1996 Ford Thunderbird Rattle

Tiny
DUMADE
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
On mild rough roads (not on the freeway) I hear a rattle comming from the right front of the vehical. I took off both wheels and I checked under the car for and tried to find anything (wheel bearings, joints, tie rods, etc) lose. The car has new struts.
Saturday, January 9th, 2010 AT 12:20 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Have you had any recent repairs done to the vehicle
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Saturday, January 9th, 2010 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
DUMADE
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  • 12 POSTS
No, the car has made the noise for at least 20,000 miles when upper ball joints and struts were replaced. It has gotten worse over time. Also, the noise does not increase with engine speed or car speed.
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Saturday, January 9th, 2010 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
I would be checking for loose bushings or steering components. Give each one a wiggle and a shake and see how it looks. Do you have play on the steering knuckle and ball joint connections?
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Sunday, January 10th, 2010 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
DUMADE
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  • 12 POSTS
Thanks you for your help. I tried taping all suspension parts with a plastic/rubber hammer, prying with a long screw driver and trying to move parts with my hand but found nothing. I also removed the brake calipers and checked the anti-rattle clip; they were fine. I don't feel the rattle through the steering wheel and the steering seems tight. The rattle is not constant and seems to stop when driving and I slightly turn the steering wheel. Could it be inside the rack and pinion?
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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Could be make sure the rack is bolted in good and not wobbling around. Best thing to do is have a person look under it as you move the wheel and bounce the suspension and look for movement.
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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
HDB1964
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I would check the sway bar links. My 95 tbird had same problem changed the sway bar links and no more rattle.
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Saturday, February 20th, 2010 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
DUMADE
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thank you for your help; you were right on; no more annoying rattle. Although the links seemed tight before taking them off, the bottom joints were loose when removed.

FYI, the TB would turn over but not start. The Auto Club tow guy came out and hit the gas tank with a long pole and it started; he said it was the fuel pump. Also, about once a week I would turn the key and for a split second the starter would not turn the engine over. The tow guy said it was the starter. After getting the starter and fuel pump replaced it's been fine. Thanks again for your help/advice.
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010 AT 7:21 PM

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