Front End Problem?

[MadJoe]

First time I've ever owned a Vibe. Recently bought an 03 with 126K miles. When driving on bumpy roads the front end is not very smooth. Is this a common problem? I hear a front end rattle when I hit a bump.

What should I look for? I know the rear struts were replaced but not the front.

Thanks

[kumquat]

Probably just a loose plastic shield. My girlfriend's 2010 Corolla developed a front end rattle when hitting bumps. Just turned out to be a plastic splash shield rattling against the bumper. A stainless steel self-tapping screw solved that pretty quick.

[lannvouivre]

Check the front sway bar links as well, those sound really horrible when they're loose.

[jake75]

When I first saw this post I thought perhaps I got on the Viagra website by mistake.

[vibenvy]

When I first saw this post I thought perhaps I got on the Viagra website by mistake.

[MadJoe]

Thanks for the replies. No loose front shield. Are these cars suppose to ride quiet when on rough roads or does someone else have any more ideas?

Will check sway bar links.

Thanks again.

[SeattleJeremy]

Typical road noise is more pronounced in a Vibe, vs other cars, due to it's limited sounds deadening.
However, you should not be hearing rattling noises coming from the suspension.

[jake75]

Typical road noise is more pronounced in a Vibe, vs other cars, due to it's limited sounds deadening.
However, you should not be hearing rattling noises coming from the suspension.

The rattling noise comes from the steering column according to what I read here. I have it on my 2009 - not on a smooth road, but on the typical uneven road especially in city driving.

[ehoff121]

Try checking the contents of the compartments in the front end, e.g., under the left end of the dashboard, under the gear shift, the glove compartment.

Things can rattle around in those when going over bumps.

Even 3 coins loose in the coin holder can start vibrating after a while...