Pop / Crunch Noise
 

2004 SS 80k

When reversing and turning the wheel to the left, I hear a popping noise coming from the front of the car. It will also make the noise when braking to a stop and when moving after the stop. I have replaced both front struts and mounts and that didn't make any difference. I am wondering if it could be brake pad / caliper related? Ball joints or bushing maybe? Motor mount?

I know this is hard to diagnose online but you never know...
Thanks in advance :thumbsup:

I bet the CV axles need a good once over to see if they could be the culprit. I copied this info below off another site. Good luck , hope all goes well with the fix. :)

CV axles can go bad over time, requiring immediate repair or replacement. There are many ways to tell if it needs replacement. From the inside of the vehicle, drivers can tell if the CV axle is going bad just by listening for metallic clicking from the front wheels while making a turn. Drivers may also hear that clicking noise or clunking upon acceleration and deceleration.

Manually check the shafts. Even if the boots are in good condition, there could still be a worn joint within. Hoist the vehicle on a lift, or jack the wheel in question off the ground. Place the jack under the lower suspension arm to maintain the drive angle. Remove the wheel use jack stands for safety. Grasp the shaft next to the joint and try to shake it. A bad joint will click or there will be looseness in it.

Get a second and third opinion. If there is still a doubt after the above checks, have at least two shops check the CV joints. Don't identify which one you suspect. If there really is a CV joint issue, the shops will independently agree on which one it is.

I've got the same issue I have been tracking down for months..

I have all new control arms/bushings, tie rod ends(inner and outer) strut mounts, sway bar links.
Only thing I can think of is a worn out intermediate shaft joint, bad CV axles(feel /hear it more towards the top though) or bad shocks. those are the only 3 things I have not changed.

CV is a possibility... Although I figured that I would hear the popping sound every time I turned the wheel, going either forward or reverse. Also, the noise does not seem to be rotational... there are just a series of fast 'pop' sounds.

It's really strange because when I am backing up with the wheel turned to the left, it makes the noise right at the beginning of the turn (especially when giving it a little more gas then necessary) and then it stops. I could go in circles and it only does it at the beginning. Then if I move forward a little ways and then reverse again, the popping starts again.

Another note to add... when accelerating up to highway speeds, I regularly hear a 'pulsating' sound. There is absolutely no vibration feel and the car tracks perfectly straight. Wondering if the pulsating could be related to bad CV's?

When you replaced the struts did you install a complete assembly or just the cartridge? Were new bearings, seats and insulators installed? Another place to check are the cradle mounting bolts.

Yes, whole new complete assembly from Monroe. I'll check to see if the cradle mounting bolts are tight..