Yes it could. A good visual inspection is in order. Or watch some videos how to do one, what to look out for, etc. You could also consider a 'free' inspection that alignment shops will do. Then just do the work yourself.
First thing I would do is put a jack under the lower a-arm, raise the tire off the ground about 2" (lug nuts still tight). Then grab the wheel at the 6:00-12:00 positions with your hands and vigorously go up/down ..or in/out ...on the tire and feel for movement. That's a wheel bearing test. If you DO feel freeplay, be sure you isolate wheel bearing wear, and yer not confusing it with upper ball joint slop.
While the wheel is raised slightly off the ground, I'd crawl partially under the truck (safely), and push up/down on the inner front Axle CV ...and the outer CV too (if it's 4x4). Check the inner for free-play. It should be pretty tight.
Then after that, would be putting something like a board under the tire, lift up, and check for ball joint freeplay. The book says .5mm of freeplay is too much.
Then push in and pull out on the upper tire to check the upper ball joint.
Then with your hands on the 3:00-9:00 positions push in/out back/fourth with vigor and feel for any freeplay in that direction. That tests the tie rod ends.
Watch some videos how to determine if bushings are worn. Yeah, it could be a shock bushing, but be sure to test the things above too. Support your vehicle properly with jackstand/s before removing the wheel (for safety)
Good luck!
