gtv front end

[carlo rossi]

Ok ,I have had this for some 12 months now and when purchased was told that all the bushes and ball joints are new
went to my my local alfa mechanic and he said yes it seems everything is in order
when I drive it thou there is a distinct rattle in the particular in the left front
It cant be normal
what is your guess??

[Duk]

Is it a heavy, dull rattle or a higher pitched rattle?

Were the lower control arms overhauled or did the previous owner just say they were? Each metal bearing (not rubber bush) is atleast $50 each and there's 4 of them in total.

Also, check the rear engine mount for tears in the bushing. This can allow the engine to move around and the sump can knock on the steering rack. Well, it can on the V6 cars with power steering, but I don't know if the 4 cylinder sump and non-power steering racks are the same profile.

[aggie57]

Check the left hand steering rack bush. Grab the tie rid, move it up and down. If there's any movement the bush is likely worn. If it is it'll rattle.

[carlo rossi]

thanks guys yeh its a thud thud  quite a low frequency noise
ill check it out
tie rods maybe

[Mick A]

Take it to a mechanic.

[carlo rossi]

did that they said all good
So now off to a front end specialist

[GTVeloce]

I would start by inspecting everything and then re-torquing everything to the correct figures. Probably a 30 minute job.

Could it also be non suspension related? i.e. the left front also houses the exhaust/engine mount shield. If it's a little loose you will get a rattle. Or maybe the brake dust shield.

[GeeTV]

Don't laugh, but the lower plastic standard 'spoiler' on my 84 coupe was loose at the wheel arch mounting points & had a decent crack at the left front section.  Anytime I turned left faster than walking pace it made a terrible sound that I was sure had something to do with the suspension.