2.4L 1997 Dodge Stratus with about 130,000 miles.
I noticed a little while ago there is a small trans fluid leak around the trans/dif area where the right side driveaxle plugs in but couldn't tell exactly where it is coming from. Transmission performance has been fine and only had to "topoff" the fluid.
But I have not been driving since I noticed the following:
_At low speeds I hear/feel slight clunk clunk sounds. They became more frequent as I drove the car home.
_When accelerating from a cruise I hear/feel clunk clunk sounds with shaky steering wheel.
_When decelerating or braking I hear/feel clunk clunk sounds but not as bad (just as scary though.)
_I feel the worse symptoms during acceleration. Nothing noticeable during slow maneuvering or turning while off throttle.
I've ruled out wheels, tires, suspension problems.
Engine is good and transmission is shifting fine.
Did come to find that the boot on the inboard cv joint of Left axle is loose. Not torn but loose.
So I'm guessing with above symptoms this is an inboard CV joint prob? How can I test to be sure?
And I'm praying that little trans leak is unrelated? I was gonig to have that checked out soon at my upcoming trans service. I do all other [engine] work on my own. Maybe I can fix it while I'm swapping axles?
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM
(Merged)