2005 Avensis Suspension Problem (Near Side)

[Harbottle]

Hello everyone, i am in need of advice. I have just purchased a 2005 (55) Avensis 2.0 D4D TSpirit and have noticed a rather worrying and annoyingly intermittent 'clunking' coming from the near side over pot holes (interestingly NOT speed humps). Took a journey which i drove and noticed the noise almost every pothole. On returning the wife drove,with me - head out of the passenger window hardly anything ??? Naturally the wife blames my driving ! Is this a familiar fault or something more serious...I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks

Took it out tonight whilst the roads were quieter and managed to narrow it down a bit

1. noise is coming from front near side wheel

2. definately not over raised objects (speed bumps etc) but over pot holes,drain covers etc

3. occurs at speeds around 30-40mph

it is almost like a shearing noise - definately metallic and not a dull thud or a stretching spring