Rotational type of kind of thud sound

Tiny
DAWNHOOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I had a broken tire belt, and it was really bad. It was thumping and jerking bad. I replaced the tires. After I started hearing this rotational type of kind of thud sound, it gets faster with speed and sounds like a rotational thud or rubbing when I turn left its more noticeable than when turning right but is constant even when driving straight. I thought it was bad bearings so replaced them and still doing the same thing. Control arms have been replaced and the entire suspension has been checked three times and everything is fine. Motor mounts were also replaced and still no change. I was told maybe a really bad alignment but my car steers just fine. I mean the alignment is a tad bit off but I don't think it's causing the noise, it's not that bad at all, like you can't even really tell its off. Does anyone have any ideas on what is causing the noise? I have had 2 different certified mechanics look over everything and they are stumped.
Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 8:49 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

Is there anything that can cause the sound to change? For example, if you apply the brakes? Also, the idea that it is worse when you turn left leads me to think it's on the right side because more weight is applied on that side when turning left.

Is the sound loud enough to record and upload for me to hear? If so, please try to do that. Also, have you checked sway bar links/bushings, struts for leaks, and the basics?

Let me know. The idea that you hear it change with speed leads me to think it's tied with the tires/wheels/brakes, and anything related that turns. So, I'm questioning the bushings, but I need to start somewhere. Also, let me know if you feel it in the steering and if braking changes the pitch.

I attached an exploded view of the suspension below. The only thing turning is the hub bearing, CV axle, brake rotor, wheel, tire and that's mostly it. Check to make sure there isn't a bad CV joint as well. Confirm the boots are not torn. Also, inspect the tires as well as the wheels on both sides and check for evidence of rubbing.

Joe
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
DAWNHOOVER
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I don't feel anything in the steering at all applying the brakes doesn't change it at all, the brakes, rotors, control arms, wheel bearings were all done, and the noise is still there. All the bushings, boots, look good the shocks/struts have also been looked at and there's no leaks. Could the CV axle be bad on the inside to where you can't see it just looking at it? The suspension has been looked at by two different mechanics and they said everything looks good, nothing leaking, and nothing is loose. It definitely sounds like the actual noise is coming from the driver's side when I'm driving straight and when I turn left. I could try to record the sound but not sure if it will be audible.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
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  • 30 POSTS
I do feel something in the gas pedal when I accelerate from a stop like it feels like something is rapping under my foot. It's not very hard or noticeably bad.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
DAWNHOOVER
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  • 30 POSTS
Tapping not rapping.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

That's interesting. When I read through your post, I was thinking of a CV joint. With the idea you feel it when accelerating, I wonder if it is a motor mount issue.

Do me a favor. You will need a helper for this. Park the vehicle on a flat surface, fully apply the parking brake and open the hood. Have a helper hold his foot on the brake firmly, place the vehicle in drive, and gently press the throttle. If there is a mount issue, the engine will raise more than it should.

Don't stand in front of the vehicle when this is being done. If possible, record it and upload it for me to see and hear.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
DAWNHOOVER
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The motor mounts are all new replaced after the noise started also replaced the transmission mount.
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Thursday, March 10th, 2022 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

You mentioned a CV joint, and that is a possibility. Did you inspect the CV boots to make sure they are leaking or damaged?

Joe
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Thursday, March 10th, 2022 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
I had a mechanic look and everything looks good. Could it be inside the CV joint where we just can't see it?
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
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It really sounds like a bad bearing but both sides have been replaced. Do you think the hub itself could be bad and making the rotational rubbing type noise?
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

On this vehicle, the wheel bearing needs to be pressed into the knuckle. Once that is done, then the hub is pressed into the bearing. If the knuckle was bad, they should have noticed it being cracked or having a loose-fitting bearing or hub. However, anything is possible.

Since it sounds like a bearing to you, I need to know if it is the same sound you had before the bearings were replaced? I'm asking because the bearings need to be square when installing. If it is pressed in and it's not, that could cause damage causing a noise.

If you remove one of the front wheels, and brake caliper so the hub can turn freely. Turn the hub by hand. Do you notice any roughness or resistance?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
DAWNHOOVER
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Yes, it's the same sound as before the bearings were replaced. I will try removing the tire and caliper and turn the hub. I'll have to wait a day or so, I live in Ohio and it's 21° today and it's snowing, lol.
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Saturday, March 12th, 2022 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
I'm in Pittsburgh and feel your pain. It has been horrible today.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, March 12th, 2022 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
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I will definitely let you know. It's freezing today. I've lived here my whole life and I still get surprised by this bipolar weather, lol.
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Saturday, March 12th, 2022 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,108 POSTS
Hi,

I haven't heard from you for a couple of days. Any luck getting things checked?

Joe
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 AT 12:52 PM

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