I have a 1999 Jimmy 4x4 with a sort of rattle coming from the front drivers side wheel. You don't hear or feel anything out of the ordinary when driving on a smooth surface, but any bumps in the road will trigger the sound. It almost sounds like the wheel or some suspension component is loose and wobbling. A

Had it checked out by a mechanic & they said the front end is good and tight except for the drivers side wheel bearing -- they said there was a little bit of play in there but it wasn't too bad. Could this play be causing my rattle over bumps (seems to make sense to me -- wheel play resulting in a rattling noise) or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks.

 

definately not a wheel bearing but does sound like a loose brake caliper or dust shield.

 

I'm having the same problem on my 98' Blazer. My first thought was the ball joints, so I replaced those today. Passenger side lower was totaly shot, drivers lower was pretty bad too. Both the uppers were still ok, but I swapped them anyway. My CV joints still felt tight. I got it all back together and took it for a test drive, still rattles! $#%&! All the bushings seemed good too. Let me know if you figure it out!

 

I had the same problem, and it drove me nuts. Replaced front sway bar bushings, and it went away.

Z06South

 

It's driving me nuts too so I've got an appointment to get it looked at on Monday -- I'll update here if they find anything.

Thanks,

 

- Jack up the truck
- Grab the wheel at the 9 & 3 o'clock position
- Push & pull the wheel with your right & left hands, i.e. push with your left pull with your right several times - back & forth. If there is any play (and you will feel it) the bearing is shot.

Also, your door pins may be warn out! open the door and lift it up/down from the bottom corner - there should be no play. If there is play, the pins are shot. You local auto parts store will carry replacement pins and a door spring compressor. Have fun!

 

Well my rattling noise is gone and it only cost $45 to repair! It ended up being a loose shock absorber mount. The crazy part is that this is what I originally suspected as the cause. The first shop I took it to said it wasn't the mount but might be the wheel bearing. Second shop had no idea. Third time was a charm!

On that note, if anyone needs a good mechanic in the Fraser Valley area, drop me a line. I was very impressed with these guys overall.