8 replies to this topic

[NateB]

I have been hearing a loose sorta rattling noise apparently from the front passenger side.

I replaced the sway bar links and the rattle is still there.

It is not a constant noise and is not a clunking sound like when my spring seats broke. It just a slight enough rattle to bother you when driving with the windows down and radio off.

I have checked under hood to see if anything is loose and cannot find a problem.

Suspension is firm, good koni struts.

Possibilities: Strut mounts ? Spring Seats ( doubtfull)?

Edited by NateB, 01 April 2005 - 07:16 AM.

[Geevs]

How about the sway bar itself? Maybe the built-in bushings have worn out? Or maybe the sway bar bolts need to be retightened to the subframe?

[StansMan]

Check out the hood latches. I had a rattle like this and it took me forever to find it. If the latch bolts are lose, that'll cause a rattle. If they're tight, close the hood and thump on it above the latch and see if it has play within the latch. If it does, you can loosen the bolts and move the latch around to eliminate the play. You may have to adjust both of them because the allignment of one will effect the other.

[beachnut]

The brake caliper's anti-rattle spring still there?

Yup, I mentioned that in your other thread. Are there stretches of roads where you can reliably reproduce the rattle, i.e. you know it will rattle if you go over said bump or a little bridge? If so, lightly hold the brakes while going over that stretch. No rattle means your caliper spring.

[Bay13]

It is good to have one of those rubber mallits to smack things with to see if tyey make noise.

[sblckwd]

It is good to have one of those rubber mallits to smack things with to see if tyey make noise.

Check the 2 bolts that attach the A arm to the sub frame. Use a wrench. If they are loose you will get a "clicking/rattle" sound. 15mm and 18mm.

[starfish]

Try jacking up the car on the frame behind the front wheel to get the tire off the ground and give that tire a whack with a rubber mallet. If you can replicate the noise, take off the brake caliper and see if the inner brake pad backing pad spring clip has rusted off and is rattling around inside the caliper piston.