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Does this sound like an inner CV joint symptom?

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16K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  AzTraveller  
#1 ·
Just put a new tranny in the van, a '98 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3. It has 203k miles on it, with the original driver's side axle, and a 2 year old reman axle on the passenger side. When I put the car in reverse and give it some gas while hitting the brake, I get a thump/clunk coming from the passenger side. The motor mounts are good with the exception of the passenger side mount, which I'm replacing this weekend. I've checked the ball joints and tie rods, which have very little if any play in them. Could it be my reman axle already going bad on me? What else should I check?
 
#2 ·
One thing at a time. Change out that bad motor mount first, then recheck for symptoms. The bad motor mount could easily be all that is causing that noise.
 
#3 ·
This may sound like it's out of left field, but just a thought - my buddy had the exact same symptom with his Nissan Murano, and was this close to buying a new axle, until he found a tip on the internet - the tip was to loosen and retighten the hub nut. We tried it, and as soon as we loosened the hub nut, the clunk went away. We cleaned the interface between the axle and the hub, retightened the hub nut, and the problem has gone away for good. May be worth a try, it's easy enough to check.
 
#4 ·
Wow! I'm so suprised! I have the same damn problem and I was just about to post on it. But in my case i have a new drivers side axel replaced about 1 month ago but the problem still pesists. I also replaced the tranny mount all other mounts are in perfect condition.

P.S- Should i make a new thread for my problem or just keep it here? I don't want to hijack this thread.
 
#8 ·
Go ahead and post here, since it's the same / similar problem / symptoms. Reduces the amount of duplicate problems threads .......

BTW, When you get reman axles, consider checking how much grease is in them. Some MFR's expect you to grease them before installing them, hence, they'll fail early without you taking the time to add grease.

Quick way to check them is to grab the axle and rotate it with your hand. If it "clicks", you have wear and might consider replacing them.
 
#5 ·
Could be the reman axle. I know I got the "good" A1 cardone rebuilt axles, but they are bad a few years later with maybe 30k miles on them. I'm just waiting for when they get worse to go exchange them under warranty. I believe they get a lifetime warranty.
 
#6 ·
robk46- did you figure out the problem?
 
#7 ·
Update: I had the same problem, as mentioned above. I recently changed my brakes, and in the process i realized that the front passenger side caliper was loose, I opened the screw with two fingers, no wrench required. Good thing, it didn't cause any damage.