Performed a few microphone tests today. It can be tricky to identify where the rattle is coming from, as everything is connected together.

Test 1: under hood only:

• shock nut (rattle)
• strut brace
• wiper assembly
• brake booster

Test 2: under hood and in wheel well:

• shock nut (rattle)
• strut mount nut
• strut tower
• lower rearward control arm inner (faint rattle)
• strut holder (rattle)
• spring

Test 3: in wheel well:

• tie rod ball joint
• lower rearward control arm inner mount (faint rattle)
• thrust arm ball joint
• lower rearward control arm ball joint (loud rattle)
• lower rearward control arm to strut holder (faint rattle)

So it looks like the most likely culprit is the lower rearward control arm ball joint. If so, this is disappointing as the part was replaced not long ago. I can't detect any play with a pry bar or large channel locks while the vehicle is on jack stands, and everything is torqued properly. Before I order this part again, any advice on how to test it? Maybe on ramps with load on the front wheels? Remove it?



There was some lateral play in the axle CV joint. I could "rattle" it a bit by moving it in and out. The other side had identical play, so I don't think this is it.