Front Right rattle noise

[Dare]

If there is a thread already for this particular issue, PLEASE direct me to it.

That being said, Accelerating from a stop and turning right results in an odd rattling in the right front of the 89 Festiva. I found this out today because I'm finally legal (tags and all) and was driving my car like I stole it. The rattle is not rythmic. Sounds like a belt buckle in the dryer.

I have tomorrow afternoon and most of thursday to troubleshoot.

I DON'T SPEAK CAR JARGON! I am only proficient in helicopter and army jargon. I also am fluent in Drunk Southerner.

If you have any suggestions, please provide a detailed description of the part you are referring to, or photos help a TON. I will keep this thread posted until the issue is resolved.

[WmWatt]

Assuming the noise if not from the engine compartment here are some things to try:
1. Jump up and down on the front bumper.
2. Grab the tire and shake. There should be no looseness.
3. Jack up the front end and put on stands. Pull and shake everything you can reach.
4. Put the car back down, start the engine, run back and forth applying brakes vigorously.

[FestYboy]

make sure the RF dust shield isnt loose at the brakes

but more importantly!!!!: make sure the brake pad retainer pins arn't loose (there's a wire the fits into small holes on the pin to keep it from sliding out)... look like this:
and see where they fit here:

[georgeb]

Sounds like the swashplate. Or maybe the pitch change links.

[Movin]

Sounds like the swashplate. Or maybe the pitch change links.

:eeeeeek: That sounds important!
Does any thing other than right turns have an effect on the noise?
Like speeding up, slowing down or braking lightly?

[Dare]

WM, I will try all your suggestions tomorrow after I get back from school(hopefully.)

Festyboy: I love that you actually supplied photos. seriously, thank you. I will check that as well.

Movin, no. revving in neutral doesn't cause it. Turning left doesn't cause it. Turning the wheel to the right and reverse does. braking doesn't cause it. Thank you for being thorough.

[KingFish]

:laughing6:

Sorry battle, that was just too easy...

[Dare]

kingfish: Understand you, I don't.

[KingFish]

Nevermind, just ignore me.

[Bert]

From what you describe I'm leaning towards your having a worn-out CV joint in one of the transaxles. Get the front of the car in the air and turn the wheels at various positions. You may even have a friend run the engine with the car in gear and turning the wheels to try to pinpoint the noise location.
One of my cars has the same problem and I can see a split in the rubber boot on the passenger side so I'm also guessing it's time for a new one. Check your CV boots while you're at it.

[TheresGabe]

If it is your CV, It's an EASY change. I just did mine. $57.99 at Autozone and a 29mm socket (and a LOT of leverage to get the nut off)

[WmWatt]

The usual test for worn CV joint is to drive slowly in a tight circle and listen for wheel noise. I did it in both forward and reverse in an empty parking lot. You can also put the car up on jack stands, start the engine, put the car in gear, and listen as you increse speed and turn the wheel back and forth. You may need to jam something under the opposite wheel to get the one you're intersted to turn.

However acceleration moves the weight of the car and any loose component, like a worn torsion bar (sway bar) bushing, can produce noise.

[RhodeStiva]

if your timing belt tensioner is a little loose or spring loose it will make that noise.

[DriverOne]

Midgets. Midgets with hammers. Pretty standard in the '89.

[Bert]

For all jokes people are making, the easiest way to find out what's wrong is to keep driving but with the radio up real loud. Sooner rather than later you will physically be able to pinpoint what needs fixing.