Transmission Mount Issue? Or something else?

[Butsco87]

Hi guys. Recently had an issue with a driver's side hub assembly going bad (replaced the bearings and now it's fine), and now that it's fixed I've noticed another issue.

Every time I brake, when I initially press the brake (with the window down) I hear a single metallic popping sound (only once) and then the car brakes as usual.

There isn't any grinding, and no brake pedal vibration or pulsating so I'm pretty sure it isn't a brake issue. The sound also occurs whenever I initially engage the transmission (park to 1st, stop to go) although slightly softer. Additionally, it happens once in a while when going over speed bumps. I had a dodge intrepid that behaved similarly and was diagnosed with transmission mount issues during a safety check. Does this sound like the same problem to you? If not, what does it sound like the problem could be? How can I verify the issue and is it easily DIY?

I appreciate any help you can offer with this. Thanks again for all your advice and time, I couldn't drive without you.

[tblake]

Have a look at your CV Axel's. My drivers side one split a boot, flung grease all over the place, and also made the same metallic sound you describe. Only thing is, When mine went bad, it was cold out so I dont know if it was doing it while I was braking, I noticed mine clunk as I put it into drive or reverse. Replacement of both axels cured my problem.

[Butsco87]

I'm still new to all this. :-\ What is a CV axle (and the boot), and is replacing axles a low difficulty job? Sounds hard. :o

[tblake]

Its the shaft that connects your trans to your wheel hubs. You actually removed the axel nut when you took the front hub off. The boots are the two rubber/plastic covers over the cv joints. Replacement is pretty straight forward; jack up the front end of the car use jackstands (can't stress enough!!!!!), remove wheels, remove axel nuts, pop ball joints, remove steering knuckle from ball joint, remove axel out of the back of the wheel hub, using a pry-bar pry the axel outwards aginst the trans housing. Position the prybar in a way so that the tip of it is pushing the axel outward as you pry. Do not pry on your axel seals, or you will damage them and leak trans fluid. Re-install in reverse order.

Check the tips and maintenance subforum, I thought I saw a tech article. Maybe not.?

Also before you just go ahead and replace them, you probably should have a look at your motor mounts as you suggested. On mine, the grease flinging out was just an indication that they were bad. I also had the clung.

[Butsco87]

Alright, thanks for the advice. Sounds like I just need to crawl down there and search for wear on the parts to find out what the problem is before I go ahead trying to fix it.

Can I check the motor mount by having someone shift it from park to first/reverse while i'm looking under the hood? What will indicate the motor mounts may just be going bad?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Butsco87

Can I check the motor mount by having someone shift it from park to first/reverse while i'm looking under the hood? What will indicate the motor mounts may just be going bad?

Due to the two dogbone top/front engine mounts that will probably not work. For the two lower engine mounts you need to do a closer visual examination. Look for pieces of rubber insulator tearing off or damaged. When these lower motor mounts go bad the rubber insulator breaks in half.