Hello all.
So my Sunday driver is up and running again.
So without going into too much detail at this point let me explain...
1st year of owning this it didn't have this problem, but now...

When I go over a speed bump or even just minor cracks in the road I hear knocking (heavy rattling) sounds.
But I swear it seems like it's coming from under the dash.
I can only imagine it is the front struts and hopefully not an engine mount or something.
Nothing visible from looking in the engine compartment and being these are so low to the ground it's tough to see without a lift.
Going to probably pull the front wheels this weekend to investigate further.
Any direction here would be appreciated.

Thank you
Peter

 

Possibly transmission mount, also called the rear engine mount.

 

Thanks LTD
That is a possibility as well.

 

Check the braces from the front shock tower to the scuttle. There is a service notice somewhere on this site that explains the "noise from under the dash" as a loose bolt under the air vent. You will have to remove the wiper arms and the vent cover. The bolt, I believe has a torx head and the torque setting for it is outlined in the bulletin.Those squeeks and rattles appeared on my 2003 after I replaced the front shocks. Apparently when I swung the brace over to remove the old shocks that bolt worked loose. After i found that bulletin and tightened the bolt, no more rattles!I have the service bulletin printed and stored in my ma maintanence file at home. If no one else chimes in, I will report it here later tonight.

 

I've had a rattle at my dash that I've not been bothered to fix yet but identified the sound as being the dash rear air vent (demister vent) which had come loose from the dashboard itself. I can reproduce the sound while stopped by tapping the plastic piece. It's on my list; somehow after I'd identified what the sound was I stopped caring about it, strangely.

If the sound is a very "sharp" tapping, as opposed to a dull "thunking" check your vents.

 

Typically, this from the aging anti-sway bar bushings, sort of by the radiator. Very inexpensive part, fairly easy to replace. Other possibility is that cheap end links on the same bar.

 

See if you can find Technical Bulletin 910-05. It outlines the problem and solution for the sqeaks and rattles under the dash.

 

Wow, so much great information!!
The weekend's here so I will spend some time investigating.
Will start by checking that brace bolt.
...feeling confident, thank you all.
will report my findings
Peter

 

#1 reason of suspension knock in all cars is sway bar links.

 

Well that explains it...
shock mount(s) are deteriorated.
Glad I pulled the plastic cover to inspect before going too deep from underneath.
I raised the body some and could move the top of the shock.

I see a pair of jack stands in my future I guess. (but she's worth it!)
I will take a look at the sway bar bushings once I'm underneath.
Thanks all for the suggestions.
xk8---over and out.