2003 Dodge Neon Thumping in Front End
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2003 Dodge Neon Thumping in Front End
2003 Dodge Neon SXT 5 sp with 260k miles on it (engine rebuilt once w/ new head...zero bearing wear present in bottom end)
I am currently getting a thumping sound in the front end when accelerating. It IS NOT a clicking sound, as I know exactly what a bad CV axle sounds like. When accelerating a thumping/grinding (more like course vibration) is heard and felt. This sound and feel becomes worse on uneven/bumpy roads. Has anyone experienced this and what was the fix?
My theories are as follows:
My motor mounts are not in great shape as I did not replace them when I put the new head on it. When purchasing new CV axles it is highly recommended that new motor mounts be installed as well. The Hanes book speaks of engine alignment being a critical item. I'm going to do the motor mounts first so see if there is improvement. Based on the sound I am hearing and feeling, improper alignment of the CV axles is my number one suspect as it almost feels like a binding feeling.
If the problem is still there, I'm going to carefully inspect the ball joints and wheel bearings. If no faults are found, then CV axle replacement will commence.
Another primary reason I believe the motor mounts are suspect is temperature. Today it was in the 30's and the thumping sound was much worse. As the rubber bushings in the motor mounts get cold the rubber shrinks and becomes harder. A bad ball joint, cv axle, or wheel bearing would not in anyway be affected by lower or higher ambient temperatures.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'll post back if I find the fix.
I am currently getting a thumping sound in the front end when accelerating. It IS NOT a clicking sound, as I know exactly what a bad CV axle sounds like. When accelerating a thumping/grinding (more like course vibration) is heard and felt. This sound and feel becomes worse on uneven/bumpy roads. Has anyone experienced this and what was the fix?
My theories are as follows:
My motor mounts are not in great shape as I did not replace them when I put the new head on it. When purchasing new CV axles it is highly recommended that new motor mounts be installed as well. The Hanes book speaks of engine alignment being a critical item. I'm going to do the motor mounts first so see if there is improvement. Based on the sound I am hearing and feeling, improper alignment of the CV axles is my number one suspect as it almost feels like a binding feeling.
If the problem is still there, I'm going to carefully inspect the ball joints and wheel bearings. If no faults are found, then CV axle replacement will commence.
Another primary reason I believe the motor mounts are suspect is temperature. Today it was in the 30's and the thumping sound was much worse. As the rubber bushings in the motor mounts get cold the rubber shrinks and becomes harder. A bad ball joint, cv axle, or wheel bearing would not in anyway be affected by lower or higher ambient temperatures.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'll post back if I find the fix.
Section Moderator
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 7
From: Northern California
A bad vibration while accelerating/driving is commonly caused by a bad motor mount, and possible torque strut mounts too. The vibration also varies in accordance with what you said about the temperature.
Take a peek at that motor mount.
Take a peek at that motor mount.
