2005 Chrysler Town and Country CV axle?

BOUDRA2

MEMBER
2005 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
55,000 MILES

My 2005 Chrysler Town & Country has started making a popping noise when shifting from park to reverse or park to drive. It does not make the noise when shifting in forward gears (from drive to 1, etc) It does not make noise when turning. My son (an airplane mechanic) thinks it is the CV axle, but is puzzled by the fact that it is not making the noise on turns. I'm on a fixed income and cannot afford to keep replacing parts until the noise stops. This problem started within the last two weeks.
Any suggestions?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Hi boudra2@gmail. Com. Welcome to the forum. First of all check the axle nuts for tightness. Typical torque value is around 180 foot pounds. Intrepids had a common problem years ago with the nuts not holding the cv joint tightly to the bearing hub, and it would cause a clicking noise when changing directions.

If what you're hearing is louder than a click, suspect the front engine mount. It is two metal brackets separated by a rubber isolator. If the rubber is torn or deteriorated, the metal parts will hit each other when the engine rocks. That mount is also adjustable so it can be centered. It does not position the engine from side-top-side. If it is not centered, the two brackets could hit each other.

If neither of those pan out you may need to have someone get underneath and listen while you change gears. Another approach that could work but isn't exactly designed for this kind of problem is to use a "Chassis Ear". Most new car dealerships have one but a lot of mechanics have never heard of it or seen it. The tool consists of six clip-on microphones, a receiver box, and a set of headphones. You switch between the microphones while doing whatever it takes to make the noise occur. By moving the microphones around, you can narrow down the source of the noise. The tool is available from Mac Tools and from the other tool truck guys such as Matco, Cornwell, and Snapon.

Caradiodoc