Front end rattle

New member here, been lurking and learning for a few years finally joined and have a question. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone has.

Trying to track down a front end rattle (I think) on a 2015 DCLB. It started about one month ago out of the blue, not after a collision or anything. I initially thought it was under the dash, had it torn apart for awhile but can't find anything loose. It happens mainly whenever the left wheel hits bumps, and seems worse when the road is uneven. It happens whether I'm braking or not, whether it's in 4H/4L, and if I engage the e brake a notch or two it still does it. I can't feel anything through the steering wheel, but when it's really bad it feels like something is tapping the floor? Gonna attach some vids, hopefully someone has a suggestion, thanks for reading.

https://youtu.be/-qfGTiWeMhM
https://youtu.be/Wdac9ERcEcI

Ryan

 

on another note looks like your tire is possible rubbing the UCA area #2 vid

 

Welcome. That sounds bad. Have you tried jacking the truck up and hitting the tire with a hammer to duplicate the noise? Maybe loose/worn sway bar links? Tie rod ends? When it’s off the ground, check the steering for play/looseness. I’m interested to know what’s making this noise.

 

Haven't had it in the air and hit the tire, will do that now. I've tightened all I can and hit everything that looks like it the culprit but I can't duplicate the noise. I need to fix it obviously but in person it has more of a skidplate/dustshield sound more than something really substantial. So I'm worried, but I don't think its gonna drop a where or anything. Famous last words.

Ryan

 

Check your rack and pinion and the rack and pinion bushings. It took me months to figure out that was the culprit. Take your skid plate off and check and see if there is play in the bushings.

 

Get the front in the air and hit your sway bar, tie rods, end links, control arm bushings, etc. with a deadblow and see if there is any play. It sounds like it may be emanating from the rack though.

 

https://youtu.be/ILHR1mrg4Is

the battery’s right, think the liner being cracked is the problem??

 

Pull the battery and look at the tray!

 

https://youtu.be/Rt4C7go1x6I

 

Looks like someone is busting out the body sealer in the interim or welding it permanently... The real question is how did that occur?

 

this is strange. The seams look intact but the cracks don’t look like someone cut it.

 

I had a small accident maybe 18 mos ago where I rear ended a car. They were going straight, I was turning right, they pulled out into the intersection and then stopped as I turned and I gently grazed them with the drivers side front corner. And I mean gently, I think it was a camry, put a scratch on their taillight and a rub on my bumper. Didn't call the cops or insurance, no real damage we both went on our way. Maybe going 5mph and I brushed it as I went by, not like it slammed me to a stop or anything. That's the only thing I can think of.

Ryan

 

I don't weld, anyone have any suggestions on how to strengthen that area? Can I rivet a patch on? I'm searching as I type this

 

following this too... similar noise in mine as well.

 

So from what I’ve been reading I went out and checked around the radiator (core support?). Don’t see any other cracking. Gonna try to fab a small piece of sheet metal to bridge both cracks, slather it in jb weld, and rivet it in place. Not sure how long that will buy me, but it’s my best idea for now. Gonna consider relocating the battery as well, that’s prob the more permanent fix.

Ryan

 

I can't find any other cracks, so I guess that's a good thing. Had my neighbor shake the battery while I sat in the cab and it's definitely where the noise is coming from. Hopefully fixing the cracks makes it stable enough so the noise is gone. I'm considering buying a welder from harbor freight, practicing on some scrap and then giving it a go. I'm not sure that rivets or rivets and epoxy will hold in the long run.

Ryan

 

Did you ever find the source of the front end rattle? I have the exact same thing going on now.

 

I have this similar sound as well but swear its coming from the rear of the truck. maybe i will look for a crack even though i have not been in an accident