Strange rattling

[vr2jetta]

I have a strange rattling coming from the front end, left front tire to be exact. Every time a hit a small bump it rattles. It makes no noise if its a big bump or a higher speed (that I can notice).I pulled the tire and jacked it up and found the wheel bearing to be bad. About a month later (today) I replaced the wheel bearing. It still is making the noise. It seems a little better but still makes it none-the-less.
I am thinking sway bar end link, what do you think? Its the only thing that I can think of that would make the noise.
BTW, I change the steering rack at the same time (it was bad too) and put on good tie rods so I know they are good too.

[Philo]

I doubt it is a component. Usually parts don't "rattle". It's kind of odd to hear a rattle and know it's from the wheel. How loud is it and what is the noise similar to? Maybe check the plastic wheel wells.

[///eMveee]

Two possibilities I can think of. If the rattle started after you did the rack/tierods, check that the tierods are tight, both inner and outer. If it was present before, then check the balljoints at the control arms. This can be confirmed by putting the car on jackstands and rocking the wheel/tire back and forth (side to side). One more thing... if it is tinny (high pitched rattle) it could be the backing plate behind the rotor. They have a tendangy to crack and rattle. Makes a high pitched noise. you could confirm by tapping or flicking backing plate with your finger and listen for the rattle.

[vr2jetta]

Its kinda loud. Loud enough if you are listening to the radio at a normal level you could hear it still. Its like a clacking, or a clattering noise. When I drive down my dirt driveway and hit a tree root thats when its most noticeable. It could maybe sound like a loose dust shield, if the dust shield were 3 times as thick. Maybe I will try to get a video up. Its really irritating me. My car sounds like it going to fall apart when I hit a bump.

[E30_fiend]

upper strut mount. when they go bad the shock has nowhere to go but up and it will make your described rattle

[vr2jetta]

upper strut mount. when they go bad the shock has nowhere to go but up and it will make your described rattle

Ummm, sounds like its coming more from the tire area, but I will check. I am going to jack it back up and take a closer look today, maybe even get a video up.

[vr2jetta]

OK, heres is a (crappy) video of the car and the noise. It can really be heard at the end of the clip. In the beginning it can be heard just before the trash can. The wind noise kinda sucks but its the best I could do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KAyzuzW8ec

[Gooch]

Check to see if the gland nut is holding your strut in the housing. Mine backed off and would make a loud rattle/clacking noise when going over bumps and ruts on the highway.

[Philo]

/\ That sound like a possibility. I would just inspect everything very closely to make sure it's solid.

[vr2jetta]

Gland nut is not a term I am not familiar with. Can you re-word or describe that?

[vr2jetta]

OK, search is my friend. Gland nut is the nut used to hold the strut in the strut housing.

[vr2jetta]

Gland nut is the nut used to hold the strut in the strut housing.

And the Gland nut was the culprit!! It is soooo quiet now! LOL! Thanks Gooch!!

[Gooch]

Glad I could help. I thought mine was a sway bar link as well, but when I removed the wheel it was clearly obvious what the culprit was. I think it's a pretty common problem on these cars.

[vr2jetta]

Yea, when I searched 'gland nut' a few threads came up with the same problem as mine, so it seems to be pretty common.