Agreed - and keep us posted!

Brad

Taking the car to Bob Jones Autowerks in San Antonio in a about a week or so. They told me that rattles were very common and in no way was it time to overhaul the suspension. We will see what they come up with.

Glad to hear it, Southtx!

Brad

I have a loose change type rattle coming from somewhere. Years of not being able to find it. I'm down to the convertible top cable that runs from the motor down to the transmission. Only problem is that I can't figure out how to get the end out of the transmission side. Doesn't seem to come out. Got a new cable, just not the talent to figure it out.

Took the car to the great guys over at Bob Jones Autowerks this morning. Looks like the rear wheel bearings were making the noise. I am having both sides done and all CV boots re-placed and the joints re-packed as I had one torn boot. I am considering having the IMS bearing replaced as well since it's there. I was quoted $2200.00 to do the bearing and that is using the LN ceramic kit. Any thoughts on this? I know this is an ongoing topic here and in other forums. I could not find any trace of shavings in the oil that came out when I drained the engine last month. I checked the filter as well and it was clean. Had been 15k since oil was last drained.

Ok....I Have an update: Replaced both rear axles as the CV joint with the torn boot was past it (was cheaper than rebuilding them) and did the wheel bearings which were making quite a bit of noise. Told the shop to go ahead and replace the IMS since the car was there. I'll do the clutch as well if they think it needs it. With 89K on the clock it has to be about time although it feels fine when I drive it. We will see what develops. At least I don't have to worry about using the engine for a large paper-weight if/when the old IMS bearing finally gives out. I figure it's worth it to go ahead and spend a little now on preventive IMS replacement than to brick the motor and have to spend more than the car is worth for a new engine.

I agree with your thoughts about the IMS bearing and besides you've went a long way on the original bearing- which would be one of the 'improved' single row bearings that fail, by far, the most often. Also, at that mileage the cost of the clutch job may increase once they get in there as the dual-mass flywheel is probably tired.
I'm wondering what the shop said about being able to push the struts up a couple of inches?

They didn't think anything was unusual with the suspension. Maybe I was over thinking the strut issue. I am used to driving a one-ton Dodge pickup that has no give in the spring department. We will see if they come up with anything else.

Update: The flywheel was shot as it did not have any spring back left. New DMF, updated RMS and the LN IMS fix was installed. Shop said the clutch disc itself looked almost new and did not need replacing. Previous owner could have had it done I guess. Should be picking it up tomorrow.

Update: Got the car back today and it's wonderful!!! NO more RATTLES!!!! Must have been some of the worn out axles or bearings. Sounds great now that I don't have rocks in a tin can following me!! Bob Jones Autowerks rocks! What an excellent shop!!! They do great work at a fair price. No more IMS worries and a Box that does not rattle!! I'm having a bourbon to celebrate!

Yup, me too.
Driving me nuts.

Love it - will try - the sound drives me nuts!
Only when warm - less than 30 miles an hour - on uneven surface.
Which is equivalent to me returning to my little street!
I did the rear control arms and a lot of the rear suspension - no bloody difference.
Now I go rock-hunting!

Which rear control arms? Was it the trailing arms aka lower control arms aka tuning fork arms?

Lower control arms

Too bad. Those are the ones most likely to rattle and easiest to replace. So you are in for a bigger job.