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About a week ago, my front axle busted for no reason. My mechanic said there was no other damage or reason for it happening (i.e. bearings & cv joints were good etc.). Now I am noticing a knocking noise intermitently while driving at low speeds. Usually right after I shift or when I slow down (not braking, just taking my foot off the gas). I called the mechanic but he says he has no idea what it could be until he looks at it, which he can't do for several days. Any ideas on what it can be and can I even drive my car around like this?

Stephid, There are a number

Submitted by drivability on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 22:48.

Stephid,

There are a number of things that can cause a knocking noise like the one you are describing. It appears that this noise didn't start until the axle was replaced. This doesn't mean that the previous repair has caused this problem but I think you are doing the right thing by giving your mechanic a chance to recheck his work.

From what I can tell, this only occurs during light or no load situations. Something like a loose axle or lug nut could easily cause this. Your question was " can I even drive my car around like this"? The smart @$$ answer is yes. Obviously, you have already done so. The real question is whether or not it is safe. Outside of personal and public safety, you should also consider the possibility of causing further damage. In short, no you probably shouldn't drive it.

I'm glad you have the common sense to ask. Let us know what happens or if you would like info on how to check for certain problems. Also, feel free to post back with your mechanic's recommendations (prior to further repairs) if you would like our opinion. We'll be glad to help. Thanks.

Step, You stated your front

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 03:27.

Step,
You stated your front axle broke, and you’re makin it sound like the breakage was NOT due to a bearing or CV joint failure. That leaves the solid metal bar portion of the axle that could break, and breakin that doesn't add up man. In other words, a wheel bearing or cv joint is gonna give out before you break that solid bar portion of the axle.

What exactly broke on the axle?
How did it break?
Did you hit a giant sink hole, pot hole or curb?

Getting back to the knocking noise does the noise coincide with the rotation of the wheel? In other words, does it sound like the noise practically goin away the faster you drive, and does it sound like it’s getting louder the slower you drive?

Has the front suspension been checked for bent or distorted parts (example outer tie rod end) that the axle could be rubbing against as it’s turning?

Not really sure how the axle

Submitted by stephid71 on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 18:09.

Not really sure how the axle broke. He said it could have been a defect, but definitely wasn't any other parts that were bad that caused it. And there were no giant sink holes, pot holes or curbs involved. The car just stopped dead in the middle of the road right after the grinding started. The current noise occurs only occaisionally, and either right before or right after shifting into the lower gears or when I remove my foot from the gas. But again, only at speeds of under 30mph. I don't hear it at all once I'm in 4th or 5th gear. It hasn't gotten any louder and it's not extremely loud, but noticible.