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I just noticed after posting that I should have posted this in the sub-forum 'Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum'...my bad. Please move.

I just picked up an 02 Civic LX and would like some help/advice/suggestions. While with the previous owner, a rock took out the A/C condenser, and the front of the car (left side facing) has a small gap between the headlight and front bumper and this gap somewhat extends inward towards the center of the hood.

I'm going to get the condenser replaced and A/C recharged this weekend and also a full mechanical inspection while I'm at it. In the meantime, however, there are a couple noises that I am hearing while driving that I am not familiar with and would like some advice if they are 'common Honda sounds' or a possible issue with the mechanics of the car.

The car is a 5-speed and while braking/downshifting at a stop the car makes a somewhat loud 'whirrring' sound that sounds like it's coming from the transmission or clutch plate. Is this a common noise or a possible issue with the trans/clutch/etc.?

The other noise I am not familiar with is not easy for me to describe but it does not sound like an engine or metal knock but a 'plastic' or 'rubber' type of knock or clicking. This happens at about 1000-2000 rpm but the sound does not always occur and can sometimes be more prominent. I mentioned the bumper because my guess is that maybe because there is a gap in the bumper causing the bumper to 'hang' a big that the plastic could be rubbing against the front tire but this isn't obvious or apparent to me.

Any ideas/suggestions? I have some ideas for mods that I would like to add to the car but obviously my first concern is that the car is in excellent condition mechanically. The car has a little over 70k miles; regular oil changes/tune-ups, no check engine lights, no real engine repairs/work other than a new alternator that I am aware of from the documentation/knowledge of the previous owner. Thanks.

 
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im wondering what that gap in the bumper is from...is it a big gap? and do you think it was caused when the rock came up?

the first thing i would do is remove the bumper and investigate to see what else is damaged underneath. it could be as simple as removing and just reconnecting the bumper. its super easy to remove a bumper on a 7thgen civic like yours, and can be done in about 2-3 minutes. its just a couple clips and a few screws. if youve never done it, use this as a guide: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...r-removal.html

 
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Thanks for the reply. I do think the gap between the bumper and the hood was caused by the rock. It looks like the rock entered at an angle first hitting the lower bumper and then taking out the condenser through the opening in the bottom of the bumper. My guess is there could be some clips that were broken or went missing during the impact. The bumper will be off this weekend and I am going to have the mechanic fixing the condenser securely fasten the bumper back on after the job is done and replace any clips that may be missing.

 
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update?

 
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Sorry man. So I got the A/C fixed and had the mechanic check it out / take it for a cruise but he said all was good and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The bumper still has the little gap between the hood and I need to get some clips and fix that myself but I haven't yet. The more I drive the car the less I think it's the bumper rubbing or vibrations and I really don't know what could be causing the 'clicking' sound tbh. Maybe this weekend I'll try to record the sound and post it somewhere for you guys to hear. If anyone knows what else this could be caused by other than the bumper I would appreciate the suggestions. Thanks.