My apologies, I was pretty vague with how and what was checked.  At first I thought it could be the alignment and got it aligned; it did nothing so I assume it wasn't the alignment.  I also took it into meineke for a free brake check thinking it could be the brakes and they told me specifically that it wasn't the brakes or the rotors.  I'm about to take a very long road trip in a few days, hope it’s nothing that would fail and cause a crash on the highway.   

Creaking = Strut, or ball joints most likely.  Get the ball joints replaced under the recall if you qualify.  Definitly have them inspected.

I don't know if I would call a Meineke free brake check professional, but they would definitly try to sell you something if there were the slightest possibility of something being wrong with the brakes... or it is messed up bad enough they don't want to touch it.  If you trust them then I would suggest checking the front hub assembly.  That would fit all the symptoms except the creaking noise, which would have to be a suspension or motor mount issue I would think.

I would replace the tire also, a hit like that will most likely cause some structural integrity issues.

I would suggest jacking up the car and taking the wheel off.  Spinning the wheel and see if you can get it to replicate the noise.  That or take it to an ASE Certified mechanic, (not a major chain specialty shop like Meineke, Midas, Brake Team, etc.) and have them inspect anything.  If you go to your local NAPA or other parts store they can most likely direct you to a decent shop.  Ask them where they would take their car.  They most likely like me will deal with them on a daily basis and know who to trust and who not to. 

I would absolutly have this all checked out before you go on the trip and if it is still making the noise, take another car, even if it means stealing* or renting one.





*I do not condone car theft! 

Hmm car theft.  Why didn't I think of that! 

LOL