I’ve been trying to track down the cause of a right rear rattle on my ’02 Cougar. First I thought it was the sway bar link: replaced that—didn’t change the noise. Then I thought it was the struts (and so did a mechanic)—replaced those—didn’t change the noise. Then I notice while changing rotors on the back that some clips were missing on the back pads on the left side: put those one—didn’t change the noise. Now the shop that put the struts on thinks that it’s the strut mounts and wants to change those. I agree that these are likely culprits, but I have one reservation: the rattle pretty much goes away while braking. Now I’m wondering… maybe a bad caliper bushing? The rear calipers on these cars have one fixed, top bolt/bushing, and the bottom of the caliper rides on a pin that is held in by a cotter pin. I’m thinking now that the caliper itself might be rattling on this lower pin. The top bolt is tight, but as I said I’m now wondering about the bushing. It leaves the other question, though. If the strut mount is bad and rattling, how could it improve while braking?
Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks!
Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks!