Going over uneven surfaces I get a metallic clatter (sounds a bit like the noise a loose drain cover in the road might make. It is definitely not a knock or a squeak). Having searched other posts I jacked the car up to investigate. There is no play in the wheel and I could get nothing to move without mechanical assistance. However, when teasing it with a pry bar, the rear control arm has a little movement which causes the bushing to rock on on its fixing point. My questions are whether this is likely to be the source of the clatter and is any movement of the arm too much, indicating that I need replacement parts. Never done this before so excuse my naivety. Thanks.

Try searching for upper control arm. There's quite a few posts you may find your noise described. The photos will show what a worn bushing looks like.
It's not a difficult job depending on the corrosion to the bolts.
Good luck. 2007 3.6 TDV8
1979 Mini Special
1988 Yamaha FJ1200
!952 BSA Gold Flash

Thanks Jagmen, I am on it!

https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/front-br...9999-176-c

SEC500110 LH

You probably need a new one of these

Non expensive part…but labour intensive to replace
Maybe a “bodge” and find a way to secure the disc backing plate to stop it rattling over bumps

Thanks Rambles. Just found a guy on YouTube who replaced this part and it certainly looks a very likely candidate for the rattle I am experiencing. Will give it a go.

When I replaced one of mine I saw cut it and before fitting drilled suitable holes to then secure the two halves together using pop rivets with a piece of steel strip after fitting.

I got the idea from a YouTube video. I used rivets rather than screws on the basis that they should stay tight.

On the other side I have used two penny washers, one behind and one in front of the shield to act as a sandwich on one of the fixings and that seems to be working o.k. Current: 2003 TD6 HSE
2004 Vogue SE 4.4
Previous: 1993 Classic 3.9

Thanks Steve, did that mean you were able to fit the plate without removing the hub?

Correct. I found the YouTube video for you:

&t=521s Current: 2003 TD6 HSE
2004 Vogue SE 4.4
Previous: 1993 Classic 3.9

I have gone for the same solution as Steve….use some washers !
This is a fairly common problem

Got it done yesterday, so thanks for the help. Took me a bit longer than I expected, albeit an hour of that was going shopping for a breaker bar to get the caliper bolts loose! The rattle has gone, hooray.