If I push the gas hard after a stop and then let off completely after a bit, I hear this strange clunk from the front end. I got under the car (fit without lifting it) to check things out. The bushings seem fine, calipers are tight, the lower control arms (LCAs) are newer with no rust (I’m in the rust belt), and the bolts all look tight. Sway bar links are okay too. The only thing that seems off is the struts—they’re pretty crusty and look old.
It feels like maybe a failing U-joint causing play in the drivetrain, but this is a front-biased AWD, and I didn’t notice any U-joints. Anyone experienced this or have ideas?
Case said:
I’m not a mechanic, but have you checked the engine mounts? I had a clunk on my 2016 2.3 when letting off the gas, and it turned out to be the mounts.
Update: Found out the front left strut is completely shot. Replacing it soon.
Case said:
I’m not a mechanic, but have you checked the engine mounts? I had a clunk on my 2016 2.3 when letting off the gas, and it turned out to be the mounts.
Update: Replaced the struts, but the clunk is still there. I also checked the engine mounts, and they were worn, so I replaced those too, but no luck. Both LCAs are in good shape as well.
Case said: @Brenner
Did you replace all three mounts? I think one of them is technically a transmission mount or something. I had to do all three on mine.
Yeah, I replaced all three. Turns out the problem wasn’t the mounts—it was the driver-side CV axle. It was bad.
Case said:
I’m not a mechanic, but have you checked the engine mounts? I had a clunk on my 2016 2.3 when letting off the gas, and it turned out to be the mounts.
I agree with checking the mounts. Anytime I’ve had a lift and clunk issue, it’s been a mount or bushing.
I’ve got a 2017 3.5 NA 2WD with 98k miles. We had motor mounts and CV axles replaced under warranty a while ago. Every now and then, there’s still a weird clunk, but it’s been driving fine, so I haven’t worried about it.
I get something similar on my 2013 with 150k miles. I figured it’s just something odd between the transmission and the PTU when there’s no gas input, but RPMs are up.