Questions and Answers

Chevy Cavalier Knocking Noise Q. Hi Vince, I have a 1992 Chevy Cavalier RS, 2.2 liter, 4 cylinder engine, 115,000 miles, automatic transmission and ABS brakes. The problem I'm having is whenever I accelerate too quickly, from a standstill, or turn a corner too fast, I hear a knock or a clunk from underneath the car. I can't tell exactly where the sound is coming from, but it may be coming from near the front of the car.

If I take it easy on my car by accelerating very slowly and take corners fairly slow, there is no knock. There is never any knocking unless I am accelerating or turning a corner (no sound at idle or constant speeds). Does this sound like a CV joint to you, because I know that can cause a knocking sound. Please tell me what you think it is.

Thank you for you help,
John

A. A bad CV joint can cause this noise. They will do it even worse on a sharp turn under power. They usually don't go bad unless a boot has been damaged allowing water and dirt to get into joint. Look at the boots for any damage first. If you see one, you are better off getting a complete remanufactured axle shaft instead of a joint.