As part of my journey to find out why my car is clunky following gear changes in 1st and 2nd, I have now got reason to believe that I may have a cv joint issue on the passenger side. (Front left) (I have already replaced left and right wishbones, all 3 engine mounts, shocks and mounts, drop links. Car has been on lift a number of times and no fault can be found in the suspension or wheels). 

The problem is still there. It can be reduced depending on how and where I drive, but its still there. Going up hill, it's ok, but down hill its noticable. On rougher road surfaces (Gravel or tar and chip) there is a rattle. When I turn full lock, especially if I am reversing, there is a popping noise from the wheel. Going around roundabouts, I can hear this popping noise also. Recently, the popping noise has become more frequent. It is much more audible in frosty weather. Also, second gear has become notchy, especially when the car is cold. 

I'm putting it down that these popping noises are possibly a worn cv joint?

I'm putting it down that the clunking noise when I change gears could be caused by extra play in the cv joint's hardy spicer? 

Finally, I'm guessing that the notchy gear change could be caused by worn inner cv joint which may be out of line?

Anyone got any experience of cv joint and able to tell me if my assumptions are correct or not?

2012 focus Tdci 1.6. 130k miles. 

Have u checked the inner tie rod for play? Gearbox will be notchy when cold but check the oil level it can be accessed from the plastic box at the front just under the bumper passenger side any leaking oil would assume selector shaft seal.

17 hours ago, F0CUE said:

Have u checked the inner tie rod for play? Gearbox will be notchy when cold but check the oil level it can be accessed from the plastic box at the front just under the bumper passenger side any leaking oil would assume selector shaft seal.

Yes, inner tie rods have been checked more than once. It does feel like a tie rod - perhaps it wasn't noticable the last time it was checked and just has worn more in recent weeks. It will be checked again at the next service next week.  Gearbox oil was checked not very long ago too. It's frustrating!

Ok so my car has been checked again. Suspension and tie rods are 100%. Over the last few weeks, it has started to make a popping noise from the wheel every time that I turn - it's very audible. Also, there is noticable wear on the inner edge of the front tyre. My mechanic advises that he can find no movement in the wheel, the bearing, the suspension (Which is all 100% new) or the cv joint. But, he suspects that the popping noise means that the cv joint is worn out and this is the probable cause of the tyre wear. 

I have a new outer piece for the cv joint bought. It's getting new brake discs and pads all round next saturday and will get the new cv joint as well. Car has a test on March 15th. 

Hopefull this will solve the problem. It has been ongoing for the last 12 months.