Hi all,

After driving my new 740 for a few weeks, I'm better able to describe this funny suspension(?) rattle, and maybe I can get a few opinions on what it could be. Thanks in advance!

On my 1/2-mile dirt road, I hear (but don't really feel) this rattle that translates itself up the steering column. I have driven a Honda on this road for years, and never have I experienced so much noise from the gravel and dirt surface of the road.

It's a rapid, irregular staccato thunk that seems related to the unevenness of the road. The road is uneven enough to make the steering wheel move back and forth at <5-10 mph.

Now, I don't think the rack and pinion gears are loose, since the handling is tight at normal speeds from 25 to 75. And this sound doesn't occur on uneven highway surfaces (quiet compared to the Honda).

Would worn out bushings somewhere on the suspension do this? Or is this the exhaust pipes rattling (I wiggled them when the car was cool, and there was no play that I saw)?

Could underinflated tires be the culprit? My new tires (195/60r15) were inflated to ~36 psi by the tire-man, but the sidewall says max 44. They've always looked a little low to me....

Thanks!

Ari