I bought an automatic '05 coupe in September. 87k miles. I noticed immediately there is this loud, abrupt groaning sound right before the car comes to a complete halt, and when changing from drive to reverse & vis-versa. Per PPI, the brake pads were at 85%, the control arms/bushings and rear shocks needed to be replaced. Also the brakes desperately needed a flush as there was still super blue fluid in there. I took care of all the above, thinking this would solve my issues. Nothing has changed in regards to this groaning sound.
Imagine this. You are stopped in the garage. Your foot is on the break and you put the car in reverse. There is a slight lurch backward, with a short groan as well. You back out of the garage while applying the break, and there is no squeal or whine from the brakes. Right before you stop reversing, another groan. You put the gear in drive; a small lurch forward with an associated groan. I think this is an easy diagnosis to those versed in the brakes and suspension of these cars. Sadly, I know very little.
Any help would be appreciated. I hope it is something as simple as tightening a suspension or frame component.