Weird rattle from front end when going over bumps?

[HankyD]

Hi guys,

I am experiencing a wierd rattle when going over bumps on the road. But it doesn't make this sound all of the time, only when the bumps and speed is significant enough.

As a result, I retourqed my lug nuts as well as my caliper bolts, and tightened a number of things underneath the hood. But I am still experiencing the same sound under the same conditions.

It sounds like it's coming from the driver's side and you need to have the windows down to really notice it. I intend to go underneath the truck to further investigate, but it could be just about anything and want to narrow it down a little at least.

I read a post today about another member experiencing something similar. It was suggested that it could be the leaf springs which could be clattering when going over bumps. But it sounds like it's coming from the front end..

Thoughts...

[LOOSEWHEEL]

Most of the time it's sway bar links.

[ewxlt]

Also could be bad ball joints.

[HankyD]

Originally Posted by LOOSEWHEEL

Most of the time it's sway bar links.

Sway bar links look fine.

[HankyD]

Originally Posted by ewxlt

Also could be bad ball joints.

Ewxlt, is there a way I can confirm this? How common is this? I guess it would get worse over time?

Everything else looks fine and tight from underneath.

[LOOSEWHEEL]

Originally Posted by HankyD

Sway bar links look fine.

They may look fine but..........................

Just search 'sway bar links' and see how it's hard to tell if they are good or not.

And here's an easy way to find out: Remove the bar completely. Should take all of 10 mins. Then you know for sure and it did not cost you anything.

If the problem is still there, ball joints would be my next target.

[ghohouston]

Also could be leaf springs slapping each other, if its more of a clunking sound. But if it feels like its something hitting your floorboard, its probably sway bar links loose or bushings

[HankyD]

Originally Posted by LOOSEWHEEL

They may look fine but..........................

Just search 'sway bar links' and see how it's hard to tell if they are good or not.

And here's an easy way to find out: Remove the bar completely. Should take all of 10 mins. Then you know for sure and it did not cost you anything.

If the problem is still there, ball joints would be my next target.

Originally Posted by ghohouston

Also could be leaf springs slapping each other, if its more of a clunking sound. But if it feels like its something hitting your floorboard, its probably sway bar links loose or bushings

Thanks, I will take the sway bar off to verify. Ghohouston, it kinda is more of a clunking sound actually when I come to think about it. If it is, nothing to worry about? Is there a way to "fix" it?

Thanks

[ghohouston]

Originally Posted by HankyD

Thanks, I will take the sway bar off to verify. Ghohouston, it kinda is more of a clunking sound actually when I come to think about it. If it is, nothing to worry about? Is there a way to "fix" it?

Thanks

IF you have the same problem i do, the leafs are worn out. I guess you could be ghetto and stick rubber in between tgem, im working on getting new leafs though... But yeah mine has been a light clunking Sound over bumps... Checked suspension thoroughly multiple times. And its not really anything to worry about. Im going on 3 years of clunking

[HankyD]

Originally Posted by ghohouston

IF you have the same problem i do, the leafs are worn out. I guess you could be ghetto and stick rubber in between tgem, im working on getting new leafs though... But yeah mine has been a light clunking Sound over bumps... Checked suspension thoroughly multiple times. And its not really anything to worry about. Im going on 3 years of clunking

I have never heard of "bad leafs" before. How many miles/kms do you have on your truck? Can you also comment on what kind of driving you do? It doesn't sound like it's something that comes from regular on-the-road driving.

I guess, if it were the leafs, I would be able to look at them and see a clear space in between them?

Thanks again!