Drivetrain Rattle/Clunk

jlong · 10-29-2006, 10:18 PM

Here we go again.

Well after taking care of the squeak/rattle (bad strut) I now notice a new noise when going slow and especially when turning. But it isn't a popping noise like when the CV Joint is bad, it's more of a clunk. But I think it is a bad CV joint. Nothing is loose or apparently bad. Good news is that I have an extended warranty which covers the drivetrain which the CV joints and axles are part of. There is a $100 deductible.

So I am going to drop it off at the dealer tomorrow morning. I am also going to complain about the grease around the drivers side transmission axle mount, for lack of a better term on my part. See the picture here If you look at the passengers side there isn't a drop of trans fluid, so I think there is definitely a leak on the drivers side. There is rust on the passengers side CV joint and the drivers side is so covered in trans fluid or grease that there is no rust...

super white alero1 · 10-29-2006, 10:29 PM

I certainly hope there no fluid on the passager side cuz the tranny is on the driver side.

If there is grease then is is an CV boot going out, if you see fluid with a slight red tint then is transmission fluid. Have that fix asap. A burnt tranny will be costly to repair. Might also is power steering fluid so check your reservior.

jlong · 10-29-2006, 10:51 PM

Just look at the pictures and tell me what you think. I don't think it would be red around a leak if the leak is slow because of contamination that would occur over time. By looking at the picture I highly doubt it is power steering fluid.

I think it would be possible for trans fluid to leak on the passengers side where the CV axle goes into the transmission.

jlong · 10-30-2006, 08:34 AM

I finally caved in under pressure. She's at the dealer. Hopefully they figure out what is wrong and don't deny my warranty claim.

Would not having it aligned cause it to make noise?

jlong · 10-30-2006, 01:38 PM

The dealer said it is the new struts causing the problem. They said it would be $360 for them to take it apart and figure out what is causing the noise. I haven't had it aligned yet because of the noise and possibly having to take it apart again.

jlong · 10-30-2006, 02:38 PM

Just got a call back and the leaky seal is covered under warranty. They will have to keep it over night so we'll see if they uncover any other problems.