I have a 2003 Dodge Neon SE 4 door sedan with 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine and 40TE automatic transaxle (4 speed). Odometer is showing about 233, 800 miles. I have started to notice a rumbling and groaning sound from the front of the car. It is most noticeable at speeds under 15 mph and when making turns and accelerating. Also if you are driving straight and go through a significant dip or mound that makes the front suspension move up or down the groaning sound is present. I have had squeaks in the front suspension for years and I believe that is attributable to age and wear and dirt in the rubber like front suspension bushings. I can push the front end of the car up and down and flex the front suspension but I do not get a groaning sound. But this latest sound is new and different.
I checked the power steering system and added 2 ounces of fluid as it was slightly low but that did not eliminate the groaning. I placed the vehicle on ramps and tried to wiggle each front drive shaft (left and right) at the wheel end and at the transmission end and I noticed no undue movement. With each front wheel suspended off the ground I turned each front wheel slowly and I did not hear any scraping, grinding or groaning sounds.
I looked at the engine mounts and the rubber inserts do not appear to be torn. I can drive at 70 mph on a smooth highway and if the front suspension is not moving up and down I experience no vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle.
So I am somewhat stumped. I replaced the left and right front axle bearings 1 year ago at 202,000 miles so I do not think it is a problem with the front wheel bearings. The drive shafts are original to the car and the boots are intact and not ripped. But 200,000 + miles on a front wheel driveshaft might be pushing it though I drove a 1989 Plymouth Acclaim to 240,000 miles before replacing the front axle shafts as preventative maintenance.
Thoughts???
I checked the power steering system and added 2 ounces of fluid as it was slightly low but that did not eliminate the groaning. I placed the vehicle on ramps and tried to wiggle each front drive shaft (left and right) at the wheel end and at the transmission end and I noticed no undue movement. With each front wheel suspended off the ground I turned each front wheel slowly and I did not hear any scraping, grinding or groaning sounds.
I looked at the engine mounts and the rubber inserts do not appear to be torn. I can drive at 70 mph on a smooth highway and if the front suspension is not moving up and down I experience no vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle.
So I am somewhat stumped. I replaced the left and right front axle bearings 1 year ago at 202,000 miles so I do not think it is a problem with the front wheel bearings. The drive shafts are original to the car and the boots are intact and not ripped. But 200,000 + miles on a front wheel driveshaft might be pushing it though I drove a 1989 Plymouth Acclaim to 240,000 miles before replacing the front axle shafts as preventative maintenance.
Thoughts???