Front end rattle

[markmdz89hatch]

check the upper strut bushings. There's supposed to be a very thick steel washer at the bottom and top of the whole thing to keep the tops from pushing through, or getting sucked into the wheel-well.. Also a steel sleeve to go over the piston and the big rubber bushings around them. I have a sneaking suspicion that there's something missing, assembled a little wrong, or just plain very worn out.

That or it could be something as simple as a blown strut, which would make that exact noise too. (Trust me, I know all too well about that one, I blew a rear strut on my 300Z back in the day, and it was not a cheap replacement.)

Any pulsation or vibration under heavy braking?

EDIT: Also mentioned already, but check not only the end-links on your swaybars, but the mounting bushings where they affix to the chassis too.

[russiankid]

check the upper strut bushings. There's supposed to be a very thick steel washer at the bottom and top of the whole thing to keep the tops from pushing through, or getting sucked into the wheel-well.. Also a steel sleeve to go over the piston and the big rubber bushings around them. I have a sneaking suspicion that there's something missing, assembled a little wrong, or just plain very worn out.

That or it could be something as simple as a blown strut, which would make that exact noise too. (Trust me, I know all too well about that one, I blew a rear strut on my 300Z back in the day, and it was not a cheap replacement.)

Any pulsation or vibration under heavy braking?

EDIT: Also mentioned already, but check not only the end-links on your swaybars, but the mounting bushings where they affix to the chassis too.

I get vibration while driving above 50mph but that is do to crappy tires which are getting replaced very soon. I checked the sway bar end links and they seem to be snug, I can move them slightly but they are rubber so thats explainable. I do not get any vibration while braking or acceleration, this noise is still present while braking. I will check the bushing/washers and get back to you. If it is a blown strut, I may just get some KYB's to replace these worn out stockers.

[Oldblueaccord]

How did you make it to PA? You will get a lot of rattling on those suck ass roads for sure.


wp

[russiankid]

How did you make it to PA? You will get a lot of rattling on those suck ass roads for sure.


wp

Made it alright. Been driving a lot here. I am more out in the country than the city, so I see a lot of highway miles. To be more exact I've put on 1500 miles in two weeks just going to stores and back. I am getting 35mpg here

As far as the rattle goes, I checked the top portion of the bushing by removing the dust cap. I did not see any cracks or anything of that sort on the bushing. So I am leaning to either the other end of the bushing being worn out or the whole strut is blown.

I am going to replace the tires soon with some Kumho Solus KR21. After that I can pin point more issues.

[Oldblueaccord]

Strut bearing. although it is not a bearing in anyway. Foam and rubber pieces I think.

OK i seen some of the posts of your move. Just to warn you to late PA is the Alabama of the north.


wp

[russiankid]

Is it possible to remove the 3 nuts holding the upper portion of the strut and just lower the strut a bit to check it?

[Oldblueaccord]

himm dunno about that I think maybe the suspension would droop enough to do it. But your 50% there the other bolt is that long one through the bushings and its out.Brakes line bolt and its done I think.



wp

[russiankid]

himm dunno about that I think maybe the suspension would droop enough to do it. But your 50% there the other bolt is that long one through the bushings and its out.Brakes line bolt and its done I think.



wp

I just need to check the bushing so I know if I need to replace it or not. I don't want to remove the strut completely to just check a bushing.

[russiankid]

Update.

I checked the bushing today. It seemed to be in ok shape. I didn't see any visual cracks, but it does not look the best either. The 3 bolts holding the top hat( I believe so) to the body were very easy to loosen. I tightened them down and the rattle dissipated a little bit.