I searched and found some information but wanted to see what else everyone had to say. My 03, QC, 4X4 CTD has 170k on it and about 5000 miles ago it started making some noise in the front end.

When driving around slowly anytime I hit a bump or change in grade of the roadway causing the front suspension to compress, I hear a noise. Its not a metal on metal or clanking. Its like a loud rubbing of rubber against a dissimilar material. Something in the suspension or front sway bar? I have changed the shocks and it still makes the same noise.

The sway bar bushings are very worn, so that's my next replacement. What about the round rubber bushings inside the arm that attaches to the front axle and frame?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help,

TXPower

 

Check your sway bar end links. Mine showed similar issues and when I removed them they were SHOT!!!!

Sent from my high tech squawk box

 

I agree with Justin, sway bar end links are shot on my 03 I only hear the front end rattle at slow speeds especially on our street it's rough and due this year to be reconstructed.

Tony

 

I just have the 2wd, but I had the upper and lower ball joints as well as the lower bushings that you were speaking about. Rubber was trash an the corrosion was evident. I also put in the Supersprings rated at 3750 lbs. and wow what an improvement. It is like better than new. I have the Rancho RS9000 adjustable set on 5. Very happy with the results.

 

Sounds like your end links but check to make sure you shock isn't broken, or a cracked coil spring.

 

Shocks are less than 5k new but checked them anyway, they're good. I'll have to give the springs another closer look to check for cracks. Actually never heard of a cracked spring...hmmm.....

I replaced the upper and lower ball joints and u-joints in the front axle less than 5k ago too but got underneath and checked last weekend....all good.

I did notice that with the warmer weather we've been having it's making less noise. And when it's raining out, less noise. That kinda leads me to think rubber bushings.

Thoughts?