Let me preface this by saying I am in no way a mechanic. I am not very smart when it comes to cars, and I am mostly looking for advice so that I don't get screwed when I take it in to a shop.

I have a 2004 Stratus, and recently, there has been a "clicking" sound in the front end. I believe it is coming primarily from the driver's side, although my wife thinks she hears it in both sides...who knows. It happens most when I am driving it at slower speeds, and usually on uneven pavement/bumps. When I accelerate it up to normal speeds, it significantly decreases or goes away, but then returns again when I slow down.

I have noticed a very small amount of what looks like transmission fluid (red) on the ground under the front area. Nothing really noticable, but it is there.

Any ideas what this would be, and what it might cost me in repairs?

Thanks in advance!

Alaska Joe

 

Sounds to me like your CV-Axles are shot. Do you hear a prominant clicking noise when making a sharp turn?

 

I had this same problem with my '04 Stratus also.

It was the CV's, among other things.

It was covered under warranty at around 32k miles. I think the full repair cost over $1000 for all the stuff they replaced, and the labor.

The clicking will eventually lead to crunching, popping, etc. I'd recommend getting it fixed soon.

 

sounds like two troubles CV joints and a leaking tranny ... Better get a look at the tranny if it's a cooling line ect It can blow off and destroy the tranny