Rattle from front suspension

[MINIdriver85]

So, lately I've been hearing a distinct rattle from the left side of the front suspension, and I have no idea what it might be. Or, better, I have an idea but I dunno if that's possible. I was thinking maybe the wishbone bushing was shot? But I feel no difference in the car's handling and I know I should feel it if it were the bushing, right?

Also, since I had to change the clutch this summer while I was away, I was thinking if maybe the mechanic who did the job didn't tighten everything properly and something has come loose? The noise started not long after the job was done, too bad I wasn't there anymore otherwise I would have brought it back to make him check it...

[PK5]

the bushing wont make it handle any different but you may hear a constant knocking when you turn the corner

[MINIdriver85]

Thanks, I thought the bushing would make it less stable on fast turns, and pull slightly on the side of the shot bushing...anyway, I feel it mostly when going over bumps, reading some similar topics on NAM I got the impression that it might be or the cv joint, or the ball joint, or, simply, the front sway bar endlinks that need to be tightened. I'll be checking these three things and see if I can get a better idea of what it is, but if anyone has suggestions, feel free to write them down!

[MINIdriver85]

Does anyone know how to check if the cv joint and/or the ball joint are shot? I took a look yesterday and they seem fine, the dust boot of the cv joint seems whole, but I'd like to "test" them and see if the noise comes from any of these two...or eventually from the tie rod, so if anyone knows how to check that one too, that'd be great.

[M.O.S]

A bush will make a difference - much more play so you'll definitely notice this at speed - the parts in question will move more than they did previously. In order to hear the knocking you'd have to actually get the car moving fast enough to make the noise, but slow enough to allow you to hear it. The best bet would be to let a mechanic have a look... I'd replace both sides - chances are if one has gone the other will soon...

[MINIdriver85]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

A bush will make a difference - much more play so you'll definitely notice this at speed - the parts in question will move more than they did previously. In order to hear the knocking you'd have to actually get the car moving fast enough to make the noise, but slow enough to allow you to hear it. The best bet would be to let a mechanic have a look... I'd replace both sides - chances are if one has gone the other will soon...

Yeah I suspected that a bushing would make a difference, but the car handles perfectly fine so I'd rule that out. I will let a mech have a look for sure, it was more for personal curiosity to see if I could find out what it is while I wait for my mech to be available (he will be next week). As for changing both sides, of course I'll do that but thanks for the suggestion anyway