ker

99 3.2 TL with 120k miles has developed some front end noises and "feel" recently. Front end makes a slight pop sound when brakes are applied and on initial acceleration. Also, there is a barely audible groan/whine and very slight jolt upon shifting - especially under light load - like something has some play in it. Had one of the motor mounts replaced 2 years ago - obviously a problem area for this car. I can't tell whether this is drivetrain (shafts/CV...) or possibly suspension related. I'd appreciate any ideas from the more experienced. Thanks.

AcuraTL

As for the groan/whine, it is probably your wheel bearings.

ker

That's a possibility but I'm leaning more toward either motor mounts or suspension right now. Hard to be certain but the squeaking sounds a bit rubber like and though it's related somewhat to acceleration, it seems to be at least equally related to going over rough surface - yesterday on a dirt road there was a lot more of the squeaking/light knocking than ever before. My inclination at this point is to take it in and have them focus more on suspension and possibly motor mounts than pure drivetrain. I expect someone that really knows what they are doing will take a quick test drive and figure it out no problem.
In case it's suspension related - like ball joints, does replacing ball joints require a new alignment?

ker

Would anyone like to comment if they have had engine &/or tranny mounts replaced on their Acura TL? My symptoms now are squeak/pop upon acceleration, shifting & going over bumps & rough surfaces. I'm wondering about a good way to diagnose and what should I be expecting to pay if engine/tranny mounts?
I've been driving for 40 years and owned probably 20 cars & I've only replaced one motor mount - on this same TL a couple of years ago. Mounts should not be a maintenance item - especially on cars of this caliber. Thanks.

cruzalekz

engine mounts, ive also seen lower control arm bushing cracked and failed on these cars so dont forget to check that