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Hey Everyone,
I have a 01 Honda Civic. It has developed a nasty noise coming from the front suspension. I can't quite put my finger on the cause. Listen/watch the video I took moving a slow speed in my parking garage at work. There is a sqeaking sound that occurs both when the wheel is turning, and when I go over a bump...

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OQRDT4RU6c[/YOUTUBE]

The front pads are relatively new (3 months) I've taken the pads out several times trying to diagnose the noise thinking a stick or rock was caught. I found nothing. The brake fluid is dark, and I'm planning on flushing it VERY soon. ALso, I noted that the dust boots on the calipers are torn...I'm planning on changing those too. Could the torn dust boots be the issue?? I have been told the struts leak a little, but would this be the cause. I've jacked up the car, the wheels seem 'tight' with no up/down or side to side play. The cv boots and tie rod end boots are not torn.

Any thoughts??? I'd like to do the work myself, but I may plan to have a mechanic do the work. I just want to have an idea of what's wrong before they tell me...

Thanks,
Doon

 
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Doon: Had the same problem for the last 6-7 months on my 2002 Civic Si (116K + miles). In addition to the same sound that you have, I also had a rattling sound coming from the front. Thinking it was the suspension, on which I have no experience working, I took it to my local Honda dealer earlier this month. Turns out my front shocks/struts were bad, had one worn lower ball joint, one torn boot, one worn knuckle (suspension upright), and various sundry other little suspension parts that were worn. I also had the rear shocks/struts replaced as well, although I could have gone a little longer on those. The replacement parts (most things you have to replace at least in twos on suspensions), combined with the 4 wheel alignment that had to be done, and labor brought the bill to $2050! But it needed to be done and, frankly, it hasn't ridden and handled this well since it was new. Also, the squeaks and rattles are gone. I'm glad I did it. The peace of mind makes it worth while, and I like driving it more, now. I wouldn't wait too long to have your car fixed, however. If it is the suspension, when something goes wrong there, other parts have to take up the burden and that can lead to additional worn parts and more repair expense. Hope your problem isn't as serious as mine.

 
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brake disc shield touching? did u try and get the front wheels off the ground and run the car in gear, might help pin point the area