Hi guys,
first off I apologize for bothering you guys with probably obvious problem but I'm a big noob when it comes to diagnosing problems on my car.... I can't seem to figure out what would be causing my 8 to make these deep squeaking noise when I'm braking almost near stopping. It's definitely not a squeal like those worn break pad would make it. I did take my car to Brake place and they told me it was my struts. But when I was looking stuff up on google they kept on saying it's my brake problems so now I'm confused. It does kinda sound like brake problem but what do I know right? It does sound like it could possibly be my brakes but the guy from brake place told me it was my shocks going up and down when coming to a stop. So Do I need to replace Struts? I would love yalls opinion on this... and what are the costs of strut replacements? is it possible for me to do it myself?

I did replace all the brake rotors and pads myself... which is why its been worrying me that it might've been something I did while replacing those things that's causing the problem.

Since I bought my Rx-8 I feel like I've been stressing over car maintenance more than ever

 

First, let me say you should give more info on the car. Year, how many miles, when problem started to occur, is it a constant sound?

You should also try recording the sound with a camera. Easiest way to diagnose a problem on the forums IMO.

If it's a squeak it's most likely your brakes.
A clunk could be your wheel bearing.

If it only occurs from when you drive over a bump, it's most likely your shocks.
Check if your shocks are leaking or if the rebound on them are still in working order.

If you're unsure if it is your wheel bearing, try to gain access to a lift and see if there is freeplay on the wheel, if it wiggles, moves, or you hear the sound when you move any of the wheels, then it's probably your wheel bearing.

 

Brakes most likely

 

Since you replaced the rotors and pads yourself, are you sure that you replaced the shims along with the pads? If not they could be shifting around during a stop causing some noise.

 

I believe it's kind of clunking noise lol it's hard to describe it's kind of like really deep grinding noise.
My car's 04 90k miles it's not over the bumps it's when I break to complete stop but it doesn't happen if I slowly apply the breaks it's only when I press on the breaks hard.

 

Shims? I don't understand lol I did go in and change out those tiny metal clip thingies, i forgot what they were called, at a brake shop because they did seem worn out. If you're talking about those flat metal part things the brake pads I ordered came with them. I don't think the sound has to do with them because vibration will result in high pitched noise, wouldn't it?