so lately ive been hearing some chattering from my front passenger side tire area. it almost sounds like the tire is rubbing on something but there's nothing there. i dont hear it all of the time, usually if im on a not so smooth road. could this be the dreaded control arm problem that i keep reading about?

 

Control arms gone bad=squeeking over bumps...like balloons rubbing together.

 

ok well that doesnt happen then. it must be something else crap

 

Is it a grinding noise? Does it get better/worse if you turn the steering wheel slightly toward the side that is making noise? Could be wheel bearing.

 

Its either a control arm bushing or shocks going bad, choose your poison.

 

could be like David says - wheel bearing. Control arms can also clunk because of bad/loose ball joint.