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81 Caddy. 1.6d Serious suspension rattle in the front. Rear is fine.

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The_Gump:
There has been a serious rattle under the front end coming from the suspension since I purchased the truck. The driver's side is quite a lot worse than the passenger side, but when i had it up on stands I couldn't find anything that felt even remotely loose. Every time I go over a bump (even the smallest of them) it sounds like its going to fall out from under me. Also, the steering column bearing keeps sliding out. I can't get it to stay in its housing.

ORCoaster:
Those steering bearings are supposed to be pushed in but once the plastic breaks down they just never stay in place. 

Could the struts be bad in the front?  Are there the proper sized collar at the top of the strut where the support is located?

I have a similar noise coming from my Rabbit and it showed up about the time I replaced the struts.  So I am not sure it is in any of the other parts.

The_Gump:
Dang it. MY steering wheel is just Rattle Town, USA when that bearing is out. Its super hard to get any kind of tool in there to push it back up too. Oh without a doubt they are bad. Its like watching a waterbed when you push on either corner. I'm debating on replacing the entire strut assembly. Everything is super rusty.

ORCoaster:
Working on the steering wheel column is not that hard but getting it out is.  There is a metal spring clip about 1.5 inches wide down at the bottom end that for me is just a bearcat to get off and on.  Removing the steering wheel and taking the four bolts out that hold the steering column at the dash area is a piece of cake.  Pulling the wires off the turn signals and ignition switch are not to bad to do either. 

I just don't contort like I used to, and getting up under the dash by laying across the rocker panel is no fun on my back or hips anymore.  Tough getting old and crippled up.

The_Gump:
Believe it or not, I fixed that rattle and it wasn't the suspension. Though the shocks are totally shot. It was the dang brakes!! The drivers side didn't have any of the anti rattle springs in the caliper so they were just bouncing around. The passenger side still had the old ones but they were so worn out they fell apart once I pulled the pads. I have a complete front strut assembly sitting on my garage floor right now. just have to get to pulling some bolts and swap them out. I'm going to hang onto the springs though(just in case.) I also have a linkage rebuild kit that I plan on getting to here soon.

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