Once you've reached this point where multiple experts can't figure it out, a good approach would be to use a tool called the "Chassis Ear". That is a set of six microphones, a switch box, and head phones. You clip the microphones to various suspect points, then switch between them while driving and listening to the sounds. Be aware most mechanics have never seen or even heard of this tool. Suspension and alignment specialists use it quite often to find the causes of elusive noises.
The original version used six wired microphones. I found a new set on eBay only a year ago for just under $100.00. That's half of what the guys who drive the tool trucks used to charge in the '90s. The newer model uses four wireless microphones and two that are wired. One model doesn't use head phones. That one is a little harder to use because you're also hearing normal road noise at the same time. You can find these on Amazon too.
The older version was a manufacturer-issued tool at Chrysler dealerships in the mid '90s. I was the only person who ever used it, and that wasn't real often. You might ask at some local dealerships if they have one and if they will let you borrow it. The owner of the dealership I worked at allowed employees to borrow special tools and service manuals to regular customers.
Also consider asking at some auto parts stores. Most of them have a tool loaner program. Those in my city make you buy the tool, then they give you a full refund when you return it. If you want to keep it, you return the used one you borrowed, and they give you a brand new one.
You can also buy these from the tool truck salespeople. Ask at any repair shop when they show up. That's usually once a week at the same time and day. You might have to wait your turn because they're usually busy with shop employees who will be in a hurry to get back to work. Also be sure to ask, "what's in the 'used' drawer". That's where they keep the traded-in tools. Sometimes you can find real good deals there. The common trucks are Snapon, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell. Snapon is always the most expensive for new stuff.
Think about the mechanics you've had looking for this noise so far. If none of them specialize in suspension and alignment problems, have another inspection performed at a tire and alignment shop. For play or wear to become visible in a defective part such as a ball joint, strut, or control arm, those parts have to "unloaded" so there is no pressure holding the part tightly together. All that means it the vehicle has to be jacked up in such a way to let the suspension system hang down freely with no vehicle weight on the tires. Often we have special tricks to make wear show up in stubborn parts.
Here's a link to an article that might give you more ideas of what to look for:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise
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Friday, March 22nd, 2019 AT 10:32 PM
