1993 Pontiac Grand Am - Grinding noise and clunk / knock on take-off

[Wekke]

Hi,

I have a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am 2.3 quad4 automatic. On a gentle take-off, it makes a grinding noise for a second or two, followed by a dry clunk / knock. It seems to come from the front left area. After that it runs normally, until you come to a full stop and take off again.

And, if you take off very gently and let go of the gas again after a second or two already, the clunk is even louder.

It started a month or two ago, not too bad. I've had a "clunking" Chevrolet Beretta and a Celebrity before, so I didn't think too much of it. But this "grind & clunk" is different, and it's getting worse over time. I'm afraid if I keep driving it there will be further damage (?).

Sometimes it will also do it (to a lesser extent) when accelerating again after slowing down.

When taking off faster, it is much less noticeable, often not at all.

This problem seems almost non-existant when the car is still cold, it only starts after it has been driven for a mile or so...

I can reproduce this when standing still, transmission in drive, foot firmly on the brake, and gently tapping the accelerator & letting go.

Sometimes, during deceleration at moderate speeds, there is also a single knock from the right front area. (no grinding). I dunno if this is related...


Any suggestions as to what this can be? And if it is going to be an easy or expensive fix?

Thx,
Wekke

[Kevin Hastings]

Check your enging/transmission mounts

Kevin

[Wekke]

Thanks!

Turned out to be loosened bolts on an engine mount, indeed ...