front end problems are fairly simple to diagnose
get the front end off the ground (dont lift the car on the control arms)
grab the sides of the wheels, and tug back and forth....if it moves side to side, you need a tie rod (have to inspect underneath the car while wheels is moved to see if it need the inner, outer, or sleeve (or whole assembly) .... expect to pay ~ $50-80 per tie rod parts, and around $50-65 labor for installation (per tire rod, figure ~ $175-$200 for whole tie rod assembly)
now, repeat, except rock the wheel top and bottom. if theres any play, its a ball joint. once again, needs to be inspected underneath while being rocked to determind if you need an upper or lower balljoint ... expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $300 for balljoint replacement (usually close to $125 labor if the ball joint needs to be pressed out)
as far as checking for a bent control arm....well....get under the car an inspect it. everything SHOULD be straight. if its bent (and the other one isnt)...then it's probably bad.
that should be everything you need
once again, NTB does a free alignment check...all you have to do is ask.