Trying to diagnose a front end rattle on my 02 ram, new body style. Got about 110k miles. Sway bar bushings and link bar bushings were replaced. Have new shocks. Rattle, 4-5 "hits" when i go over a sharp bump; like a pot hole on a gravel road. Both front sides do it independantly, more on the drivers side, right now. Trying to figure it out without spending a lot of money; ie, taking it to someone. If i can avoid. Looking for some guidance, from you experts. Do the link bars wear out, all together. The drivers side was definately looser than the other; at the connection at the bottom? Or, do the control arm bushings wear out? How can i tell if that is the case - there was nothing obvious, when the tire was removed, manual shaking it... Can someone HELP!?

 

New shocks!

 

my 05 had a similar problem. that ball joint had broken from the rivets that are suppose to hold them in place, what was happening was they were grinding into the control arms. only happened if i hit a manhole cover or speed bump. dodge has a recall on this, might want to look into it.

 

there are new shocks on? bolts are tight. may pull them off and switch sides...?

ball joint, will look into it. no recall listed, at least what i found... but, both sides will rattle, like mentioned. drivers side more so.

thanks for responses... any more?

 

I sorta have the same issue. I was told CV joints. I need to look closer and really see sometime soon I guess.

 

Mine do the same thing, but its not going to be so bad once I get the new shock installed and everything.....I hope....

 

also just had something similar... took it to dealer and they had to replace both upper control arms due to the ball joints and they replaced the entire rack and pinion unit. Now the alignment sucks because it pulls to the right pretty bad and there is still a funny vibration that occurs at any speed but is far more noticeable when turn right. My truck just turned 53,000 miles and I dont treat it bad or drive it hard... not so good.

 

update: was drivers side shock. must have had some sand behind the washer, at the bottom end. just enough space to let the bushing rattle. annoying! thanks for all input!