Front end rattle

[jaystylez15]

Hey I'm new to the forum... But have a question just purchased a Pre owned h3 and when I go over any small holes in the road or any rough patches the front end kind of rattles sound comes from around the wheel area ... I think I need new shocks any suggestions ???

 

[Bigunit]

Could be one of several things...first thing I'd suggest is to make sure that all the skid plates' and the 2 undercarriage protection plates bolts (if you have them) are tight. Those will rattle if they are loose.

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[Hunner]

It could be a number of things.
How many miles does it have?
You might have a worn out steering rack bushing on the passengers side which would allow it to rattle as you describe, but then I always suggest that as one possibility.:shifty:
You will find lots of info that is on here in different places thru the search feature.
Reading some of this may help you diagnose the problem. Let us know what you find out.
http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?295-HUNNER-EXtreme-Steering-Rack-Sleeves

 

[jakesz28]

I would look at the shock mounts, which should be fine and isolated in rubber. Then look at the sway bar links. If they are loose it will rattle at the bumps.

 

[cbetts]

Another common rattle is the radio antenna. Mine drove me nuts for months before I found it.

 

[jaystylez15]

it has 90k on it.. idnk much about cars nor am i very hands on i think i should take it to a mechanic

 

[jaystylez15]

has 90 k on it

 

[alrock]

The rattle happens on bumps but does it also occur when putting it in gear, moving from Park to Reverse or Drive? Does it ever occur when the engine is idling but the truck is stationary?

As you've seen, it can be many things. Common issues do include the mounts for the front diff, both at the crossmember at the rear end of the front diff but also at each axle. Make sure the crossmember itself is tight as there are four bolts securing it to the frame. Loose shock mounts could cause this issue, though a worn shock alone probably isn't likely to make these noises.

As Bigunit said, loose skid plates are a common source for noises like this. Some people have had the brake line that runs along the top of the firewall pop out of the clips and rattle.

 

[Zach]

Engine mounts are a common issue, especially at that mileage. Just adding to the list of things

 

[alrock]

I think I've only replaced individual mounts five times so far :banghead:

 

[06 H3]

I think I've only replaced individual mounts five times so far :banghead:

Heeps have upgraded motor mount options...think we can get some with a harder bushing?

I'm around 100k and on original motor mounts...I should check mine out

 

[bebe]

Also - ball joints you have 4 - 2 are serviceable and 2 are not. The Uppers require the replacement of the entire A-Arm, the lowers require just the ball joint.

If you are not mechanically inclined - take it to someone you can trust not to rape you because it's a Hummer.

Good Luck!

 

[bebe]

I've replaced so many I think I'm just going to chain it and be done with it :gaah:

 

[06 H3]

Yes! Check ball joints! When I installed my lift last January there was so much play in one of the lower balljoints I was surprised it didn't fail and leave me dead on the side of the road. Luckily I had bebes old a arms with a good balljoint and just swapped out the LCA. Let me find the video on my photobucket and post the video...it's scary

 

[4speedfunk]

You might check your front driveshaft too. More specifically...the CV joint where it bolts to the transfer case (on the rear end of it). When the CV boot gets ripped, the grease flies out of it, and it will rattle like mad...especially in low range. If you hear excessive "clunks" when shifting from DRIVE to REVERSE to PARK...that might be the culprit. Its easy to check with a flashlight and doesn't require removal of the shaft...just look up there and make sure the rubber boot is intact. Grab the shaft with your hand and see if you can shake it...should be zero movement.

 

[jaystylez15]

did you find the video??

 

[mkmcgreg]

Upper ball joints could be the issue as well. Makes a clunk when going over small bumps especially when the wheel is turned? Have to replace the whole upper a arm assembly

 

[Sennin]

And dont forget the front D shackles, mine was too loose and sounded horrible :gaah: only when attaching a camera to the frond end for wheeling videos I discovered the origin of the noise :giggle: