[Peter_Reinhard]

I have an annoying rattle from the front end, more so when car is first driven. I've checked the other posts from this site that say it most likely is the stabilizer links.

When my car was in a shop a year ago I asked them about the rattle; they claimed everything is tight and didn't know what it is. (not a great answer...)

Also, when I've been under the car, with car on drive-up ramps, nothing is obviously loose.

Question: Can a stabilizer link rattle but not look outwardly bad?

Is this something that will show up if I unspring the suspension (put on jack stands, not the ramps)?

Is this something I can do myself without special tools? I'm a pretty good mechanic, used to pull entire engines, etc., but some stuff you need special tools and more knowledge than I have.

I'm tempted to just replace the links if they are low enough cost.

Any help would be appreciated. My fear is it would be the struts themselves and I am aware how much they cost.

 

[SilverCoupe]

Yes with the car in the air, (no suspension, tires being supported) the stabilizer end links can be checked. If they are worn, or gone, you will notice gaps between the rubber on the long bolts and the sway bar. It is common to have these replaced at 100,000 miles or so. I have changed alot of them, with some completely gone or the long bolt broke. It can cause rattling up front. When you replace them get the good ones (Moog, etc.)
Use a wiz wheel and buzz them off. Another rattle that has occured on my 91 Deville was after I replaced the front struts, I did not replace the upper bearing board assemblys, and they rattled too, or had some thumping slap noises. Funny though those bearing swash plates are not cheap either.

 

[johnny kannapo]

If you had it inspected & the mechanic came up with zip, I would look at the front bearings for play. They can cause a degree or two of rotor lean that spreads the pads apart causing the pads to rattle.

If you were to drive on a surface that developes this rattle and apply the brakes the rattle will go away if this is the problem.