Rep Power: 0

Twice in the past two days, when I drove in reverse with the wheel turned sharply (75% to 100% turned to the left) there was a loud clunk and pull on the steering wheel that quite literally felt like I ran something over.

Both times I got out and checked to verify I didn't hit something, and felt along the tire well to make sure nothing was stuck in there. Everything looked/seemed fine. It feels like something is catching on the tire as it turns, but I can't see it to know what it is and there's no damage to the tire!

Reversing with a slight turn or straight, regardless of speed doesn't cause the thunk. I tried to replicate the issue earlier this evening but it didn't work.

Has anyone heard of this problem? My front struts were replaced about 3 months ago, both control arms, CV joints, all bushings, and my tie rods were replaced at the same time. Stabilizer bar was also replaced for the hell of it. Tires have 5K miles on em, tread is fine and even. I was told my wheel bearings were going to need replacing at my next tune up, but I didn't think this was a symptom of them going bad.

I just don't want to find out the hard way this is a symptom to something serious.

Thanks in advance!

 
Rep Power: 235

Jack up the front end and wiggle the wheel up-down, left-right. Up-down play is a bad ball joint. Left right wiggle is tie rods or steering rack.

 
Rep Power: 0

Tried it. There's no play in any direction.

 
Rep Power: 235

Wheel bearing might cause that but, doesn't seem like it from what your telling me. Might want to have the steering rack looked at. I'll research and get back to ya.

 
Rep Power: 291

I think you're just overturning the wheel
Try not to pull so hard when wheel is at it's limit

 
Rep Power: 0

I haven't been able to re-create the issue, and nothing is loose or broken (had it checked out). I guess maybe Kennykid was right.

Was told the ball bearings look a bit worn (which I already knew), but aren't so bad that they need replacement yet, and that they aren't the culprit. Mechanic said when I bring it back in next month for my 130K & Seasonal maintenance he'll replace the wheel bearings and do a more thorough check, but everything is recently new so it -should- be fine. Didn't sound too concerned, so it's a bit comforting.

She only NEEDS to stick together for another 2 years before I get a new Civic!!!

 
Rep Power: 812

are you parking on an incline?

 
Rep Power: 0

A very, very, very slight one. It's not enough to make the car roll back on its own in neutral.

Took the car in again and other than the front driver side tire being out of balance, nothing was wrong. :: Must have been a freak occurrence.

 
Rep Power: 235

or a freak behind the wheel. lol

 
Rep Power: 0

Got my tires replaced after getting a nail in the sidewall.

Two radials had snapped in the front driver's side tire, according to the install guy. Apparently, I'd also thrown two balance weights.

I feel like a tard for not suspecting the tire itself. Not sure if the sound was the radial snapping or what, but I swear if anything ELSE happens to this car, I'm gonna go buy a Civic EX Hybrid 2 years prematurely. -_-;;

 
Rep Power: 0

Figured I'd update this...

About 2 weeks after the tires were replaced, it happened again. Talk about coincidences. Though the tire radials had snapped, chances were it wasn't the source of the issue.

Replaced the wheel bearings during a long weekend when I got bored and had some spare cash. Holy crap. Old ones were HORRID.

A year and a half later and it hasn't happened since.