Rattle (front and rear) when hit a sharp bump

[aceventura]

When driving over sharp bumps, I can hear a rattle (sound a bit like a washer making a short clinking sound) from the front - as the front tyres hit the bump; then from the rear - as the rear tyres hit the bump.

I have always assumed it was a problem with the anti-rattle springs on the brake pads, but I the pads replaced recently and the noise is unchanged.

I have been under the car and not that I know what I am looking for, but all the suspension and steering components feel firm.

Any ideas what the problem might be?

[DannyboyDS]

you have checked the sway bar link arms? the washers on them tend to rattle around a bit after a while because the bushes tend to shrinka nd stay compressed after a while.

[aceventura]

Thanks, I'll check them.

Edit:
Thanks DannyBoy - left hand side link arms are loose top and bottom, i've ordered a nolathane sway bar link kit, and I'll put it in when I get a chance. I had only got under the right side before (stupid me)! I haven't checked the rear yet - I guess I'll see the same thing.

I am a little annoyed, I don't know my way around steering and suspension very well. I had the front wheels aligned not to far back and they told me everything was ok. I asked my mechanic (who I really trust - been fantastic on everything else) to have a look when he replaced the brakes, and he said everything was fine. I get under there after some direction and saw the problem immediately.

[aceventura]

I checked the rear link pins and bushes and they all look fine. Anyway, fitted the front one and it feels good, and no rattle. I can only assume that there was never a rattle in the rear - the vibration caused by the rear wheels hitting the bump must have made the front link pin rattle.

It also fixed another problem that has been bugging me. My steering has always groaned:

I had to replace the PS pump because it was leaking - that didn't fix it
I tried greasing the rubber boot around the steering - didn't work
Replaced the link pins - no more groan!