I just bought a 97 es with 129k on it. Car has been maintained well. Steering is smooth and tight and tracks center. When I hit bumps or shift hard there is a rattle in the front suspension. What is the most common cause. It sounds like strut bushings, but I'm not familiar enough with this car to know what to look for. Also there is no cv clicking when I turn so its should not be loose cv joints.

 

Check the lower lateral arms , the bushings get loose and can rattle , There is a recall and some dealers will cover no trouble others say it can be done once.

 

Hi;

I have a 1996 ES V-6 that had rattles in front end that went away when lightly touching brake pedal ... after extensive diagnostics the problem was
the CURVED lower arms (both sides) - the ball was worn but while bolted in place did not show signs of wear or being worn (a Dodge dealer checked & said they were ok.) I replaced both (FROM ROCKAUTO.COM) and all noises went away & has been quiet since.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will check on the arms. I don't think its the ball joints, but will check them just in case. Also, My cruise control switch lights up when I turn it on, but when I set it nothing happens. The cruise light works in the dash when I start the car but does not come on when I try to set the speed. Any ideas?

 

I have ordered the control arms (Curved ). Will install in a few days.

 

check the black box passenger side for any leaks/cracked hoses

 

The arms arrived today, The noise is gone. My local dealer said that the recall had already been done on my vin. There is a parts dealer on ebay that sells the set (both) for $83.00. Thanks for the help and info.

 

these 2 'curved' arms were not on the recall I believe. I had garages tell me to replace the calipers and brackets as the noise went away when you touched the brake pedal ...the noise (rattle/knock) was also there when going over rough roads/potholes but was not there on cornering or braking.
Glad your noises are gone as well.