2012 LaCrosse Clunking Sound

[dtkay57]

I am hoping someone can help me here; I have a 2012 LaCrosse with 60k; never had an issue; however, lately when i accelerate or decelerate (put my foot on the gas or take it off) there is a clunk sound coming from the front of the car. If it were a rear wheel drive I would say it is 100% a worn out u-joint as the torque of the engine is making the paly in te part make a clunking sound; but not sure if this car even has such a part. It only happens when you take your foot on and off the gas Any hep or direction would be appreciated. Dave

 

[MelsRegal]

have you checked for a broken motor mount?

 

[dtkay57]

have you checked for a broken motor mount?

mm, no because i am thinking that the sound is coming from the drive train/ axes/u joints, cv joints... but I will definately check the motor mounts today! thanks for the suggestion.

 

[tack000]

I just dropped off my 2012 LaCrosse for "clunking" sound. I had initially thought it was the brake pads moving around, but it wasn't.
Once I confirmed it wasn't, I took it to the dealer.

It makes "clunk" "pop" sound when I put the gear into D or R. As if the transmission is engaging with some play, thus making me suspicious of the transmission or engine mount.
It also makes the similar sound right before I come to a complete stop. Right about the time when the gear goes from 2 to 1.

I just got call back from the service manager. He said it's normal? As he's compared it to other car (i.e. CTS). And he hears the same thing going from P to R and to D.
I told him that it didn't make the sound before, and it's only in the last month or so it's making that sound, and I stressed that I hear it when the car goes from 2 to 1 (right before coming to a complete stop.)
Service manager is now taking the car out for a test drive again. I'm waiting to hear back from him...

Anyone had similar issue? If so, what was your cause and how was it fixed?

Just curious.

 

[tack000]

Ok. The service manager couldn't figure it out. He's gonna swap the axle and see what happens tomorrow. Bah.
Frustrating...

 

[tack000]

Picked up the car from the dealer yesterday. The work order also said that the bolts and mounts were re-tightened as per spec. The axle swap fixed the sound, and not only that, the front-end seems a lot tighter and transmission engagement is much smooth. It almost feels new if not better. After little over 70k (km) on the car, I am quite happy with the fix. 🙂 Thank goodness for the 80k/4yr warranty. Otherwise, it could've been a rather expensive repair.

Now, I wonder how common it is to have the axle swapped out.

The mileage seemed to have been a bit higher now, but I'll wait and see how it goes...

 

[tjwhite]

Picked up the car from the dealer yesterday. The work order also said that the bolts and mounts were re-tightened as per spec. The axle swap fixed the sound, and not only that, the front-end seems a lot tighter and transmission engagement is much smooth. It almost feels new if not better. After little over 70k (km) on the car, I am quite happy with the fix. 🙂 Thank goodness for the 80k/4yr warranty. Otherwise, it could've been a rather expensive repair.

Now, I wonder how common it is to have the axle swapped out.

The mileage seemed to have been a bit higher now, but I'll wait and see how it goes...

If it wasn't for the clunking sound when shifting....I was going to say that theres a service bulletin for the ABS module making a sounds under 5mph when the car is first turned on.

I'm thinking the service manager was originally thinking that and said it was normal.

I doubt the axle was actually bad. Something in the boot was probably bad and its quicker to replace the axle than to rebuild the boot.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Picked up the car from the dealer yesterday. The work order also said that the bolts and mounts were re-tightened as per spec. The axle swap fixed the sound, and not only that, the front-end seems a lot tighter and transmission engagement is much smooth. It almost feels new if not better. After little over 70k (km) on the car, I am quite happy with the fix. 🙂 Thank goodness for the 80k/4yr warranty. Otherwise, it could've been a rather expensive repair.

Now, I wonder how common it is to have the axle swapped out.

The mileage seemed to have been a bit higher now, but I'll wait and see how it goes...

Hello tack000,

We're truly sorry for the delayed response and to hear that you were experiencing this noise concern with your LaCrosse. However, we're glad that you were able to work with your dealership towards a positive resolution. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance in the future, please feel free to send us a private message.

Kindly,

Samantha N
Buick Customer Care

 

[tack000]

ABS check actually feels like a quick vibration. At least I used to be able to feel the ABS check in the old GM vehicles. (I've had 6 GM vehicles in the past 20 yrs, 8 if I include company vehicles).
ABS check only kicks in after a cold start (I think).

Service Manager just thought it was normal to hear/feel the vibration when he compared to other cars... He originally thought it was the transmission mount.
But anyway, I'm happy to have my car returned and the annoying sound of the car fixed...

Yeah, axle never goes bad. It's the CV boot. 🙂 I don't think any mechanic rebuilds the boot anymore.

 

[tack000]

Thanks Samantha. I will definitely let you know if I have any new problems in the future. I definitely appreciate GM/Buick following up with customers...

- A

Hello tack000,

We're truly sorry for the delayed response and to hear that you were experiencing this noise concern with your LaCrosse. However, we're glad that you were able to work with your dealership towards a positive resolution. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance in the future, please feel free to send us a private message.

Kindly,

Samantha N
Buick Customer Care