Rattling noise coming from left side of car by the wheel when driving

[Learning_A_Lot]

I have a 98 buick century custom. Everything seems to be okay on it except for a rattling noise on the left side by the wheel. It sounds like metal clanging around when I drive a bit faster and go over bumps.

Is something lose in there?

I can't see anything. I thought it might be the mudflaps as they were metal on my other car, but that isn't the case.

Anyone know what it might be?

[GTP Dad]

Check the axle shaft for that wheel. It is possible that the CV joint is going bad and making a noise. Jack the car up and support the car with a jack stand. Grab the shaft and move it up and down and side to side. If you feel any movement beyond some minor turning a CV joint may be going bad. If you have any grease leaking from the boot that is a good sign. Also, if you put the car in neutral and rotate the wheel while it is off the ground you may be able to hear the same noise. If you find movement or noise you will need to replace the shaft. Also, while it is apart you may want to change the hub assembly as well.

[Learning_A_Lot]

I'm not hearing anything when I turn at all though, would that matter?

[thisnametooktolong]

Originally Posted by Learning_A_Lot

I'm not hearing anything when I turn at all though, would that matter?

yes it does, CVs do nto rattle.....

noises are some times hard to find, it could be a body mount a sway bar link (that would be my guess)

it could also be something like a heat shield some place

[richtazz]

The most common causes of rattles from the wheels are

1. broken sway bar link or the bar itself.
2. loose hub cap and/or hub cap lock bracket if the car has steel wheels and hub caps
3. rusted out brake backing plate.

check these items first, and if they check out let us know.

[Learning_A_Lot]

Now that you mentioned my hubcaps, I checked the front left and it seemed a little loose. I didn't take it off, but I will try it when I can and drive it with it off.

Maybe thats it!

Thanks.

[Learning_A_Lot]

Yep, that was the problem. Tightened it up and good to go!

Thanks all.