I have the SPT suspension with the STi top mounts. This was put on in June. I just got back from a long road trip two days ago. The sound is coming from the front left and it "pops" when I go over small bumps or apply brakes at stop signs?.... I dont wanna pay a shop if its something simple.
thanks in advance.
Steven

 

with that kind of discription the only thing I can suggest is to open the hood check the top mount nuts, the center nut that holds the strut to the mount. If that doesn't work take the wheel off and check every nut and bolt on the suspention.

hope that helps

 

Thanks
I posted this on another forum and apparently this issue has been experienced before. It was remedied by shimming the top mount. Seems like the wet colder weather triggers it. I will post and tell how it comes out. This might be a few days as its raining outside and I'm battling a cold to boot!!!
Steven

 

This is what Kevin aka gtguy did as a solution: "Shimming the strut top out 1/4 with washers that fit under the strut top, but still leaves room for plenty of nut thread to engage. Now it releases normally, like the stock strut top."

I havent done mine yet as its too wet outside
Steven

 

How come I haven't had it yet and I have the same as all of you?

 

X Roller: I was thinking the same question myself. I pm'd gtguy and will post back with difinitive answer of under the hood or under the car. unless he posts here!! I am betting that its under the hood but I am not experienced in this area. Would shimming from under the carmake a difference I mean a 1/4 is a 1/4? Haha I dont wanna get all greasy


ImprezaRSDriver:I have no idea why it happens other than the difference of stiffness of stock to STi topmount's rubber compound in the cold. one of those mysteries I guess. I drove in the snow. Maybe this extra cold was the determining factor??

 

Well, gtguy kevin answered with "I dunno about the fronts cause they allready have shims under them." So I'm thinking on trying it on the top anyways. I'm not going to be able to do this for a few day though.

 

It could be that if it is cold enough to the point where the mount shrinks a little bit such that the bolts move inwards and that movement could be the popping noise. I know it might sound dumb but as example would be like water molecules, when water is in liquid form, the molecules are free moving and when water is frozen then the molecules are really tight.