Front end rattle when driving straight, stops when turning?

05MALIBU

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
189,250 MILES

I have the car listed above LT 3.5 V6 FWD. When driving straight my car has a distinct rattle coming from what appears to be front driver side. It had a bad ball joint and bad outer tie rod end, and both have been changed correctly. Still there is a rattle. I drive highway a lot and at 70MPH if I keep the wheel straight or let go of it there is a loud rattle, if I turn it slightly either way it stops. Can just barely feel the rattle in the steering wheel when going straight. The car has new brake pads, new outer tie rod drivers' side, new control arm with ball joint also drivers' side, new wheel bearings driver and passenger side. What could be the issue? Can provide a video containing the noise of you need to hear it. Any and all help would be appreciated as I’ve spent a lot of time and money on this car over the years and plan to keep it on the road as long as I can.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,253 POSTS

Hi,

Have you checked to make sure the stabilizer links are good as well as the sway bar bushings?

If you look below, I provided an exploded view of the suspension. Check to see if there is any evidence of wear or damage to the parts I highlighted.

Also, when this happens going straight, does it stop if the brakes are applied?

If you can upload it for me to hear, it may help.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)