Excessive vibration and rattle in the front end

KYLE RINK

MEMBER
2001 GMC SONOMA
4.3L
6 CYL
2WD
175,270 MILES

I have a very bad rattle in the front end of my truck but only when the brake is depressed when the brakes are pushed in the rattle all goes away. It almost sounds like I should like kind of like a shock, but I am not sure it is very loud going over rough roads or dirt roads especially.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

You have a rattle, but I do not know how pressing the brake pedal affects it. If the rattle stops when you apply the brakes lightly, suspect a loose brake pad or caliper. That is usually not a safety concern, but it is not something to ignore. A worn steering or suspension part can also stop rattling when braking because the stress on it holds parts tightly in place. The clue to a worn suspension part is the truck may veer to one side when braking and the steering wheel may shift position.

The best approach is to have the steering and suspension systems inspected at a tire and alignment shop. The people there are experts at finding the causes of noises and rattles.

Control arm bushings are becoming a more common problem than they were in years past.