[lilacone]

I have a 98 Accord that is making a rattling noise in the front end on the driver side. I just replaced the struts and bushings, brakes and rotors and the lower control arms. I can't seem to pin point where the ratteling is coming from, it only occurs when hitting bumps or unlevel pavement, any ideas? Could a bad CV joint cause this rattling, I am aware of the clicking sound the cv joint makes but that is not happening just metal rattling.

Lilacone

[CaptainRich]

That doesn't sound like cv to me, either. CV joints click loudly during turning, more so if power is applied.
Rattle over uneven surfaces is commonly something in the suspension but could be elsewhere.
Inspect the entire front suspension including sway bar bushings and tie rods.
Don't overlook the possibility that it isn't suspension but something else rattling. Maybe the exhaust needs new hangers or a heat shield has come loose.

[lilacone]

Thanks. I just had it on the rack for exhaust pipe repair last week so I know its not exhaust or heat shield, its not that soft of a rattle sound it's more like metal banging against metal. The sound was there before replacing the parts I mentioned above, then it went away for a couple days only to gradually come back. I thought bolts came loose on the struts or something causing things to be loose and rattling around on rough pavement, but I don't know. Thanks for your input, will have to keep looking.

Lilacone

[CaptainRich]

Engine and/or transmission mounts perhaps?
Steering rack?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Ensure all suspension parts were tightened with a torque wrench to the proper specs.

[lilacone]

I know there weren't since my son did most of the work. I will have him recheck that everything is tightened correctly.

Thanks

[lilacone]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. We found that one of the bolts needed extra tightening to eliminate play in the control arm which was causing the rattle.

Thanks again!