ball joints ?

[The Digital MagE]

even though i replaced the struts, springs and sway bar bushings i'm still hearing an annoying rattle type of sound in the front.

the chasis has 160,000 miles on it. should i be thinking about ball joints?

[SyStEmOfEvIl]

Did you replace the strut mounts as well? I have read that those are sometimes the noise makers. If you have, than i would say that the ball joints would be next on the list. If not that, your wheel barings.

[BMR]

^What he said. Also check out the sway bar links for sloppiness in their joints. They should be tight. To check 'em you almost have to unhook one side of one of them to be sure there's no pressure on them.

[The Digital MagE]

i bought the strut assembly - with new mounts, springs and all.

wheel bearings are remarkable silent - none of the classic fwd "hiss" at all. believe they are in good shape...

[NRecob]

Originally Posted by The Digital Mag

should i be thinking about ball joints?

if you have the car up on a jack and you grab the tire at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try and shake it up and down is it loose/sloppy? If yes, I'd definitely change the ball joints....

In any event, good luck with it.