I've got an '08 impreza that is giving me fits. I had a clunking noise when I hit bumps so I changed out the sway bar end links. Now, I have sort of a popping noise when I hit bumps or uneven road. Not sure what it is. I've got two guesses and that's ball joints or bad axle. Any idea's??

Did you change front and rear end links?

 

Did you check the bushings where the sway bar bolts to the frame?

If your sure the noise is in the front of car. I would disconnect the front sway bar and zip tie it still ,re-road test car see if it is gone. i  have had a lot of noises from the sway bar mounting bushings. W e would remove the brackets and install good h.d. chassis grease. Hope this helps

Could be the strut tops, the little 'hat' where the strut attaches to the body.

I only changed the front end links, not the rear but I'm pretty sure the noise is coming from the front end. I've not checked on anything since I changed them out. If I rock the car pushing on the front end it does not make any noise at all. I will definitely check the bushings though. It doesn't help that the VIN number doesn't match anything. If I put the VIN number in the get basic parts from auto zone it says its a base model and the parts never match up. If I put it in Subaru to check for recall's it says its a premium model but my owners manual says impreza outback sport model. I'm really getting annoyed at this point. 

Edited September 15, 201510 yr by mcurr89

The strut tops only make noise when you hit a bump that removes all the weight or a lot of the weight (quickly) from the wheel.

 

You should be able to jack up the front and push up on the wheel and see if everything moves up.

some folks have had odd breaks in springs - basically looks OK when static, but separates on extension/bump.

 

if you can't find anything, ask for a shop suggestion in a new thread - maybe someone will suggest a good mechanic near Elkins. Take them for a ride to demonstrate the noise.

Left, right, or center? 

Happens at all speeds?

Drive over a speed bump to make the noise - with one tire at at time - do both do the same thing?

 

Have someone stand outside the car and listen.

 

Do the VIN's all match - on the strut tower, doors, title, etc?

 

I'm in Morgantown, if you're ever here I'll listen and have a look.

^^^ very generous offer right there!

just looked at a map

 

y'all could meet-up in Bridgeport in what - 30 minutes?

 

have lunch, diagnose a Subaru - BAM!, problem solved!

 

 

lol!