - soundz better....but not better if I gotta pay a mech to do.