confused

Can anyone help ? I have a 1.4 clio Dynamique. I had until today a bad knocking from n/s on rough roads but not too bad on the smooth ones. With the car on the ground and stationary i can move the wheel from the top in and out more than it should. I say the knocking noise has gone because I changed the top mount, wishbone and drop link today took it for a test drive and the knocking noise has pretty much gone. If i jack the car up the wheel does not move so not sure if it is the bearings that have gone. There is no whining noise when driving.. so very confused why wheel is loose on ground but not off ? ?

If anyone could help so I can buy the correct part.