I have this strange rattle that occurs when I got over low speed bumps. I tried replicating it in this video by knocking on my tire sidewall with bottom of my palm. the noise is identical, except it rattles so much more when im driving.

I tried holding just about every suspension and exhaust component i could get my hands on. but i cant seem to pin point it. Does anyone have any suggestions on what it could be? Im beginning to think its an old shock (04 with 114k on the car), but im not 100% sure.

Videos below. Visually, its worthless, but you can atleast hear the rattle after I knock my tire. Any suggestion is appreciated!

 

Found it! After reading a few other rear suspension rattle threads, I went back (to check my drum brakes, it wasnt that ) But out of the corner of my eye, I saw the rattle! It was the washer from the eccentric bolt!


kind of funny, since this is my 2nd run through with eccentric bolt issues. Last time, it was the other sized which seized up. Here are the pictures from my old thread just incase you dont know what the heck an eccentric bolt on the TL looks like. The rattle noise is coming from the round thing behind the nut

Now that ive figured it out, What can I do? If I understand correctly, this bolt is not one that I can tighten and call a day. Tightening it should adjust my toe? I might take it to get aligned tomorrow (lifetime alignments ftw!) and mention it to them and see what they say. Open to suggestions!

 

Just got back from the alignment. I told the guy about the rattle issue, and showed him the video. He said he would take a look at it. Toe was at .7 degrees (which is way out of wack). He said it was way too lose and the last person who did an alignment on my car probably had no idea what they were doing. Last person who did my alignment also said my camber bolt was seized (there was a note left in there computer system). He said there was absolutely no issue with that.

So this is kind of obvious, but a good tip is always make sure that the person doing your cars alignment is competent. Otherwise you might end up with a rattle for 2 years which drives you to brief moments of insanity.