Metallic rattle from front end on potholes or corrugations

**BushDisco** · 13th January 2019, 07:53 AM

Hi all, seeking the combined wisdom and experience of this esteemed group. Yes, before anyone asks I have performed dozens of searches, on this forum and many others.

ok, this is not a new issue for me but one I’ve now had for approximately 1 year. The issue only manifests when the front right wheel drops into a sharp hole or is sharply bounced over big corrugations, although it is becoming more noticeable so I think what is the root cause is continuing to deteriorate. It cannot be replicated on a flat round or over standard speed humps.

Under the above off-road or pothole conditions I hear (not feel through steering wheel) a single metallic click / rattle, similar to metal hitting metal. And on corrugations a continuous series of the same noise. It is quite loud, plenty loud enough to be heard some distance from the vehicle.

i have no noticeable play in my steering and no knocking is felt through the steering.

I just returned from a trip to Kangaroo island (awesome place for a weeks camping if anyone gets the chance), and have now discovered I can replicate the single click, albeit quieter, by a sharp dab of the brakes when moving over 50km/hr. In 2 weeks I’m heading up to mount Buller / High country for a weeks camping and bush tracks so really want this fixed prior.

Over the last 12 months I have:
- replaced LCA’s
- replaced sway bar bushes and drop pins
- replaced brake pads ( and checked anti rattle shims/ springs)
- taken two 2 separate suspension shops who prodded and poked with pry bars with nothing found
- tightened all body mounts
- checked wheel bearings
- had the vehicle through a 4 wheel alignment
- spent hours searching the web to see if anyone else had the same reported issue.

having eliminated the above items and spent hours under the car myself I’ve a short list of suspects not yet replaced

- upper control arms
- front shock top hats

Has anyone on this forum ever experienced similar or can offer any wisdom? At best this is a very annoying fault that take some of the enjoyment out of using the vehicle for its designed purpose, at worst what ever is causing the fault will break down during the most inconvenient place, probably half way up a tough 4wd track in the high country!

Thanks all
Simon

**loanrangie** · 13th January 2019, 08:44 AM

My first thought was lca's but after reading your list upper control arms would be the likely culprit.

**BushDisco** · 13th January 2019, 08:56 AM

Took it out this morning for further diagnostic and noticed that if I go over potholes with my foot lightly on the brake no noise.

Have not been able to find a rough enough road locally for proper testing though so difficult to confirm at this point.

**theelms66** · 13th January 2019, 09:38 AM

Sounds like the calipers or the slide themselves are worn. By applying little brake pressure you are taking up all clearances

**Grappler** · 13th January 2019, 09:44 AM

I had a similar rattle, but in the back. After checking every component couldnt find the culptit. Finally for other reasons, I changed out the air strut/shock absorbers and the rattle has gone.
Your front rattle could be worn shocks

**BushDisco** · 13th January 2019, 09:45 AM

That was my first thoughts, but I had wheels off yesterday and pulled off all front pads. Solid in their slots and over 70% material remaining. When they are under 30% (likely ends of year) i will replace pads and rotors with akebono.

No idea how to test calipers, but the pistons were in contact with the rear pads so I didn't perceive an issue?

**BushDisco** · 13th January 2019, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Grappler

I had a similar rattle, but in the back. After checking every component couldnt find the culptit. Finally for other reasons, I changed out the air strut/shock absorbers and the rattle has gone.
Your front rattle could be worn shocks

Yep, that's what I suspect now. Not a cheap fix though... Ideally I'd want to confirm this before spending the money!

**SBD4** · 13th January 2019, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by BushDisco

Yep, that's what I suspect now. Not a cheap fix though... Ideally I'd want to confirm this before spending the money!

I reckon it's the shocks. Mine is going for that repair tomorrow...under warranty.

**loanrangie** · 13th January 2019, 12:37 PM

Loose caliper carriers ?

**BushDisco** · 13th January 2019, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Loose caliper carriers ?

Possibly, the bolts holding the pads are tight but I don't have a tool to check the tension of the bolts holding calipers to chassis.

Thread: Metallic rattle from front end on potholes or corrugations

Thread Tools

Metallic rattle from front end on potholes or corrugations

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions