Had not heard that before.I know I did not do that when I replaced them back in '10. I'll make sure I do it as you advise this time.

 

I spoke with a mechanic the other evening who works at a used car lot that specializes in luxury imports. He explained the way to properly check the sway bar links (with tires on, wheels on the ground). Sure enough the noise is coming from the sway bar link on the drivers side. I can actually feel the 'pop' when is makes the noise.
I wasn't able to replicate the noise with the wheels off. So new control arm for passenger side on order (checked the bolts, they were tight) as well as sway bar links both sides.
THanks for all the help, hopefully my journey to a solution will help somebody else.

 

I'm sure it will and that's the whole point to this. Thank you for seeing it through and reporting back.

From my first post on this thread. Anti-sway end links are a very common source of obnoxious noise. And the used car guy you spoke with is correct, they must be checked with the vehicle weight applied, otherwise the free hanging suspension binds the play in the links up. I apologize, I thought I had mentioned that earlier. Hopefully it will be an easy fix and end links are usually pretty cheap.

 

I'm just happier than all get out that it's not the strut bearings. I really didn't want to have to take the assemblies apart.

 

Those can be a pain in the butt if your trying to replace just the bearing. Without the right tools, it can be downright dangerous. There are several companies out there now that make what is called quick struts which are complete assemblies, strut, spring, bearing plate all in one. Makes it much easier for the average guy to install at home. No danger of the spring flying out. That's what I recommend to everyone. If your strut is worn out, the spring has likely taken the brunt of the road impact and is usually weakened as well. Change it all at once and life is good.