hello, i am new to the forum and would like to say hey. i have a 1997 civic lx and i have a rattle in the front end. i just replaced the shocks and mount kit, but the car continues to rattle. my question is about the ball joints and bushings. should there be any play at the pivot where the tie rod meets the steering knukle? also could the noise be caused by the cv joints? when the front wheels are elevated and the wheel is rotated i can hear a clunk coming from the inner assembly connected to the transaxle. is this a sign of failure, or is it normal. are there any other areas that i should check for weakness? the car has 160,000 miles.

 

I don't believe there should be any play.