My 2002 Honda Civic EX makes a squeak noise if I drive over a large
enough bump... I've been told that this is most likely not a big deal -
the steering/handling is not effected at all, and there is no other
noise than the "squeak". I've read that the springs are probably a bit
corroded and are making the noise when they are compressed. Now mind
you, it doesn't make the noise all the time as I drive, just when I hit
pot holes or speed bumps.

If your squeak happens more often, it very well could be something
serious... I'd be interested to hear what others think.

In January of this year I purchased a 2001 Honda Accord, 60k miles.
Before I bought it I had a mechanic look at the car, and he determined
that the "Front Left Ball Bearing" needed to be replaced, along with 2
tires.
So the dealer agreed to make the fixes before I drove it home.  They
replaced the Bearing, and put 2 new tires on the car.

Now its the end of March and all has been fine up to this point.
Saturday I started noticing that the car had a squeaking sound coming
from it as I drove.  It sounds like metal squeaking and was coming from
near the tire area.  It was especially noticable when going over bumps
or small hills.  Any sort of up-and-down impact driving, and the noise
would come back.

I brought the car back to the dealer (I'm under warranty, thank
goodness) and they put it up on the bay.  They said that the squeaking
sound is coming from bad Upper and Lower Ball Joints in the front and
it needs to be replaced.

My questions are:
--> Do you think this assessment is accurate giving the sounds I was
hearing?  Online I read people usually hear clunking sounds, and have
trouble steering.  I had none of that.  It drives great, just the
squeaking is getting louder and more consistant, on highways too.

--> Does it seem weird that the car was in fine shape when I bought it,
and just 2 months later the ball bearing is this bad?  They told me
this is standard maintenance type work on a car, and it's quite
possible no one could notice it back in January.

--> Do you think this is related at all to the Ball Joints I had
replaced, or the new tires?

Thanks!