A new rattle

Mark Olenick · Post by **Mark Olenick** » 12 Mar 2008, 10:55

Hi all,

Looking for a little insight here as my mechanic can't seem to find the rattle that only I can seem to hear

. I own a fully paid for 2000 S70 GLT with 235K miles. Each morning when leaving for work I hear a rattle in what seems to be the drivers side front fender area. Fairly close to the windshield. It is rhythmic but does not increase or decrease with speed. As mentioned my mechanic can't seem to reproduce and has assured me the front end items are all in good shape.

Thoughts? -

Thanks All,
Mark Olenick
Lititz, PA

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Mar 2008, 14:40

Need more information...is it pronounced more over bumps or does it seem to be coming from a fan? Another thought is for you to check the upper engine torque mount as well as the bushing that connects it to the firewall. All of these areas can vibrate and irritate you.

Mark Olenick · Post by **Mark Olenick** » 13 Mar 2008, 04:55

It's definitely more pronounced over bumps and identifiable at low speed (10~30 mph). I've check the engine compartment but did not find anything obvious but I'll check again with the areas you mention. As mentioned when I leave in the AM I can really hear it and it sounds like drum beat. However when I took the mechanic for a ride with him in the passenger seat it only happened very slightly and the car was warm. Could there be something that is only rattling when cold?

Thanks for all the help.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Mar 2008, 15:04

It seems that all of these rattles are worse when it's cold. You should get your mechanic to also check the upper strut mounts and spring seats above the struts and the swaybar endlinks which could be worn out or just need tightening. It took me changing all of the above out including the struts to get rid of my rattles.

Mark Olenick · Post by **Mark Olenick** » 17 Mar 2008, 12:51

Will do. When I find out I'll let you know. Thanks

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 17 Mar 2008, 19:25

maybe it's the dash.

Mark Olenick · Post by **Mark Olenick** » 18 Mar 2008, 07:35

Actually after reading MIJ's last reply I'm starting to think it's the stut mounts. (again). I had them replaced last year, which for me equals about 35K miles ago. During that time I had asked my mechanic if I should replace the struts as well. He said as long as there not leaking they should be OK. The car still handles well so I just wrote it off. However after some other research I now have a few more questions.

1.) Should struts be replaced periodically. I have 230K on the car (2000 S70 GLT) and they are still original. Same goes for shocks.

2.) I just found out the top engine mount needs replaced. I had this done 16 months ago (About 42K miles). Is this typical. What condition does the mount have to be in in-order to merit replacement?

I don't mind replacing as I really want to get at least 500K miles out of the car.

Thanks
Mark

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Mar 2008, 10:28

You are WAY over-due for struts. Even if they aren't leaking, they'll lose their grip and you'll feel an extraordinary rough ride...and they start to wear out other front end items (as you've found). Maybe you got ScanTech mounts? These wear out in about a year so when you change them again, avoid this brand (on all suspension parts as well). Look at www.shox.com for some options. They don't have them on their site, but they do sell the mounts and spring seats as well, but you'll have to call them. If you order from them, make sure they don't send you ScanTech items. I bought the Bilst. Touring (TC) Struts and shocks from them a few years back and they were great to deal with.

Mark Olenick · Post by **Mark Olenick** » 31 Mar 2008, 10:46

Thanks for all the help and infomration. Based on what I've found the Bils seem to fit the ticket. Thanks for the purchase site info.

You mentioned to also get the the mounts and spring seats. Is a spring seat the same as a bearing plate? If not, shold that also be replaced? In my research seems like KYB is the choice for these items as well.

Thanks again

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 31 Mar 2008, 15:31

The strut mounts are the same as the bearing plate. The spring seat is what butts up against the actual springs that are around the shocks in the front and sits between the shocks and the mounts (bearing plate). On the rear there is no spring seat but the actual shock butts up against the shock mount. I know it's confusing.