The model is Avantgarde with normal ( not airmatic) suspension.

I have a dull rattle sound from the front left suspension going over bumps etc.
I've looked at the ball joints, could'nt move them with a pry bar but, there is some vertical play in the wheel.
Drop links , again no movement.

The sound only happens at low speed and is not the clunk clunk over every bump like a worn ball joint.

I used to have a similar rattle in an Escort which was due to a worn strut mount at the rear so I suspected this to be strut related.

So as a test I loosened the shock bolt slightly and this made the rattle much harder and more metallic and it had the same charecteristics i.e frequency duration etc.

I then took the strut out - eventually ( WIS "push down lower arm and remove" - yeah, right! )
Disassembled strut - no obvious problems.

After all this I've got two possible ideas

1) Strut dust boot banging on the strut - doubt it would make that much noise.

2) Something is worn in the strut cap causing the rod / rubbers to rattle around.

Does anyone know if this is a known/common fault with the strut caps.

and

Is there an easier way to get the strut out??
I may have another inspection.