Whers all the old help??2000 neon front end noise

[yale329]

Hey everyone hope you can help.
Since I am getting older and my hearing is not what it should be I did get three profession opinions on the matter I am asking help on. My sons car started to clatter at about 50 mph driving on a straight road, when I jerk the wheel to the right, or passenger side.
"Note no clicking doing sharp turns either way in a parking lot. Anyway the rotors and pads were changed about six months ago. I was told that the right hub bearing was worn out. Changed both but the noise was still ther. Cleaned the rotors and caliper, greased the guides, and both CV joints but the noise is still there. Took it into a second shop, a transmission and front end shop and for the second time, I was told that the front end is okay, and also the automatic transmission differential gears were good. Well, new rotors, CVS, hub bearings and I have that clatter like driving on a railway track. I also just changed the uper and lower right engine mounts for the lower was cracked. Still have the noise. The parts or work is actually enjoyable for me anyway and since I do the labour I would not be so peeved of if that dam clatter would dissapear.
Everyone shop taht checked my work said I did everything right, but that means Squat Didly. I just paid out 100 dollars for professional advice. I guess I got a hundred bucks worth.
Any sugestions would be appreciated, and no I won't set it ablaze.
Thanks Wayne.
Any suggestions except burning it would be nice.

[Fractured1]

Just a little more info , no vibration, just a noise...and braking doesn't stop the clatter..also does it only happen when you are accelerating or does it also do it when you are coasting...I'll check back in a bit...

[yale329]

[quote=Fractured1]Just a little more info , no vibration, just a noise...and braking doesn't stop the clatter..also does it only happen when you are accelerating or does it also do it when you are coasting...I'll check back in a bit...[/QUOTE

No vibration on the steering, only in my ear drums. Really , it does not stop with the brakes on or off, definately noisy on accelerating, and I'm not sure about just coasting?, but I have put it into neutral when the clattering was lound at about 60 mph, again its still there.

[yale329]

Well todays another day and like I said earlier, the clatter will not go away. Well the transmission place called this morning, which was quite nice, and the mechanic admitted that he was baffled but was kind enough to call around.
He said, that he could be mistaken and the noise might be in the transmission differential though he feels that with a clatter like that there should be a seal leak. This I feel will probably be in the transfer case.
Lastly he recommended that it is possible the right strut bearings are shot. So I leave you this morning with a clatter. I will change the strut this afternoon and will tell the world about my fantom clatter if I fix it.
Still open to your thoughts.

[99 Neon R/T]

Sounds like you may have a piece of plastic trim like the air dam that has come loose.It m,ay be flapping in the wind.I had a Buick that did that but thats neither here or there.

[Fractured1]

I would check to make sure the dust shield behind the brakes is not loose and check the heat shields between the body and exaust system..also the heat shield on the cat... I've never heard a clatter from the tranny except if the flexplate is cracked and then it is low rpms...good luck

[yale329]

Originally Posted by Fractured1

I would check to make sure the dust shield behind the brakes is not loose and check the heat shields between the body and exaust system..also the heat shield on the cat... I've never heard a clatter from the tranny except if the flexplate is cracked and then it is low rpms...good luck

Thanks, you can bet I will tommorrow. Its not the work that I care about for it is my sons car and he should have taken better care of it , but he was away from home for quite some time.
Anyway again I apreciate your help and will let you know sometime tommorrow.
Wayne.

[skatendestroy]

im shooting at the worst possible thought hear and that would be mabe a bent rod or worn crank or cam bearings?

[yale329]

Originally Posted by skatendestroy

im shooting at the worst possible thought hear and that would be mabe a bent rod or worn crank or cam bearings?

I hurt my back so I have been held up for a few days. The rod bearing I would think is out of the question for the noise stops at 60 mph at time, als I put a load on the engine, 2500 rpm with all brakes on and there is no sound.
This is a clatter that speeds up with speed so when I can sraighten out I think I will look at the dust shields to see if they are loose. Also, I'm thinking that it is possible I got a new, but dry front hub bearing.
Keep the suggestions comming. I surley can't be the only person with this issue.
All replys welcome
Wayne

[palindromelol]

I had a noise. I looked everywhere. Thought it was suspension... loose dash... loose radiator mounts... I had 2 rattles... 1) door glass and 2) the jack screws supporting the engine bonnet wasn't high enough. It sounded like the wheels were going to fall off.

All noise is gone.

[yale329]

Originally Posted by palindromelol

I had a noise. I looked everywhere. Thought it was suspension... loose dash... loose radiator mounts... I had 2 rattles... 1) door glass and 2) the jack screws supporting the engine bonnet wasn't high enough. It sounded like the wheels were going to fall off.

All noise is gone.

Well my friends, after many changes. and after 200.00 dollars of proffesionai advice "I found the problem".
If you have kept track of this thread, it was indeed the right hub bearing. I went to a local auto wrecking place and picked up a used hub with 2000 thousand miles on it, and all is okay. What bothers me is I a jackass back yard mechenic always willing too learn, trusted them. Point is, they can manipulate and screw you to the hilt. That is why even being 53 years old. keep this forum going and share what knowlege we have.
Bless you all if you live inthe USA. athough we are one anyway.
All respect and caring. Wayne.

[redgolfer2]

I had the same diagnostics with my son's Neon - checked the rotor, then the CV joint, then the left engine mount (what a bad design) and finally came across this email chain. Took the caliper off and found more noise than I would have expected even when turning the wheel by hand. Went to a wrecker's yard, got a replacement hub with bearing, installed it and drove off with no noise at all. Fantastic. Keep these weg pages going - they are a great tool. Definitely a good read and will continue to use the facility.

[HPNOTIQracing]

just so you know the neon dosent have a transfer case. if it were awd it would most deffinatly