Questions and Answers

Dodge Stratus Front End Knocking Noise Q. Dear Sir, I currently own a 2004 Dodge Stratus, automatic transmission, 4 cylinder with 40,000 miles. Shortly after obtaining the car five months ago, I would experience a knocking noise that would seem to be coming from the front end of the car, sounded like in front of the drivers seat.

The noise occurs while driving, coasting, not accelerating, and when stopping. It is not a consistent knock, it does not have any rhythm to it, it seems pretty random. I brought it into my dealer a few times and they said they could not find anything wrong with the car. They even said they tried to find something wrong and could not.

After taking the mechanic for a drive, the noise only occurred once and he stated that my car is "settling" causing it to make the noise. When the noise occurs I can feel it in my steering wheel with my hands while driving. It went away for little, then two weeks ago I got my oil changed and a day after the noise was back in full force. Recently it has stopped. Have you ever heard of this or have any idea what this could be?

Thank you,
Victor

A. Without being able to actually drive the vehicle and hearing the noise first hand, I would have to have to say the problem is with the coil spring(s) not seated properly, or a bad shock absorber assembly(s).

I'm assuming that the power steering gear and tie rods were carefully inspected and found to be good.

Now, assuming this is the sedan version, there is a TSB addressing a similar problem. I would have your dealer check this TSB and, if it applies to your vehicle, perform the repair procedure.

NUMBER: 23-039-04
GROUP: Body
DATE: September 24, 2004

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 23-012-03, DATED May 23, 2003, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES AN ADDITIONAL MODEL YEAR.

SUBJECT:
Pop/Clunk Sound From Front Of Vehicle

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing two rivets in each front shock tower/wheel well area.

MODELS:
2001 - **2005** (JR) Sebring Convertible/Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Vehicle produces an intermittent front end popping or clunk type sound while driving over road inputs that cause the body to come under a twisting load. This sound may also be produced when in PARK and idle by turning the steering wheel quickly, 90°, to the left and back to the right.

DIAGNOSIS:
If the vehicle operator describes the above Symptom, turn the steering wheel quickly, 90°, to the left and back to the right while the transmission is in PARK and the engine is at idle. If a popping or clunk type sound is heard, perform the Repair Procedure.

If all else fails, and due to the year and milage, I would contact Chrysler Customer Service, file a complaint and make an appointment with the Factory Representative and discuss the matter with him/her.