Please view the video below. This "rattling" noise just started last week and has gotten worse over the last few days; prevalent on the smallest of bumps. The video was taken on a rougher than average road for the sake of capturing the audio...and I'm still going 5-10 below the speed limit. Does this sound like bad shocks or bushings? If so, what is a good aftermarket source for 2004 suspension parts?

 

you should have your car put on a rack, lifted and your undercarriage given a good inspection. more than likely you have one of more failing suspension components!


my shock tower mounts are needing replaced and am getting some 'bump' feeling when riding over a bump.


your sound is screaming: PUT ME ON A RACK and have a look.


good luck!

 

+1

Stop driving until you have had a look.

Likely a bad lower shock bushing. Might even be a failed shock. But it will continue to take its toll on other parts, spending more of your money.

Worst case, something vital lets go and you lose the ability to steer.

 

I had the same kind of noise on my '97 XK8. It was due to the rear shock bushings. I had them replaced, and then my suspension was like new !

 

I agree that I need to get it on a rack. I'm hoping it's just bushings as that seems the be the least expensive fix. Unfortunately I can't get it in the air until next week and have no choice but to drive it until then. Fingers crossed..

 

So the front upper shock mounts bit the dust. What else should I replace while I have it all apart? Bushings? Ball joints? Etc..

 

Anything that even remotely looks like rubber.

Since it will be apart, you might as well do the bushings. Powerflex makes poly bushings if you want to tighten up the handling a little.

They have to come out to do the top mount, so it's a good time to do the shocks if they have a lot of miles.

Check the tie rod ends and ball joints too. Not terribly expensive parts and if you're going to do an alignment anyway, might as well replace all the parts at once and be done, IMO.

 

 

I'm curious as to what it cost you and what parts were needed. I need to replace the driver side lower control arm bushing but from what I gather it's more cost effort to buy a set of used replacement control arms. The bushing are nearly impossible to remove. Or so it appears.

 

I have just ordered a complete set of Powerflex bushes (£450 / $707 USD) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2304334541...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT getting them fitted by my indy mechanic shop next Tuesday. I started to get some clunking from drivers side rear yesterday which is likely to be shot bushes - anyway on a 14 year old car I figured it was time to replace them all regardless.
Will report back any benefits/issues.