I get an awful metallic rattle clunk sound coming from the front, I replaced the droplinks which were knackered anyway, but still no cure.

It's a very heavy rattle sound that as soon as you hit a bump makes a proper rattle , almost like you've left a toolbox open in the boot and all the sockets are loose.

I've gone around witha a heavy pry bar around all the bushes and arms and I just can't find anything loose enough that would justify such a rattle!

 

Upper strut mount. Very common on these cars.

 

Wow, ok that is interesting, that is somewhere my prybar hasn't been. Is there a way to confirm the diagnosis?

 

Usually if the strut bearing is worn then the strut also is. It's recommended to change them at the same time.

 

Plus it saves money in the long run if you bring your car to a mechanic to fix it

 

Strut bearing is what I meant, sorry... Do this to confirm: take garden hose and spray with force aiming at the top of the strut. Do a good minute of "cleaning". If the noise lessens, or goes away (temporarily!), you have your answer: strut bearing.

 

Was just going through the cars paperwork and spotted on the last service it was noted that -

Outer tie rod bearings have slight play.

Would this cause the issue?