Hello-

I have a 1990 AWD Astro with a loud thunking in the front end when the wheel is turned either way.

It is currently in the shop having a ruptured brake line replaced. When inspected they also found a CV joint bad that will also be replaced.

The ball joints and engine/trans mounts were inspected along with the the torsion bar mounts with no problems found.

The mechanic told me that the noise was from the front diff. and it should be replaced. Unfortunately my previous mechanic has retired and moved away and this shop is new to me.

Is a front differential a likely cause for my noise?

Thanks for any help.

unlikely it's the diff, wait to see if replacing the CV joint eliminates the noise.

Thanks for the reply. That's what I was going to do.
Have the brakes and cv joint done then see what's what.

Follow up here.

Brake line replaced.

Front cv joint replaced.

Thunk worse.

Upon further review by a more experienced mechanic in the shop, he found a lot of play in the front diff. mount.

Replaced the diff. mount and bracket.

Problem solved.

I'm a happy camper again.

Congrats:) !