front end noise popping/creaking - suspension? motor mount?
 

All. Looking for some help with an odd and very annoying noise that my rx-8 has started to make. The noise is a low sounding pop mixed with creaks that occurs from the drivers side front end suspension area.

I have tein s-tech springs with mazdaspeed shocks and whiteline non-adjustables sway-bars. I have had this setup for about 3 years with no issues until now.

The sound can be heard when the car is moving slowly or turning or stationary by pushing down on the front end.

I have replaced the end-links ensuring they were tightened all the way as well as greased the sway bar bushings and the sound persists.

When listening closely it sounds as if the noise is coming from the top of the shock tower.

Has anyone else had experience with this or know what could be making this noise or could this be a motor mount issue?

Might be a loose lug bolt on one of your front wheels. Have you had a wheel off lately?
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...2-04-1301b.pdf





Or it could be this ...



http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1948a.pdf

Yes I have had the wheels off to replace the endlinks and when I put them back on I tightened them properly but the noise still persists.

Read both of those TSB's.....there have been some changes..

The noise is not coming from the brakes and occurs regardless of whether or not the car is turning in fact the car can be stationary and you can hear it if you press down hard on the front end.

It is not the endlinks or sway bar bushings either. Those have been replaced and tightened properly.

Do you have the Mazdaspeed Strut Tower bar? I had a similar sound that came from the "B" bolts (see instructions) when they came a little loose after ~20K miles. Just tightening them to torque specs took care of it.