Click noise front end

GARY WAITE

MEMBER
2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
20,100,000 MILES

My car started to make a click noise when I let out the clutch and start to move forward. It sounds like it is coming from the right front tire area. I check the ball joint and the lower control arm bushings did not see any problem. I did replace two bad motor mount the front and back were both bad but this did not help. Only makes the noise when you give it gas and when you let off the gas, no clicking when turning. Car rides nice smooth and straight.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.
Based on your description, to me it sounds like a bad CV joint. Yes, when turning the outer one is know to click when bad. However, the inner joint can be bad too.

Here is a list of issues based on your description. Read through them and see if it helps identify the problem.

2003 Chrysler Sebring Sedan L4-2.4L VIN X
Vehicle � Transmission and Drivetrain � Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints � Axle Shaft Assembly � Axle Shaft � Testing and Inspection
TESTING AND INSPECTION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

HALFSHAFT DIAGNOSIS VEHICLE INSPECTION
Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard C/V joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp damage.
A light film of grease may appear on the right inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal and should not require replacement of the seal boot.
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:
Damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the halfshafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:
A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the halfshaft assembly.
A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the halfshaft assembly.
A damaged or worn halfshaft C/V joint.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
A worn or damaged halfshaft inner tripod joint.
A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
Improper wheel alignment.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
Foreign material (mud, etc.) Packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
Out of balance front tires or wheels.
Improper tire and/or wheel runout.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe