Chrysler Repair: 2004 Chrysler T&C:loud noise from engine compartment, grease lubrication, flexible joints

Question
My 2004 T&C is making a very loud knocking noise about one mile into driving.  The steering wheel is also making a funny noise, not vibration but almost a creaking noise. I'm hesitant to drive after the noise under the hood starts but did start out again several hours later and the noise started again after about a mile. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
Hi Faith,
Does the sound vary depending upon whether you are going straight as compared to turning? Is the knock frequency proportional to the speed you are going? Does it sound like it is coming from one side or the other? Is a fairly rapid clicking sound when you are moving about 25 miles per hour?
I suspect it is something in the 'train' that drives the front wheels such as one of the flexible joints that attaches the front wheels to the transmission which is called a constant velocity joint. Those each have flexible rubber boots that over time can crack/tear which allows the grease to be flung out of the joint which then dries up and starts to seize which makes a clunk or click sound each time the road wheel rotates one revolution. They can be very noisy at that point. You could look up from underneath at the inside of each wheel where, in the center of it is the drive shaft that extends from the transmission outward to wheel, and you will see a corrogated,ribbed rubber boot that needs to be in one piece and not torn upen. If that looks to be damaged on either side's wheel, then I would suspect that the cv-joint inside the boot has run dry of grease lubrication.
Other than that, you will need to find a garage withing a mile to have a mechanic drive/inspect for the source of the noise.
Roland