Right Side Rattle

[Archive]

This may have been covered in past posts, but I can't seem to input the right words into the search engine to find the information.

Has anyone experienced a rattle from the right side (just forward of the firewall) that shows itself when driving over rough roads or bumps? I have shaken every part in the engine compartment and secured everything that I thought could be loose, but as of today, no luck.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Marley

 

[JLEONARD]

My 91 has a rattle in the area you describe. It is not "heavy" sounding as if it is a suspension part or shock or anything like that. It sounds higher up in the vehicle, but like you I have not been able to find the culprit yet.

It is more noticable when cold outside, more noticable when the right side goes over a bump, but happens sometimes when the left does.

 

[Case500D]

Just an idea, but try doing a search for cowl cracks. It is a problem on most 1st generation trucks. My truck rattles on the drivers side, especially when it is cold or the road/field is rough. GeneH had a very nice post and article in the TDR magazine explaining how to fix the cowl cracks. Hope this helps.



Jeremy

 

[JLEONARD]

Jeremy,

I found the old posts. Couldn't get to the photos though.

Thanks much.

Looks like I'll be knowin' my Dodge real well pretty soon!

 

[Lil' Dog]

Brake Calipers?

My 89 had this problem all the time until I replaced the spring retainers for the calipers. I noticed that the rattle went away, even on washboard when I put on the brakes. I replaced all the suspension parts before this though, ball jnts, front bushings etc...



Try applying the brakes when it rattles to see if it is the calipers.



J-eh

 

[RDBuck]

It is cowl cracks, especially if it gets worse when the temp. are below freezing. The metal contracts and makes the cracks wider and thus they squeak, grind, rattle etc. Mine have been doing it for a few years, bought the repair kit but have not fixed it yet.

Plowing snow one night when a snow-laden branch fell against the side of the truck just forward of the pass. door. It put a small dent in the fender but it also stopped the noise. Don't recommend this solution.

 

[JLEONARD]

I applied the brakes over a bump... that's not the problem.

Haven't tried the "branch therapy" but I'll take your word for it.

 

[paccool]

I had a rattle on the right side and was ready to see some cowl cracks but it turned out to be the step that was bolted on that side for the wife. The bolts had stretched and gotton loose and there was a couple of small cracks where it bolted on at. Took the steps off both sides of the truck and all is quiet now. This may have nothing to do with your problem but you may want to check for this if you have a step or running board attached.

 

[AlK]

A couple of other suggestions:-

1) On my truck I sometimes get a very annoying rattle from the glove box. Tracked it down to the glove box door vibrating.

2) Another possibility the radio anntena wire.

---

Al

 

[GeneH]

Issue 33, pages 41 and 42 show the cowl cracks I found on my truck.

GeneH

92 350 4x4

 

[hdm48]

I have a rattle that only acts up when it's cold and I finally found out what it is. the only problem is I have to take the dash apart to fix it. It is the defroster vents.

 

[Hutchew]

check the exhaust...........

Mine was hitting on the rear shackle bolt every now and then. How bout the speakers in the door? Mine came loose once. Or the jack, if ya still got one. Even when the screw was tight on mine, it would rattle, finally wrapped it in rubber from an inner tube. Aaahhhhhhhhhwwwwww, life's annoying little noises.

 

[f.boyle]

my entire truck rattles Don't know whyI know I have cowl cracks though,,,,I saw em!

Frank