Help with my Escort ZX2

[CAMAROssRS]

So i just bought a 2000 Ford escort ZX2. long story of how I got it but got a pretty decent deal from someone I know. He wasn't trying to sell it but some circumstances arose and he had to.

The car is an auto with 136,000 miles on it. I was driving to work in it today and it would jerk to either side like really hard and pretty scary. like scared for my life> My backyard mechanic told me that It would need front ball joints when he looked at it yesterday. So like i said i drove it to work and bought the ball joints and he changed them at his house and drops the car back off to my work. I drive the car 30 miles back home mostly freeway. Now it seems about 5 times worse. the car jerks either left or right like a death trap, Almost thought I was gonna die. kinda upset with my mechanic right now. When i asked if this was going to solve the problem he said he thought so but now he is saying it needs front struts.

I guess my main question is does this seem like new struts would solve this r what can this be? ive never experienced anything like it in any car. dont wanna dump money on struts and it doesnt resolve t.

[CAMAROssRS]

Did a little research and some say it can be wheel bearings but i dont think so

[2012 Mustang GT]

bad tie rods will cause it to jerk back and forth