Front end noise...

[Joggernot]

The car is a 2000 Honda Accord V6 EXL with 270k miles. Rear bearings just replaced. Just had the motor mounts replaced, so they are good, but I didn't check their bolts for tightness. Front end makes a very noticeable "knocking" noise when going over potholes, etc. I've checked the shock mounts, rod ends, bushings, etc. and can't find anything making the noise (loose or worn). Yes, the lug nuts are tight, too.

What else can make the noise? I'm thinking that even though I can't find anything loose, I should replace the ends and bushings...just because they have 270k miles on them. Could the front bearings be going??

Any ideas would help me. I'm at a loss right now.

[user removed]

Sway bar end links?

regards
mech

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Sway bar end links?

regards
mech

this. only other likely suspect is ball joints.

[user removed]

On cars with struts the suspension is unloaded when you jack the car off the ground (my Sentra). Other types require you to jack the car up, unloading the spring tension from the suspension parts in order to check them for play unloaded.

If that makes any sense.

I think Honda has the spring load on the lower control arm, so you need to position your jack on the lower arm. Of course make sure you have a backup support system, like stands, just in case something slips while you are under there prying and twisting things, looking for play.

I never was much of a fan of replacing things, that I could test and show they were still serviceable. heck I cleaned the connection on one of my tail lamp bulbs that was original and 23 years old. Plucked it and the filaments were fine, still working 9k miles later.

I think a 23 year old Japanese made 1157 bulb, is a better bet than a new one made in China.

regards
mech

[user removed]

Bad bearings are noisy and the pitch changes as you go around corners and shift the load on the bearings. I used to be able to diagnose them on a test drive, which wheel and whether it was an inner or outer bearing.

Don't know if the bearing noise is a throwout bearing or a transmission imput shaft bearing?

Go 30 mph in 4th gear, push in clutch (keep it in) and shut off the engine. As you slow down, dowshift all the way down to 1st gear. If you still hear the bearing noise, it can't be the throwout bearing since it spins the same speed as your engine which is shut off.

regards
mech

[Gasoline Fumes]

My brake pads rattle over bumps.

[user removed]

Did your anti rattle springs rust away .

regards
mech

[Joggernot]

Ok, I'll go back under the car. I used ramps last time; this time I'll jack it up and put the stands under it. Sway bar looked ok before. I'll check the ball joints and double check everything else again with it on jacks instead of ramps. Time to pull the wheels and look at the pads, too. Thanks for the ideas. Sounds like I just have to keep looking. I wasn't aware that I needed to unload the struts to find something loose. I haven't given up.

My best guess is the strut(s) is (are) loose somewhere, as I've had this problem before on the top nut. Just can't find it this time.

Thanks again.

[ksa8907]

here is a picture of what the sway bar end links look like. also check the sway bar mount/bushing.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Did your anti rattle springs rust away .

regards
mech

I took them out! I don't have proof, but I suspect they were making the pads drag. And the rattling assures me the calipers aren't sticking!