I'm getting better at suspension work, but this one has me stumped (I did try a search).

My wife's 82 300SD has a rattle that sounds like the front suspension. It's not real loud and it only happens on rough roads. I replaced the guide rod inmy 81 300SD a few weeks ago, so I know what that sounds like when it's a problem.The rattle is quick and constant on our dirt road, but rare on a hiway. It soesn't SEEM to be coming thru the steering.

I jacked it up and yanked/pried/jiggled everything I could see and nothing appears to be loose. The only thing close was the bushing at the top of the control arm- supports the sway bar - is a bit loose. But it's rubber and I wouldn't expect a rattle from it. Besides, it seems to be coming from the other side of the car from that one.

I can bounce and shove the car around and there are no noises.

I'm thinking:
A) I missed something or I can't put the necessary force on some of the parts to see if they are loose.

B) Something besides the suspension is rattling.

If anyone has a diagram (thought I had seen one posted here) for the front suspension it would be apreciated. I'll be getting the CD soon (I have the 123 CD that I would swap anyone with a 126).

Any ideas?

I also found a broken air filter mount on my 81, so I'll be ordering parts for that. Lookslike one of the bolts is going to be a bear to get to.

Thanks in advance.

__________________
1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer