Help finding front end rattle

[Father Ted]

I have worked through all of the rattles the car had when I bought it, but I have one which I can't identify.
When I hit a bump in the road hard, usually with both wheels (but a big enough pothole with one wheel will do it) I get a rattle similar to drop links: ie, a fairly tinny rattle rather than a dull thud or knock.
Drop links have been replaced (as they were shot). Sound proofing added to exhaust heat shield (this made an amazing difference). No sign of excess movement in strut top mount. No affect on braking or steering.
Bottom ball joint looks OK and no "clunking" when turning which I've always had when a ball joint is gone.
Passes its MOT (although, they didn't notice my rear drop links were on their way out).

I'm coming to the opinion that it could be wishbones, but everything I've read suggests I should have other symptoms, such as steering, tyre wear, odd braking etc.
Any tests I can do to prove what is wrong as I don't like replacing parts for the hell of it?

[CaerYnArfon]

Hi

My 2010 developed a constant rattle when driving over bumps in the road. I changed wishbones drop links, ball joints track rods etc.. the rattle diminished slightly but still was there. I thought it might be the bushes on the anti roll bar??? (not sure that's right) so thought that would be the next thing.

In the meantime I needed 4 new tyres so had them done and full wheel alignment.... Well what a very pleasant surprise when driving home no more rattle!!! very pleased but a bit cheesed off having spent all that time and money for it to be the wheel alignment for £60 doh!

Oh well live and learn... I suppose you could try it. Although not all rattles are the same

P.S. The aligment was way out lol!

[Father Ted]

Thanks.
Definitely not wheel alignment as this was done recently (I had to replace steering gaiter).

I've found a little movement in track rod ends (both sides), in as much as I can rotate the track rod by hand, but there is no play in the steering: yet!
But I don't think this is causing my rattle.
I'm coming down to either wishbone or ball joint. I can get a kit which includes both, so it would make sense to do both at the same time. As I'd need to re-do wheel alignment, I might as well replace track rod ends as well.
But I don't want to do all that to find it still rattles.
I'd rather diagnose properly first, then repair what has failed.
If I am to do all of that, it'll have to wait a few months...but I've had these rattles for 3 1/2 years, so a few more months won't hurt.

[Bashy]

Mine has this type of rattle, it passes the MOT ok, but for me its the Control Arm bushes (wishbone). I am still to get the job done, been like it for over 2 years now lol I have the parts, just need to book it in.

[Tannaton]

I wouldn’t rule out the strut top spring seat even if it looks okay, but they usually start with a creak rather than a tinny rattle. If you have a spring compressor I would be inclined to strip them and check them over - it doesn’t take long, just 6 bolts/nuts to get the strut assembly out.

Check also front subframes bolts are tight, and the steering rack heat shield isn’t coming into contact with the output flange on the angle drive (which is engine mounts if it is).