I am looking for any suggestions of probable cause of this noise coming from the front end of my car.

As I drive over rough ground there is a light clattering sound almost like a clicking noise, it sounds like it is coming from the struts on both sides of the car. It only happens on very rough ground and with the state of the roads these days that's getting to be damn near all the time.

I'd guessed that the likely suspects could be either, the drop links or possibly the top strut bearings and mountings. Which of these is most likely or, could it be a combination of both or neither, could it be something else?

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated as the noise is starting to get on my bits

Edited 20 May, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger

This is almost 99% chance your ARB bushes.

I'd go with drop links, they're cheap/easy to replace. I had a similar problem, it turned out to be two separate faults, console bushes and drop links.

The noise sounds higher up than the ARB bushes, my wife thought there was something rattling about in the glove box, so to be honest, I didn't even consider them, thanks for the advice.

Fortunately all of these items, drop links, console bushes, top strut bearing and mountings as well as the ARB bushes are relatively cheap so it looks like replacing them all would be the best way to go, thank goodness my mate has the bush tool. Between E-Bay and the Motor Factors I should be able to get the parts for around £45-£50 ish.

Oh well, that's another weekend spent annoying Swmbo by working on the car and not taking her shopping.

Read the thread in technical guides, you may have the tool but it's a lot easier with Powerflex bushes, they are honestly worth considering as the install is so much simpler.

This is almost 99% chance your ARB bushes.

It turns out you were 100% correct, plus one nut on the O/S drop link was one and a half turns loose. I am rapidly becoming my local TPS's best customer.

Just glad one of my best mates works there.

Edited 21 May, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger

Read the thread in technical guides, you may have the tool but it's a lot easier with Powerflex bushes, they are honestly worth considering as the install is so much simpler.

Fortunately they were not needed at this time, but, I will bear your advice in mind when they are needed.

After reading the "how to guide" I will no longer just consider your advice, I will follow it to the letter, the Powerflex fitting procedure IS so much simpler. Thanks Avalon.

Edited 23 May, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger