Thread: Clunking/popping on bumps, grinding when slowly reversing?

One problem after another. Just fixed the cooling system, now I'm having more issues and I'm pretty sure it's the CV axle and/or wheel bearing. When hitting even small bumps there is a loud clunking or popping sound and when I'm in reverse with the brakes almost fully applied I can feel and hear a grinding type of sound(new as of this week). It's hard to hear sounds at speed because of my intake and exhaust so I can't tell if there is a sound when turning or not. The CV axle appears to have a torn boot and throwing grease but I haven't worked much with them before except when I replaced them because they were causing severe vibration so not sure about signs. This was less than a year ago, could it really already be bad again? The passenger side seems to have greased up the ABS cable, but it doesn't appear to be throwing grease like the driver side. I don't know if it could have damaged it, but I had a tire that kept deflating over night for a while and I'd have to air it up in the morning. Could that have caused premature failure in the CV axle or wheel bearing assembly? Appreciate any help guys. Haven't had more than 3 days since I bought this car that it worked like it was supposed to, would like to get this fixed ASAP.

Also I didn't see anything missing, and I'm sure I just hit something in the road. But the other day on the highway something clanked around in my car and something long and black fell out the back. Is there a good sized bolt that could've fallen out to cause these problems or just a coincidence hitting something? This happened AFTER the initial problems, but they've gotten worse since. Might just be coincidence.

If the boot is ripped and slinging grease then the CV axle is shot. Replace it. The only good sized bolt under there that comes to mind would be either a caliper bracket bolt, or a subframe bolt. Might want to be sure all the subframe bolts are in place. Time to get under it and take a look.

Originally Posted by FordMan77

If the boot is ripped and slinging grease then the CV axle is shot. Replace it. The only good sized bolt under there that comes to mind would be either a caliper bracket bolt, or a subframe bolt. Might want to be sure all the subframe bolts are in place. Time to get under it and take a look.

I checked everywhere I could think of for missing bolts, but I'll do a second check just to be safe. Fairly certain it was just a coincidence but I need an inspection soon anyways so if the problem doesn't go away after replacing the CV axle I'll get it checked. Disappointed that the axle is already shot. I will get a new one this weekend and post back here if the problem goes away. I've learned a lot with this car, but still learning more obviously, so thank you for the help.

Originally Posted by mguzzo

bad lower engine or trans mount? then the engine will be sloppy and the top dogbanes will click and pop

Appeared to be fine on visual inspection and there is minimal engine movement when changing gears or revving. Sounds only happen when hitting bumps or reversing very slowly on the brakes. The axle has a definite large tear and is slinging grease all over the wheel well, so if a mount is bad then there are likely multiple problems. Which would suck even more. But the mounts looked fine and I'd assume the engine would clunk around when shifting gears or revving if they were bad. Feel free to correct me if I'm completely wrong though.

It was the axle. Got a better axle with a heavy duty boot since winter is coming up and those are harsh around here. Lots of ice chunks and such. Driving like new. Just need an alignment.