Originally Posted by Jobycom

It's a motor mount. There are four--two torque struts, one engine mount, and one transmission mount. I had replaced the two torque struts (plus the struts, any bushing that looked bad, and I forget what all), and each helped a little, but didn't solve the problem, and it slowly got worse again.

But there's a motor mount between the upper and lower torque struts (some people call these motor mounts, too). It's attached to the body just inside the passenger fender wall. If you look in the passenger front wheel well, to the front of the wheel, you'll see a plug. Pull this out (probably need a screwdriver or pliers), you'll see a bolt in the hole. Lift the engine (not the car) and look again. You should see a healthy bushing. If you see torn or cracked rubber, that's the problem. it sounds like the transmission (don't call them trannies!) or CV joints because the mount sags and causes the drivetrain to grind, I think.

My mechanic and I tested it but jamming a piece of rubber hose under the bolt where the bushing should be, and I drove it. First time in months it hasn't ground or made noise.

Hope this helps someone.