I have a 2000 CRV w/ 170K miles & auto trans/4WD. Last week it started making horrible clunking noises from the front when turning, and pulled hard to the right. When accelerating or turning, it feels like the front diff is slipping, shifting power from the left to right side wheels, and when it does I can hear a clunk and feel a jerk from one wheel to the other.

I looked through the threads here and elsewhere for causes and so far I've done the following:
1. Replaced both front struts (they needed to be replaced any way).
2. Replaced both front output axles (the CV boots were ripped).
3. Replaced both front end engine/trans mounts (they were shot).
4. Flushed and replaced transmission and rear end fluids.
5. Dropped the prop shaft and test drove. The slipping and clunking is still there. The
6. Took to a trusted mechanic to inspect front end components. Everything is fine.


I ran the car in Drive while up on jacks and it feels and sounds fine, even when turning the wheel. However, when back on the ground and driving, the clunking noise is still there.
Do I have an internal problem with the front transfer unit or the transmission? I'd like to get some feedback from others before I pay for a replacement transmission. Or if there are other possible causes/options please let me know.

Thanks!
Ray

 

pretty difficult to tell online....with the vehicle off, but the key in the on position, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. reply back if you feel any popping or looseness.

 

Thanks LD,

I did the steering wheel test you suggested. I don't really feel any looseness but I do hear a popping or knocking sound when I turn the wheel back and forth. Nothing like the sounds when I'm driving though. What do you think this indicates?

Ray

 

inner or outter tie rod. If a wheel is out of balance and a tie rod is loose, it can create the sound that youre speaking of when turning.

 

front axles passenger side?

from what youre telling us..that might be it...

 

he said he changed them.

 

ugh.....yeah i see...i take that back

i read a thread before, same thing happened... ill see if i can search it

 

Thanks ARMED!
Yes I replaced both axles after this issue started but it didn't change anything.
I was wondering if a bad torque converter could cause this?

Ray

 

Would this also cause the "slipping" feeling between the front wheels? This happens when driving in a straight line as well.

Ray

 

Find a post lift and put the car in the air. It sounds like it COULD be a failing TC, but I don't think it is. When you raise the car, grab the tie rods and shake. If those seem okay, My guess would be to move to the upper control arm (A-Arm) and check the two bolts and the upper ball joints. With the car in the air, try shaking the tire front to back and left to right. It may help isolate the issue.

 

OK, thanks! I'll check that out.

Ray

 

i have the same problem with my v, i found out it was the bushinig for the strut fork going to the lca was bad and there is a bad shimmy in the steering and clunking noise from rotten out bushing

 

Ok everyone, I've found out what the problem is.

Actually the transmission I took it to did. The spider gears in the trans are mangled, and I have a burnt clutch pack. The transmission shop (who does a lot of these transmissions) said that this is very common with the CR-V AWD trans.

Anyway, I should have the car back on Friday. Cost out the door: $895.00.
Thanks for all the input!

Ray