I want to share this info that I just went through, my o3 neon with 96000 miles was making 3 different noises from the front end,a creaking noise when the road would lean right then left,a knocking noise like if you knocked on the fender with your knuckle,and a banging noise when I would hit a bump at speed,also crawling at low speed through a parking lot would also cause any one of these noises. Just out of habit without checking it I replaced the lower control arm with new ball joint and bushings,also new sway bar END LINKS. The noises seem to get worse.So I was thinking strut plate/bearing that sits on top of the strut, I was just about to buy the entire assembly when I took a chance and took it to a friends garage to have it diagnosed . He checked this and that and could not find anything that was bad,he then shook the car from side to side really hard and we heard the noise, it was the inner sway bar bushings the ones that wrap around the bar and are held in place with 2 bolts and a bracket per side. When you remove them they look fine but they loose strength and allow the bar to hit metal and make the noises described. The bolts are known for breaking, lots of pb blaster or another high quality penetrant, you have to go back and fourth with the bolts, it's best just to use a wrench rather than a ratchet so you don't go too far too quick, even if you break them you can access the top of the area to use a new bolt after drilling. I can't believe the front end is completely quiet, now I look for bumps to hit, no kidding. Because it was late at the shop they could not get new bushings so he repaired them with pieces of cut up inner tube.He also heated the top of the bolts with a torch from the hole in subframe, back and fourth a little at a time do not overheat the bolts, lots of pb blaster.I hope this will help.

 

I have a 05' Neon SXT, and have current front end noise just like you described. I know it needs, all of the bushings replaced, but I will be sure to replace ALL of them. Thanks for the info.

 

if you plan on keeping the car a lil while go with the black urethane bushings from prothane other then oem

 

wd40 on the makes it nice and quiet

 

I had been chasing the same noises for 2 years on my Neon. I replaced everything before the Sway bar to frame Bushings. Of course I had to drill out 3 of the 4 holes but what ever. It's quieter than ever now with all new suspension. But I don't drive it now, lol. I'd recommend replacing the end links and frame bushings before doing anything else. Soak the bolts in PB for days and hope they don't snap but anyone around here who has worked on Neons said they always snap. I think it was a 8mmx1.25 bolt.