Sounds like you may have a bad CV joint. The CV joint allows power to transfer to the wheels while still allowing articulation of axle while in rotation. You say the sound and/or vibration follows the tire rotation speed, this is a good clue to allow the elimination of components it couldn't be.
Things it could be;
Generally, the output shaft of the transaxle, inner CV joint, axle shaft, outer CV joint, stub axle (this is usually part of the outer CV joint and is splined), the hub and bearing, brake rotor, wheel, and tire.
A visual inspection of the axle and CV joints, and to check them for play may show the problem location. You say the sound stops while execlerating, this means that the power from the engine is removing the ability for the loose part to "rattle" around. Most of the time this is a CV joint.
If you want to inspect the CV joints yourself, as a general rule there should be no rotational play in the axle shaft by hand. By this I mean if you grab the axle shaft and try to spin it one way and then the other you should feel no noticable play. The CV boots (the rubber covering around the joint to keep dirt and moisture out and grease in) should be clean and dry. Check them for splits, cracks, or just generally grease seepage.
The outer joint (the one just behind the wheel itself) is more likely to have this kind of problem due to the fact that it articulates much more than the inner one, in order to allow you to turn the wheel during steering and still apply engine power to the wheel at the same time.
1,467 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×