Another front end noise.

[jpalma]

I have read lots of other posts but nothing dials into what I have been hearing. I have a front end noise that sounds like metal on metal rattling, but it almost sounds like it is hitting the firewall. I have brand new hubs, calipers, rotors and pads. Checked my ball joints and tie rods all are tight. All of my steering components are also tight. My down pipe and manifolds are all tight as well. Checked all of my bushings underneath from the leafs to sway bars all seem to be in good working order. The noise comes and goes as I am driving down the highway. I can usually only hear it above 30mph. The other day it made one louder pop when I came to a complete stop. Any ideas where it could be coming from? I am going crazy. Thanks, Josh

[NoRalPh]

Sounds like you've checked all the right stuff already,,, I think of that sound (metal rattling) as most often being swaybar related...

[jpalma]

Wouldn't that noise come only when I hit bumps ? It is making noise when I am driving down smooth highways and goes away, and comes back. I can hit bumps and the noise will not change or make noise if for that moment its not making noise.

[melmount]

the body mount bolt under your feet? I had 2 trucks that needed new body bushings. The mount wears and the bolt rusts and it can make a pop sound. This Will be right under your feet.
My wifes truck was just doing a similar noise. It felt like ball joints were tight when i checked them. But the uppers were worn out and i could not wiggle the tire(no play) even with a pry bar

[melmount]

If your sway bar links have the ball and socket joints, they can feel tight and make a racket.

[jpalma]

Did I read somewhere, I can just take them off and drive for a hour and see if the noise goes away? To narrow the problem down. Cash is tight, dont feel like replacing something that is still functional.

[melmount]

The sway bar links? They can be removed and the truck driven. I would take the whole sway bar off so its not dragging

[jpalma]

Alright sweet thanks, I will try that.

[jpalma]

It was the freakin U joint to the front diff that was all dry and mangled. New one in no noise

[Macon]

You mean the u-joint on the front drive shaft? If that is the case, check your hubs to see if they're locked. Your front drive shaft shouldn't be moving unless 4x4 is engaged, or your hubs are locked.