rattlin' daytona

[docta J]

ok, my car idles rough, but i think thats because of the cam i put in and a crapy rusted out exhaust. anyways, when i drive my car, everything is usually good but when i get up to 55 or higher, something sounds like its rattling around the front driver's side tirewell. im not sure if my tires need to be balanced or its the struts. if anyone knows whats going on, please let me know.

Thank you

[NAJ]

Noise diagnoisis can be a difficult thing primarily because noises travel and may not be coming from where you think they are.
Strut noise is usually most noticable a lower speeds on a bumpy road, also noises from brake pad rattle are the same.
Two suggestions.
Get a helper and drive slowly on a quiet bumpy road to see if you hear anything or can simulate the noise.You may have to hang out the window to actually hear where it is coming from.
Repair the things that are obvious such as your rusted exhaust to eliminate them as possibilities.
I chased a noise that I swore was coming from the front,it was a loud rattle over bumps at low speed ,sounded like the car was falling apart.The car was under warranty and the dealer was no help. I chased this noise for almost 4 years.Then one day pulling into the parking lot at work our parts manager was out back and later he said" what is that noise coming from the rear of your car?" I said "The Rear?!".Well it turns out there was a TSB for rear caliper lift at low speeds over bumps.The fix was a new rear disc pad with redesigned anti-rattle clips
The moral of this story is it may not be coming from where it sounds like it coming from.

[docta J]

your story sounds exactly like mine. the noise "sounds" like its coming from the front, and the car also sounds like it is falling apart. im almost certain that it makes the noise going over bumps slowly. i changed the front brake pads/rotors but i havent gotten to the back yet. maybe its the same problem. the car is an 87 shelby z, if that helps with anything

[NAJ]

All of the pads including after market were redisigned years ago but I did develope the same noise about 6 months ago and the anti-rattle clips had rusted off. Look for anything obvious under the hood and under the car and remove the wheels and inspect.
We hate vehicle that come in with rattles and squeeks because they can take hours to isolate.
Once you work on a certain type of vehicle that has the same noise complaints you know what they are, it is the oddball noises that drive you nuts.

[docta J]

alright thanks. i wanted to change the struts in the near future, so hopefully the noise was just coming from that.