'98 clunking noise on acceleration

[FergusonT]

New to the forums, just acquired a '98 Grand Am GT 5spd. It has a clunking noise that is in sync with the rotation of the wheels. It feels and sounds like its coming from the front passengers wheel. The CV boots/ball joint all look good, except the inner one looks like its been spraying grease out of it. Weird because I cant tell where its coming from, the boot and clamps all look good.

But I am getting the clunking noise only if I accelerate over 1/4 throttle. If I take it easy It doesn't do it. It sounds the same as if a ball joint or strut were going out, except its in sync with the wheel rotation.....anybody have any thoughts?

 

[Kevlar]

Is it a single clunk when you accelerate or a clunk-clunk-clunk with the wheel rotation?

If singular, you need to check your engine mounts. Some transverse mounted engines can get pretty wild when a mount gives way.

 

[FergusonT]

its a repetitive clunk right with the rotation of the wheel.

 

[Kevlar]

Ok, that does point back to the drive train. Most likely the messy CV joint.

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[FergusonT]

Yeah the more I look at it, there is probably a crack in that CV boot that I just cant see, right on one of those creases where it folds..... Its a greenish color grease, looks like its been sprayed all over from that boot.