Front End Rattle

[gofast00]

So I know this borders on too little information, but my 89 Grand Marq has a regular rattle coming from the front end when I go over bumps. The thing is, it's not a clunky rattle but more of a metallic rattle - like tin parts shaking against each other.

I think this cropped up after I got new tires, but it's possible I just hadn't noticed it since I put new tires on about 200 miles after I bought it.

I can also say that the steering is a bit twitchy - not a great on-center feel.

Any suggestions about what to look at?

Thanks guys - still have a lot to learn to really get to know this car.

Brad

[turbo2256b]

Most of the time its the brake pads. The clips that hold them to the piston rust out and they rattle aroud. Have driven them for years like that. Sone are even designed for a different piston ID machining others are for as cast IDs.

[gofast00]

That's interesting actually - because sometimes when I hit the brakes, I feel a bit of "take up" before they bite - like they slide forward and then bite. I can feel the click as something seats before the brakes bite. Does that description make sense? (And would that be consistent with what you said?)

[gadget73]

worn bushings in the caliper can also do this. They're a rubber material and deteriorate over time. If they're totally gone, it just makes things noisy. Its the guide for the caliper pin. Theres no risk of the caliper falling off or anything.

[86VickyLX]

Brakes or sway bar end links most likely.

[85crownHPP]

Do you have the factory hubcaps with the security bolts holding them in? If those come loose, the metal piece that lives between the wheel and the hubcap can make all kinds of noise. Usually you hear that constantly at lower speeds too though.

[GM_Guy]

If its a fleet car, theres also the metal disc brake dust shield (plastic on retail cars) that may have a rotted off mount leaving it dangling and clanging.

Alex.

[turbo2256b]

That's interesting actually - because sometimes when I hit the brakes, I feel a bit of "take up" before they bite - like they slide forward and then bite. I can feel the click as something seats before the brakes bite. Does that description make sense? (And would that be consistent with what you said?)

Sounds like it could be. Dont think the 89s had rubber bushings. Check all the other stuff mentioned. If your brakes back off properly removing a wheel and checking to see if they are loose and could rattle is easy.

[gofast00]

Thanks so much everyone - I didn't get a chance to pull a wheel this weekend, but suspect brakes is correct - when I lightly drag them over bumps that would normally set up the rattle, the beast is silent. Fantastic.

[Piece-it pete]

That is exactly what my 85 would do - in my case it was the caliper bushings.

Pete

[sly]

was the sway bar end links when I dealt with that on my 88. the bushings were totally gone. Just bought a set of energy suspension end link bushings at the parts store and swapped out the old rubber for the new poly on the old links. now I just have the problem of poly bushing squeak on the control arm bushings.

[85crownHPP]

/\ mine did that too. sounded like a quarter rattling around down there, lol

[packman]

I have had that since I bought the CV. I replaced the rotors, pads, shocks, and wheels and still have the rattle. I haven't changed the calipers yet, so that may be the source. When I rebuild the front-end this March (or April weather permitting) I will see if I can eliminate the rattle.


Packman