I have a 2000 Olds Alero and I have been hearing a strange noise coming from the front axle of the car. I think it is either the wheel bearings or the CV Joints. Can anyone tell me if Im right and how much this might cost me too fix. If I am wrong can you give me an idea of what it might be. it is a mix between a rattle and a knocking noise. Its not too bad on smooth asphalt but I can really hear it on a bumpy surface. Thanks Edited by: bjlewis

AS A USUAL NOISE THE CV JOINT IS THE LOUDEST WHEN YOU HAVE THE CAR IN REVERSE AND BACK UP THEN SHIFT TO FORWARD, THEN YOU HEAR A LOUD CRUNCHING OR CLANK. IF THIS DESCRIBES YOUR NOISE IT MAY BE THE CV JOINT. EXACTLY WHEN AND UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS DO YOU HEAR THIS NOISE?

I hear the noise during normal driving. Its not loud or anything like you have said it's more of a light knocking. It find that it is noisier when I travel on a bumbier surface or a rough road. Could it be the brakes or could my wheels be out of line or something like that. Thanks for the the reply. hope this helps.

IF YOU ARE REFERING TO ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT END, ALIGNMENT DOES NOT CAUSE NOISE ONLY TIRE WEAR AND POOR STEERING ( PULLING RIGHT OR LEFT AS YOU GO DOWN THE ROAD ). MY GUESS IS WEAK STRUTS THAT ARE NOT HOLDING THE TIRE FIRMLY TO THE ROAD SURFACE. WHEN YOU HIT BUMPS THE TIRE-WHEEL ASSEMBLE CONTINUES TO BOUNCE CAUSING A MULTIPLE RATTLE.

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Hey there, if you haven't sorted out that noise yet, try either the nuts on top of the strut tower on your inner guard to ensure that they are not loose, or jack up the front of the car and try to rock each wheel from the top and bottom to see if you have play in your lower ball joint. Alignment shouldn't cause any strange noises and if your CV joints are worn out, you will notice a loud clicking sound when you accelerate whilst turning left or right from a standstill. Hope this helps, Kiwi_olds...
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