front end noise

2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA
66,670 MILES • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JAHNDEAUX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a noise in the front end of my car that sounds like I have a case of glass bottles rattling around in the wheel well. I only hear it when I am driving between fifteen to forty mph. it does not matter if I am accelerating or driving at a steady pace, or whether I am turning or going straight. it does seem that little bumps bring it out more than anything, including big bumps. It does not happen all the time, even on the same road one time it will happen, the next time on that exact same road it will not happen. I am at a loss (not that difficult to do).
Jul 21, 2017 at 9:08 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,391 POSTS
The first thing to look at are the two anti-sway bar links. Your car uses a real common design, and when the bushings deteriorate, if the parts are not rusted together, they can rattle badly. These are not a major safety item. If you do not know how to inspect them, you may be able to crawl underneath and see them flop around while a helper bounces the car a little.

Loose brake pads can rattle if any anti-rattle hardware is broken or missing. The clue is the rattling will stop when you apply light pressure to the brake pedal.

There are other parts that can cause clunks, squeaks, and rattles, but not as loud as you described. The best approach is to have the steering and suspension systems inspected at a tire and alignment shop. Your model is not known to have numerous safety concerns due to poor designs like some other brands do, but you want to know if a steering part is about to separate which could lead to loss of control and a crash.
Jul 21, 2017 at 3:33 PM
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