Edit: Wrong forum.. trying to delete the thread and/or get it moved. Apologies.

Car history: 165,000 miles. I bought it used a couple weeks ago knowing that the front end needed help. The previous owner had 12 years worth of mechanics bills and oil change receipts so I assumed the car was in decent mechanical condition. It was obvious from the test drive that there was too much play in the steering and one of the shocks was shot. Passengers side shock and bump stop were confirmed bad and replaced along with the drivers side. Oil changed to full synth and tranny oil replaced with synchromesh. The steering rack was shot as well (torn boot rusted the drive rack badly) so I replaced it with a complete unit and put new outer tie rod ends on both sides. Ball joints looked pretty good so I left them alone for the time being.

Now the car has a roar at the front drivers side only when at speed (60+) and only when the engine is engaged. As soon as the car is put in neutral the noise stops. My initial thoughts are tranny mounts.

It is just weird that while running through the gears the noise is not heard until you get going to a decent speed. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

 

Thanks for getting the thread moved - I think? New to this forum layout.

Please let me know any details or tests I can perform that would help you guys help me out. I have video of the car before the work i performed if that would help. Sound is similar but not nearly as loud now.

 

For others who may encounter this same problem: The problem was the CV axles. I read somewhere that they were often the culprit when a noise is heard only then the engine is engaged. I checked for play by grabbing the CV axle and shaking it furiously. There was a decent amount of play in the inner bearing so I replaced both axles with new ones. This eliminated the roar I was hearing at higher speeds only when the engine was engaged.

 

Thanks for posting back with the solution - that is extremely helpful for others.