Front end suspension noise

bobstocker · December 5, 2006

On my 1998 GMC sierra k1500, The driver side front suspension has started to make a metal knock /rattle noise. I am not sure what is causing this and have visual inspected the area to check for anything loose that could be making this metal on metal knocking noise. It occurs when you drive over any bumps that would cause the suspension to move , I can simulate the noise by rocking the driver front side up and down slightly too. I have checking for loose tie rods , shock supports , sway bar , idler arms.,bushings,etc. I mentioned this knocking noise to my mechanic when he performed last front end alignment to check for possibles causes and he said everything was tight. My concern is what is making this but also if this is dangerous and could lead to some other serious problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated -thanks

Mgd406 · December 19, 2006

I have the same problem on my 98 sierra and 98 suburban. New shocks did not fix this problem. I have been wondering if it might be the bushings or torsion bars.

I had a ford explorer with a torsion bar problem the bar was making noise due to movement where it actually coped out a larger hole and would slap on the frame going over bumps. Had to be welded and remachined to remount the torsion bar.

Not a cheap fix.

Markus

GM-Tech · December 6, 2006

My suggestion would be to get someone under the truck, while you're rocking it to make the noise, and have them to put their hands on everything possible to see if they can feel where the noise is coming from.

It doesn't take much movement at all to cause a noise like that and the mechanic just seeing if everything is tight is not enough.

Noises that can easily be duplicated like yours are usually pretty easy to find.

bobstocker · January 5, 2007

My suggestion would be to get someone under the truck, while you're rocking it to make the noise, and have them to put their hands on everything possible to see if they can feel where the noise is coming from.

It doesn't take much movement at all to cause a noise like that and the mechanic just seeing if everything is tight is not enough.

Noises that can easily be duplicated like yours are usually pretty easy to find.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I found out it was the front shoch absorber that was making the noise /rattle. Something in the shock was rattling when banged or compressed so when I replaced both front shocks the noise problem was solved.

Thanks