i have an 03 cavalier and everytime i start from a dead stop and go i hear a "popping noise" coming from either the LF or RF wheel area, i have a manual trans, please help


Schrödinger's cat

Could be a strut mount or a CV joint... among many things.

Agreed I would put the front end up on jack stands wheels off check your cv boots for cracks or leaking grease and look at your struts mount for wear.I would also put the car in neutral and turn the hub by hand and see if there is a nice smooth rotation or a slight clunky feel or drag.If it has some solid miles these are just wear and tear items that should be routinely checked like on wheel rotation.Hope this helps.Even turning the hub does not always show the problem due it is not under a load from the engine with weight on it.

could be thngs already mentioned, could also be a worn, or bad motor mount, more like lower.



FU Tuning

i had the same problem on my 99, when releasing the clutch it would make a pop noise. turned out to be a transmission mount.

im with Addicted to meth....i had that EXACT problem until i replaced my lower motor mount with a TTR piece, it went away. also have the TTR upper. i may do the trans mounts soon too but so far ive got no more clinking when taking off from a stop.
also check all your end linkage too, those tend to come unthreaded or pop out, my driver side did and once i tightened it back down, its been fine since.


04 Cav. 2dr. 5spd. My DD. 'Nuff said.