Hey MK1 MR2'ers,

I'm trying to hunt down a rattle in the front end of my MK1.  Pretty hard to find the exact source.

I've had all the bushes replaced (see MKI MR2 Prothane Urethane Bushings - Total Kit - from twos R us) and all shocks replaced some time ago with KYBs.

Here's a link to the kit I've had installed:
http://twosrus.com/catalo..._62&products_id=71

What's the next thing to try/replace?

I was thinking tie-rod ends, ball joints and sway bar end links:

http://twosrus.com/catalo..._28&products_id=74
http://twosrus.com/catalo...28&products_id=105

Any other recommendations?

Should I stick with twos r us for the tid rod ends, ball joints and sway bar end links?  Any Aussie suppliers you can recommend?

Any help much appreciated!

Cheers all,

Rob

Have you checked the steering rack bushes for movement?  When you tighten up one end of the chain (by replacing bushes etc.,), it puts more stress on the other components.

Good idea.  I had this steering rack bush replaced about 70,000 Kms ago, not sure how quickly these wear out (see below)
 
Figured that tie rod ends, ball joints or sway bar end links may be the culprits as they haven't been changed before.
 
What's the best way to check the rack for movement - just give the wheels a shake while the car is jacked up?
 

Best way to check for rack movement is to jack it up (or put it on a hoist) then get a big screwdriver or prybar and carefully lever the rack sideways i.e. across the car.  If the bushes are worn you'll see movement.

Another thing that can cause a front end knock / bang is if the strut tops are worn out or the nut is loose.

Ok, so I have an SW20, but I am currently going through the same replacements as yourself, as I have lots of knocking and rattling going on as well.

I have replaced the rack end, front tie rods, ball joints.......I had the suspension inspected by Pedders and they said that the entire suspension was in excellent condition, including the bushes, but the only thing they couldn't check was the shockie/strut mounts.

I have just ordered new mounts all round, so I'll let you know if it gets rid of the noise once they are installed.........hopefully in a couple of weeks.

Cheers, M

There's your problem . . .
 
 
"....I had the suspension inspected by Pedders...."

These noises can very hard to track down. The usual culprit is the links on the tie-rods, but may be as simple as 'something' loose-ish in the frunk. Before you spend more money, have a good torch-shine in there. One of my mates spent a lot of money doing the suspension just to find it was the headlamp raising/lowering mechanism.

All good advice... thanks!

I've got one on one of my AW's and I'm 90% sure its the rack end. I've done all the ball joints and bushes and the shocks look and feel tight but the rack end is a little loose. Hoping to have my other AW on the road next week and that's had everything replaced so I'll be disappointed if its still making noise.