I have a highly annoying driver's side front end "rattle". It is most noticeable at lower speeds and occurs at almost every bump of any size. I don't notice it at freeway speeds. It seems to also occur when braking, even on smooth pavement. I have had Les Shwaab inspect front end suspension and steering linkage. The only thing that they can identify is a lower control arm bushing that "might" need replacement eventually. They can't find the source of the noise.

With the car parked, I can hear a distinct "clicking" sound if I push down on that corner of the car and I can feel a corresponding "click" if I grasp the shock absorber (or the top of the shock mount under the hood). The shocks seem to be in decent shape otherwise (not too much bounce, decent cornering).

Could a bad control arm bushing transmit play to the shock? Anybody ever notice a shock that doesn't travel smoothly? Should I replace the bushing before the shocks? The exisiting shocks are not Bilsteins (silver I think) and I imagine should eventually be replaced. The budget for repairs on the "cheap" new car is a little low this month.

__________________
1979 300D 275K