Most of the time these problems are more apparent in the cold, it'* typically strut related. My struts on the 95 are much noisier in the cold than the 93 (all new). When this happened to the 93, spraying a light lubricant on the upper strut bearings and such helped alot.

I'm not saying the lube is the solution, but it can possibly point to the problem. In your case however, it'* not something heard, but rather FELT which indicates a more critical (impending failure) problem.

It'* very much sounding like an upper strut mount to me.

I agree, this does require further investigation. Honestly I do not feel TOO rushed to do this as it has happened twice, and neither time was it serious serious. Just a very shallow curve, and the whole incident lasting a matter of maybe 1 second or less total. I will do more looking around though.

I believe at this point this ^^^ is not related to my thumping. I'm guessing that will may be onto something with the USB. I'm guessing the engine heat heats up the strut tower and then heats the bearing? Making the sound decrease in amplitude?

Time to dig out the chiltons and figure out how to get to these babies.

Popl the cover off the strut tower. That'll be the only way you can get to them at the moment. Otherwise you'd be taking them out of the car.

K...never done that before...and it is probably really simple...hence why it is not listed in the chiltons...It appears to me you simply pry them off.

BTW, just did the bounce test, struts are as good as new. As soon as I stop bouncing it immediately stops when it reaches the top of its travel. No additional bounces what so ever. Needless to say...I'm happy

It'* a plastic cover...you can probably squeeze the cover and have it come off with just your hand.