Clicking noise when jerking steering wheel side to side/hit bumps left side

[eii]

I noticed this a couple days ago. When i jerk my steering wheel side to side real quick, before it starts moving the wheels, i hear a clicking noise like something is lose. Also when my left (driver side) wheel hits a bump i hear that noise. The noise does not happen while i turn. So i dont believe its my axle. I hear the noise coming not from the wheel/knuckle, but more inside near the middle of the engine bay. I have also noticed a difference in my alignment. Might it have something to do with the tie rod? I have about 18k miles, and havent had any accidents/work done to that side of my car. I did however hit a dip pretty hard the other day and i am thinking that may have caused it. Thanks for any insight on this issue in advance.