Thread: Metallic rattle from front end on potholes or corrugations

I think it’s normal in extended mode for a more clunky sound to come from the suspension.

Originally Posted by BushDisco

Happy to report that the loud metallic rattling previously experienced over the last 12 months on potholes and rough roads has not reoccurred after extensive off-road driving over the last 5 days. Although it is hard to associate pad movement in the calipers with the noise I cannot refute the evidence so there we have it.

However I am still experiencing looseness in the front suspension, either UCAs or tie rod ends so further investigation needed in those areas I am very glad the annoying rattle has gone!

Thanks for the update. I'm going to pull the pads this weekend to check for looseness but I use a brake lube smeared liberally at the time of installation. Hard to see how anything could be rattling but will check.

I've no idea how long my rattle has been around as only noticed it in the warmer weather driving with the windows down. Can't hear a thing with them up.

Originally Posted by PerthDisco

I think it’s normal in extended mode for a more clunky sound to come from the suspension.

Thanks, car was in a mixture of ride heights. I have LLAMS (Excellent piece of kit) which I use heavily and ride height was everywhere from highway mode on the fast dirt roads to the LR off-road setting plus LLAMS extended height for the really slow super rocky steep stuff.

Knocking still evident at highway height on dirt roads.

Originally Posted by BushDisco

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

Hi Simon, im late to the party here, but i encountered this exactly as you describe on my MY16 HSE, with a brake pad change. I found, that the supplied anti rattle clips were not doing the job (i stupidly threw the OEM ones out when i changed the pads). I changed back to LR OEM clips, and used a little brake pad anti rattle paste, and the sound is gone.

short video: YouTube

the LR kit completely stopped the rattle, the pads are held nice and tight. i understand this goes against some of the advice here but this is my findings. I spoke extensively with tony at DBA, as well as land rover who were less than helpfull, telling me i couldnt get the clips without buying new pads. i bought these clips from USA, the part number is for the D4 with 360mm front rotors.

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Thanks for the video and the pics. I think your fix is entirely consistent with some of the observations in this thread.
It's something I'll be checking on. my recent rotors & pad change I used TRW pads. either front or rear included new clips, I don't recall which and I also purchased non-LR clips.
Hoping it's this easy.

I think you have nailed it cruiseh. And 5 weeks after my temporary fix and 5 weeks of blissful quiet, I heard the noise again today from front LHS so clearly my fix needs to be made more permanent, likely with the purchase of genuine land rover clips.

With needing new rotors (front) once the current pads wear low I'll replace the lot and have a set of genuine clips ready to install.

Hi Guys

I've had this issue on two other vehicles. Traced it back to aftermarket brake pads. They were slightly undersized and rattled in the caliper. Back to OEM and rattle disappeared. Not saying this is your issue but cheap to test.

Regards

Aussie280

Originally Posted by BushDisco

I think you have nailed it cruiseh. And 5 weeks after my temporary fix and 5 weeks of blissful quiet, I heard the noise again today from front LHS so clearly my fix needs to be made more permanent, likely with the purchase of genuine land rover clips.

With needing new rotors (front) once the current pads wear low I'll replace the lot and have a set of genuine clips ready to install.

Can you just remove the clips and spread them a bit which will apply more tension once you refit ?