2004 Kia Optima Hi,
I just got a 2004 Kia Optima about a month ago and I have noticed recently that when I'm stopped at a light or stop sign once I accelerate I hear a "clunk".
Hi,
I just got a 2004 Kia Optima about a month ago and I have noticed recently that when I'm stopped at a light or stop sign once I accelerate I hear a "clunk".
What is your question?
I believe it's coming from the driver side front under the car. It only does it once and I can feel it in the floorboard. It will be louder if I'm on an uphill stopped and then accelerate. I had to get the control arm in the front replaced and I put 4 new tires on it about 2 weeks ago. Please advise what this may be as I feel like my axel is going to fall out while I'm driving. (I'm over exaggerating...I hope!)
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You should stop driving immediately and have the vehicle inspected. If its as severe as you say it is, it could be causing damage to the vehicle or worse may cause a wreck. I'm not trying to use any type of scare tactic but attempt to covey the level of importance of getting the vehicle inspected.
The good news is that a lot of shops offer a free courtesy inspection. We'll left the vehicle in the air and have a certified tech look it over. If nothing is seen at that point then it may get into a diagnostic charge. But if it's making as much noise as you say it is , hopfully it should be something obvious.
Just contact a shop that you trust and they'll be able to help you out. Good Luck
Thank you. Just to clarify, it will only have one "clunk" noise and only does it when I accelerate from a stop on an uphill grade. I pretty much only stop at 2 slightly uphill stop signs going to and from work. Today is my Friday and I had plans to take it to my tire shop tomorrow. It's just that I'm paranoid and a scaredy cat. I've been known to be a little over dramatic about things.
On another note, is it normal for a car to not make up its mind which gear to be in when I'm driving between 45-50mph? If you've ever driven a smart car they are automatic but feels like it's a manual when you drive it. Like you have to let off the gas a little as if you are shifting with a clutch. My Kia kinda does that at 45-50mph as well as it feels like it's down shifting I believe when it's around 30mph as I'm slowing before I apply my brakes. Just curious, never owned a Kia before.
usually between 45-50 mph the transmission will engage the lock up torque converter. This allows the transmission to be more efficient and gain you more mpg's. The down side is as the engine senses more load the transmission will shift in and out of lock up. This part would be considered normal. If it feels excessive bring it to a shop and have them give you a second opinion.
Ok so I took my car to the shop and he said that nothing looks loose. He is the same guy who replaced the control arm so he knows all about my car. Said the boots on the cv joints look dry. Also he told me that the entire driver side of the car from the mirror to the gas door was severely wrecked. Whoever fixed it did a damn good job cuz you can't tell it was wrecked. He said most likely it's just things shifting and moving around underneath. I had him check the motor mounts too and they are good.
Just an old Betty making noises lol. Thanks to everyone helping out. This is not a thing that is girls know about. Well most of us lol.
Thank you. Just to clarify, it will only have one "clunk" noise and only does it when I accelerate from a stop on an uphill grade. I pretty much only stop at 2 slightly uphill stop signs going to and from work. Today is my Friday and I had plans to take it to my tire shop tomorrow. It's just that I'm paranoid and a scaredy cat. I've been known to be a little over dramatic about things. On another note, is it normal for a car to not make up its mind which gear to be in when I'm driving between 45-50mph? If you've ever driven a smart car they are automatic but feels like it's a manual when you drive it. Like you have to let off the gas a little as if you are shifting with a clutch. My Kia kinda does that at 45-50mph as well as it feels like it's down shifting I believe when it's around 30mph as I'm slowing before I apply my brakes. Just curious, never owned a Kia before.