Topic: Acura 1.6 front end click

[El Guapo]

Hi everyone,

I Enjoy the forum.  I usually just like to read, but now I've got this small problemo with my 2000 Acura 1.6EL (read glorified Civic) that no-one I know (inc Mechanics) seems to be able to diagnose so I thought I'd put it out to everyone in hopes of some suggestions/direction.  The car is 5 spd man w/ 165,000 km and has been fairly well cared for (regular maintenance - most parts are still OE but keep getting passing grades so I leave 'em).  What's come up is this annoying "click" from the front end.  It sounds a lot like someone cracking their nuckles, snaping their fingers, or taping a tin can with a drum stick.  What brings it out best could best be described as the "Saturday @ Wal-Mart parking lot back-and-forth-shimmy-shuffle-action" (think Sophia from "Golden Girls" behind the wheel of a huge sedan making a six point 90 degree turn into a stall).  If I give it some back and forth and some turning - doesn't have to be much - (really get the balance shifting) I can get it to make some noise for me (but of course never at the shop).  My mechanic (and several others) all say the suspension is fine.  I've looked over a few things (with my basic abilities); the engine mounts seem okay (no weird vibration or twisting with the clutch stand thing), the CV joints seem okay (smooth, clean boots, no funny noises driving forwards or backwards in tight circles), the brake parts seem okay (clean, slippery in the right spots, no play, lots of meat on the pads etc).  And the sway bar links seem tight.  From time to time I'll be walking across a parking lot or something and hear a similar noise from a 6 or 7 gen Civic (I've even taken this to Honda, gasp, and they couldn't find anything).  Does anyone have any idea what would make a sound like this?  I feel like the guy who saw the ape tearing apart the airplane engine.  Sorry to be so long winded.  I wanted to be descriptive.  I appreciate any insight.  Part on.

[articsteve]

My money would be on the front strut mounts.   However, I would just live with the noise if it was me.

KYB STRUT MOUNT KIT, FRONT -- Optimizes Suspension And Steering Performance, Can Improve Handling, Alignment, Braking, And Steering, Reduces Squeaks, Rattles, And Vibration Noise

[mrthompson]

Try to force some spray lubricant (like Fluid Film, not WD-40) into the pivot from the top.  It might help temporarily.  My dad did this with my grandmother's old Dodge 600.  The front struts would grunt and groan on low speed turns. 

[slybry]

If clicking when turning it is usually bad CV joints.

If the clicking is not too loud and only occurs when turning it could the be dust shield behind the brake assembly. The clearance is tight and it does not take much for this plate to come in contact with disc. It has happened to me a few times with my old 1.6 and Accord. All you have to doe is bend it back a bit.

If creaking going over curbs and speed bumps it could the the stabilizer bars. They are little 5 inch long things that go bad frequently.

[Honda Owner]

At that mileage, it could be any number of things. If it really concerns you, take it to a reputable shop and have it inspected. I would just leave it.

[Careener]

Perhaps the bushings.

[El Guapo]

Hey right on.  Thanks for the replies guys.  I think I'll have a look at the shield.  Easy enough.  Maybe I'll spray some juice.  Otherwise, though I hate little noises, I'll just live with it until something for sure needs replacing.  No sense digging up mounts, bushings etc. until a bigger symptom comes along I guess.  Yeah, the jalopy is getting up there, but other than this little thing the car is surprisingly tight for it's 10 yr age.  Rock on.

[PJungnitsch]

A good front-end shop will go through and check everything, giving you an estimate for no charge. I just took my old truck in and it drives like new, fixed things I wouldn't have thought of and for a very reasonable fee.

[El Guapo]

Okay.  So finally someone found the problem.  A bad bearing.  Apparently,  the right front wheel bearing was well worn (though not too too bad they say, but enough to have some play in it and thus produce some "clicking" when the vehicle was put under load).  Had it replaced a week ago and everything seems lovely.  Ah, sweet quiet.