I did some pretty hardcore wheeling at Chinamen Gulch here in Colorado this past weekend. On my way home I noticed that I have a slight rattle coming from somewhere up under my feet. That leads me to believe it's something to do with my suspension or axle or steering components, but I'm not sure what.

I took a close up look at the front suspension and everything seems to be in tact. No bolts missing or shocks dangling or anything glaring like that.

I was doing some pretty advanced stuff, and came down hard a couple times on skid plates/rock sliders, but nothing stands out like a hard impact on a tie-rod or anything.

Has anybody had this happen before? Any ideas what it could be?

And finally, do I dare take it to the dealership to have them troubleshoot? Will they just turn me away since I have a teraflex coil lift and not the stock one?

 

What type of rattle is it? Does it rattle when your turn, or hit a bump? Does it get worse with speed?

 

Check for rocks in the heatshields and skidplates. Also make sure the heatshields aren't loose, maybe rattling against the exhaust.

 

It's kind of a bumping type rattle coming from right under my left foot. It almost feels like somebody is gently knocking on something with their fist.

I don't notice it if I'm turning it or going over a bump, I notice it when I'm going at fast speeds on the freeway.

My first thought was that maybe the shock was loose and just rattling around, but it's fine.

 

Have you checked your front drive shaft? Have you washed it since wheeling? Could be something in your tire well.

Edit: Also did you check to see if the top grommet for the shock is still there?

 

I haven't really looked at the front drive shaft. I'm not sure what I would be looking for. Would I just check to see if it's taken an impact or bent or something? I have a 6 speed, so I thought my drive shafts were more out of the way than the autos?

I did wash it pretty thoroughly when I got back from the trip, so I don't think anything is in the tire well. There wasn't any mud on the trail, so I don't think anything would be compacted up in there.

The whole shock assembly appears to be in tact, top and bottom. No grommets missing or anything.

Thanks for the help!

 

As far as the driveshaft look at it and it will be obvious. Check to see if the boot is torn that could be rattling.

Have you checked your coils to make sure they are seated properly?

 

Thanks, I'll check the drive shaft boot and coils. I think they were fine, but I'll double check. Unfortunately it will have to wait until I get home from work.

 

And you checked the exhaust and plates?

 

I haven't checked that yet, but I will check that as well tonight when I get home.