Waschbaer

Greetings, Guys, I have a couple of questions.

2001 CIVIC LX 4-door. Mileage: 77,000. Bought at 42,000 and doubt whether previous owner had new shocks installed.

Heading down hill out of my driveway, then meeting the road and making a right hand turn, I get a loud (depending on speed) KNOCK in the right front. Only when turning and only when something pushes the wheel up high (like a speed bump). I took it to an established shop and they lifted it up and looked. Diagnosis: front end OK, no CV problem, no ball joint problem but the suspension is shot and a spring "shifts" -- was the term I think they used: maybe the said "slips."

1) If I get new shocks and struts, that would probably remedy the spring problem, correct?

2) Needing new shocks/struts at 77,000 is "about right?" Any of this sound fishy to you?

3) A large tire chain (MAVIS) ought to be able to a decent job on this, right? Don't need a specialist? They quoted me $629 installed, life-of-car guaranty.

Many thanks right up front,
Philip

robbclark1

iTrader: (8)

Just take apart the shock/spring, and reseat the spring. Make sure to index correctly (in the DIY).

**** paying them, do it yourself. It isn't that hard. Just find someone on here or crsx who can help you in your local area. You will get better parts for what mavis will install.

If you want new shocks, look into tokico blues which are an OEM replacement but will do a better job dampening.

02civicg5

if ur around nj/ny area i could help u out..

Waschbaer

Thank you Robb and 02civicg5.

I got the front shocks done but it was snowing so hard here in CT that I couldn't drive more than 15-20 mph to see If the problem is still there. If it is, I'll be back. I APPRECIATE your taking the time!

Philip

robbclark1

iTrader: (8)

no problem let us know.

Waschbaer

OK, I had all 4 shocks done, and the car handles much better -- MUCH better. But I still have the metal on metal bang (sounds hollow) on the driver side front.

To recap, this happens when I am making a right turn and something pushes the driver side front wheel up. Doesn't happen on the passenger side front.

Example: coming down a steep driveway and then hitting the curvature of the road as I take a right onto the street. BAM!

Before getting the new shocks, I had an experienced mechanic look at this. He said that there was no CV problem, no ball joint problem. "But your suspension is shot!" I'm stumped. My next stop might have to be a Honda shop, but Geez, I dread the tab I might run up there.

Could you let me know what I should investigate next -- or have somebody investigate?

Hope your holidays were relaxing,
Philip

robbclark1

iTrader: (8)

Either busted compliance bushing or motor mount. Where do you live? Maybe we can find a local to help you out.

Waschbaer

Hey robbclark1, thanks for the reply. Now, at least, I know what to have them check next.

I would have responded earlier but there's a problem with the new suspension Mavis installed for me. Constant irregular tapping noise ("tock" "tock") and occasional creaking on passenger side rear. Mavis drove it and recognizes that there's a problem. They tried to fix it, but unsuccessfully.

Monday I go in again and they will install a new shock for me. I hope this doesn't turn into a suspension-related odyssey! Should I direct their attention to anything specific that might be causing the noise in the back? I have this uneasy feeling that I had better be telling them what to look for.

While they have the car up on the lift I'll ask them to check the front driver side compliance bushing and also look at the motor mount. They ought to be competent enough to do that, no?!! That'll take me a step closer to resolving the initial problem. (Knock on wood.)

You've been helpful. Much obliged. I'll be back and let you know.

Philip

kwandrew2

Ive got a 99 civic si. If the problem is the same as what mine was...it has to be the sway bar link. It the little link that connects the sway bar to the a-arm. There are two little ball joints, one on each end, and...they go out. If you need some, go on ebay. I got mine for $15 each shipped.

roll_outz

This is common problem in most 7th gen civic specially 01-02 ..1st is check the sway bar end links secondly is check the compliance bushing and third engine mounts. last is check the bumps stopper for each shock they may also busted..if not some suspension bolts are loosen..GOOD LUCK..

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Going to Hijack this thread with a question...

Recently doing my tire rotation and looking things over I grabbed a hold of the stabilizor bar that runs across and I noticed the the little knuckle type connections can be moved by hand,same on both sides.

My question is... Is it normal for these to be so loose or does it indicate they are worn ?? I have never grabbed them before and was not sure if this is normal or not.

05 sedan 85k miles.

Thanks,

robbclark1

iTrader: (8)

The endlinks should rotate a little. They are little ball joint inside and are meant to move a tiny bit when the car pushes on the bar. If you feel they move too much, then replace them.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reply. They are most likely o.k. I guess, They are not sloppy and both move about the same. Just wanted to get an idea.

I get a slight knock on the passenger side when cold that will go away after driving a while... My guess is the strut, I keep a eye on them for leaks, they are certainly a weak area on 7th gens IMO.

Waschbaer

Greetings,

Returning after several months to express my thanks for the help I received on this forum. The road has been rough, and I didn't get back here in a timely fashion.

The problem turned out to be the compliance bushings. The bushing was shot on the driver side and "going" on the passenger side. Replaced them both. $200 for labor and parts. The knocking sound is gone now.

Thank you robbclark1, roll_outz, 02civicg5, kwandrew2, et al. Good luck!

Philip

kade154

Ive got a 99 civic si. If the problem is the same as what mine was...it has to be the sway bar link. It the little link that connects the sway bar to the a-arm. There are two little ball joints, one on each end, and...they go out. If you need some, go on ebay. I got mine for $15 each shipped.

CivicMom98

hey guys i am hearing this clunking/ grinding noise coming from my front driverside wheel area. its pretty sporadic and it doesn't make any noise when when I am using the brakes, my rotors look good, it seems to also stop when i am accelerating. but its only when i start slowing (without braking) that it seems to really start clicking. could it be a wheel bearing or drive shaft? any help would be much appreciated

i am first time honda owner and dont know much about cars...but i know this noise is not right

sl33pyriceboi

iTrader: (3)

What year car do you have mom?

If you have a 7th gen (01-05) then It's most likely the lower control arm bushing is shot and broken. You can either get new bushings or just get a whole new lower control arm. They run about 50$ on amazon.

s4boost

check the strut mounts as well

leroy02

are the poly control arm bushings worth it? i keep seeing bad things about them

jimmycivic

just rember with joints links and tie rods there should never never ever be any kind of play once so ever best thing to do is every oil change grab ur tire and shake just to check. it only takes 3 seconds and if you wanna be fancy go to your local harbor freight and buy the gauge that measures play for 50 bucks

jimmycivic

and to civic mom clicking noise from the front end can only be an axle but vibration can be any or all front end parts including tires one thing everybody forgets to look at