96 Stratus-Banging when starting and stoping/slowing

I'm having a new noise recently. It's a banging/loud clunk when I start or
when I let off the gas and the weight shifts forward. It feels like its
coming from right under my feet on the driver's side.

The most recent work I had done was a new real main seal and a new clutch
installed. I'm wondering if something wasn't tightened properly and that's
the source of the noise.

FWIW, the car drives fine, there is no noise when I turn the steering wheel.

Thanks for any opinions/advice.

 

Is it the engine backfiring through the exhaust or is it a mechanical
clunking? Your description does not make this clear.

Bob

 

Sounds like a bad or incompletely installed (engine or motor was
recently pulled) motor/tranny mount. If that's not it, check
suspension parts. But since you had recent work done that would involve
the mounts, that's where the suspicion is. If you open the hood and
watch the engine while someone guns it in gear with foot firmly on the
brake, you should see the engine move a bit - that would be what you're
hearing and feeling.

Take it back to the shop that did the work and let them handle it if you
feel it was a mistake and not general incompetence.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')

 

It's a mechanical clunking. No engine backfiring involved.