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Hey guys first wanted to say hi and tnx in advanced, I'm new to the forums.

I have a 2005 Honda civic VP, that I bought brand new in 05, meant to be a project once it was paid off, it is not so I'm already starting to research engine swaps, etc... But that's not why I'm here.

Recently, 8 months ago, I noticed a weird noise coming from the front, and over the months it has gotten louder, its not to the point where its loud but not enough to catch it on film (already tried), but it sounds like ... the only way I can describe it is, remember when you'd tape a playing to the frame of a bicycle and the card would hit the rim spokes, you know that noise, thats the closest I can think of the actual noise that's making, I've search under the car plenty, I've had the guy at the oil change place look at everything, and they can't find anything wrong with it.

My younger brother is a bit more mechanically inclined that I am, he seems to think is the wheel bearings, cause the noise start faintly @30, but as you go fast it obviously increases.

My tires were crap, so today I had 4 new tires put on, and noise still there.

Someone also mentioned the transmission, but I spoke over the phone with a transmission shop, and the guy asked me a series of questions, and ruled out transmission.

I though maybe was a leak of some sort in the exhaust, but someone pointed out that if it were, it would make the noise just by revving up the engine while stationary. It only make this noise when moving.

Normally I'd just take it to the dealer, but believe it or not, my work schedule has been screwing with me for all this time, and between work, and just chillin when I'm off on weekends, I haven't been able to drop it off at the dealer, which is a drive for me, and its an all day affair.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 
Rep Power: 313

Hmm.. a see a few things seriously wrong with your approach to figure out what's wrong with it.

1. The guy at the oil change shop couldn't find it.
2. Ruling out the transmission over the phone, which is impossible.

It could be a number of things.

1. Valves clearance needs adjusting, it doesn't make the sound when revving because the engine isn't under load.
2. CV joint. Does it make the sound when reversing and turning the wheel?

Start there anyway.

 
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OK, I don't see how I'm approaching this the wrong way, how would you. Please keep in mind that I'm the least mechanically inclined person on this planet, so I rely and try to trust what the "experts" (mechanics, transmission people, etc...) tell me. Which is why I'm here, not only to find a possible solution, but help.

The oil place guy, well, not sure how that's wrong, I mean they are mechanics after all, or so I though.

The Transmission shop, I offered to take it in, but this is one of the best places in the county, so I guess they must be to busy to have me drop by. Again I can diagnose issues in my field over the phone based on what's happening, so I didn't think anything of it.

Nope on the CV Joints, the oil change guys check that already, as well as the lower control arm bushings.

 
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What you see wrong is a bit different from what I see wrong?

 
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^ not sure ezone.. I didn't realize the oil change guy was a mechanic. Usually oil change people are either apprentices or high school kids working at walmart that do nothing but change oil.

 
Rep Power: 518

That's exactly what I'm used to seeing. I'm sure you can guess how far I would trust one with my cars.


I'm thinking the OP needs

#1) A competent, trusted, professional technician
#2) Take him for a short ride, demonstrate the concern so everyone is on the same page.

No work begins until this is completed.

 
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OK so we've established that I've dealt with incompetence, moving on ... any ideas on what it could be, to give me a starting point where to look, or point these incompetent people to?

Tnx in advance.

 
Rep Power: 190

I would guess it's something with your suspension. Not sure what different scenarios of a transmission failing are other than slipping but once in gear I would find it confusing to hear a transmission click. I was also going to suggest CV joints, as well as wheel bearings. The wheel bearings you can test by seeing if the sound gets louder on the left side as you turn right, or louder on the right side as you turn left sharply/quickly. Usually it's not really a "click" though, more like a short grind.