its not a big deal, but i would like to eliminate some of the rattles i hear when crossing railroad tracks, bottoming out on ramps, etc.
i understand that with a 30 year old vehicle, some rattles are to be expected, but i'm sure some can be corrected with a properly applied wrench ors some lubrication...i was wondering what are some of the most common (and easily correctable, i hope) sources of body noise the memebers of the forum have identified.

I agree with the others...get the car up and wiggle and jiggle everything that moves and listen.

The sound that drove me nuts trying to track it down was actually the rear mudflap bracket. the sound telegraphed throughout the unibody and sounded horrible but I never wiggled the thing when checking...bumping it helped me locate the problem.

Good hunting.

-E

Some reading:

http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/2003/8/fixing_suspension/

http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/2003/5/hushing_squeekers/

Happy volving

Joaquin
Rojo 121 Amazon
Lima, Peru

Everything rattles at one time or another. Windows will rattle if the channels are worn out, a big possibility in an older car. Exhaust system rattles are common due to rubber hangers drying up and going away. Through long experience, I found the best way to correct these rattles is to all kounting hardware with original or excellent original copies, not to Rube Goldberg the stuff. Spring seats sometime generate noises that sound like rattles or groans. Shocks being worn out and/or loose is another source. Put that baby up on some stands and do some hands-on investigating, tightening, replacing, etc. and you can eliminate all sorts of noise sources. Good luck!
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Roy Olson