Mystery Noise

[Hooky]

Guys:

I have a 2002 7.3 4wd that has around 67,000 miles on it. In the last few weeks it has developed a rattling sound that sounds like something is loose. As best I can tell, it seems to be coming from somewhere relatively close to the drivers side near the back of the engine firewall or lower. I have checked shocks, brakes and calipers, front drive shafts, u-joints, etc. I can find nothing loose. The sound occurs while driving even on relatively smooth roads, even when going fairly slow. It is just a low rattling or bumping noise. Any ideas?????

Thanks, Hooky.

[Nosparkplugs]

Could be a loose shock bolt on the bottom of your shock but u said u checked that also check you bushings on your stabalizer arm behind your axle. Its doubtfull but i had a busted leaf spring which also made this noise because the top of it bounced on the bottom

[NCHornet]

Sway bar end links are right in that area and the bushings are know to go out around your mileage, won't rattle if you hit it, only when driving, look and see if the bushing is all pushed out.

NCH

[Hooky]

Guys: After some closer inspection, it appears that my stabilizer bushings are bad. The parts guy says I have to replace the whole arm and cannot just get the bushings. Is the stabilizer arm under tension? If so, can you jack up the front to a point that relieves the tension to take the arms of for replacement?

Thanks. Hooky

[NCHornet]

No tension, they just unbolt. The bushings going bad is a common problem, your mechanic is a idiot, Energy Suspension makes replacement bushing but they are a royal pain to replace. I just ordered ne end links for $45 each, much easier and quicker.
Good Luck

NCH

[Hooky]

Thanks NCH. I did get the whole arm and it was a snap to replace. Got to replace the one on the passenger side next. It is on order. You were right, that was my mystery noise. I really appreciate your help.

Hooky