Ok I need a sanity check and some advice here. This is driving me bonkers. Stock suspension other than a Whiteline FSB.

I am noticing a light but distinct clunk entering hard turns or going over uneven bumps back into the pits between runs at autocross. On the street there is no noise, it's only happening after a hard run.

Naturally I think swaybar. But there are brand new end links on there and they are TIGHT. Torqued the **** out of them thinking that's all it was. Could it be the bushings? How would I check? I have jacked the car up (not at the track) and wiggled everything to the best of my ability and all seems well. But I guess I'm expert. Is there a better way I can check things?

I just think it's weird how it will be perfectly fine on the street, then I go to autox for a day and hear it in/out of the pits and on hard turns, then I go home and the next day I'm back on the street and it's gone again!

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

sounds a bit like the clunk I had that eventually ended up being the upper front control arm bushings - it was all done under warranty so I can't help a ton with diagnosis/checking advice however.

 

Since installing Whiteline adjustable end links, my front Progress Miata sway bar has made popping noises under hard cornering. Everything is properly torqued. I have tried going tighter on the nuts to no avail. I just live with it.

 

Hm, interesting. Progress bushings too? Have half a mind to swap my oem bushings back in next time I have the car in the air..

 

Yes. I'm using the Progress urethane bushings. The grease is pushed out of them pretty quickly, and they groan and squeak as a result. One of these days, I will drill and tap them for grease zerks.

 

Front Driver's side? You might look at the brake caliper. The slider pin (I think the front pin in particular) begins to stick and gives a nice "thunk" when it unbinds. It's kind of a typical issue with these brakes. the pins are easy enough to grease. You'll want to change the boots while you're in there.