Hi guys, picked up a 2002 SE a couple weeks back, car has 124k, and is a 6 spd. Previous owner told me that struts, rear brakes, and both CV axles were new. Car runs great, drives ok, but has a very annoying and alarming thump that sounds like it is coming from the passenger side (front). Car only makes this noise under hard acceleration. The car definatley needs front brakes and I have ordered the rotor and pads, I think the car has a pad that is hanging up, but I do not think that is what is causing the THUMPS! The Thumps are almost like something is hitting the floor board ( exhaust maybe???) Anyone experince this or anything like it? Any ideas? Thanks

 

I had the same problem. It turned out to be my motor mount on the cross member. U might want to check urs out.

 

How could I check that mount? Can you just replace the mount or do you need to replace the whole cross member?

 

I had a small thud/thump when first going but it was under any acceleration. I was already in the process of getting new suspension and it turned out to be the ball joint needing replacement.

To check that you can simply jack up the front end, secure it on jack stands & shake the wheel side to side (ball joints) and up/down (tie rods).
If by chance you think cv axle then you just reach behind the wheel and shake the axles to see if there is any play...doubt it though unless they either lied about new cv axles or the axles were defective.

 

Motor mount. Inspect all of them for any signs of cracking at the rubber part. If cracked, you'll need to replace the mount.

You only need to replace the mounts, not the cross-members. I would advise you to check the cross-member bushings as well and look to replace those. Energy Suspension (ES) has some good options for bushing and motor mounts. If you go with ES motor mounts there will be stiffness from the more rigid bushing material they use versus the OEM. You can also go with stock replacement at any major auto parts store/warehouse for something less expensive.

 

Where are the motor mounts? How many are there? I found the one by the shock tower on the passenger side. How big a job is it too change em? Sorry about all the ? but I am new to theses cars. Thanks and I appreciate any help I can get.

 

Theres a total of 4. When ur looking at the motor from up top there's 2, one on the left and one on the right. Now when u look at the motor for underneath the car there's one in the front (next to the radiator) and one in the back towards the firewall.