Yes, the noise could be the top of one of the front coil springs shearing. Did you find an inch long piece of black/rusty semi-circular metal nearby? The front end of the car suffers all the crashes and bangs you too feel from the car’s suspension. The springs seem to rub in the top cup causing damage just as it locates in the top cup. Over a period of time this gets worse until the spring shears off. NB always have both replaced and always and change the top mounts as the design has been changed. They are usually replaced in pairs. *safety note potential hazard item*
