Foster12

iTrader: (2)

Looking for some help with an annoying noise/vibration while I occasionally turn left.
1990 CRX SiR (RHD not that it should matter). B16 engine.

I can typically recreate the noise/vibration if I go to an empty parking lot and turn in circles at varying degrees of tightness. It only happens with the steering wheel turned to the left - not full lock, but a partial turn from full lock. The noise/vibration will occur both moving forward and in reverse (steering wheel turned same direction). I occasionally can get a pop type sound, and if you get the noise to start it will "thunk" until you left off of the accelerator. You can "feel" it in the steering wheel, but I think that the vibration is actually just occurring in the vehicle and transferring it to the steering wheel.

No rips or tears in the axle boots. Ball joints and tie-rod ends don't show signs of movement. Axle nuts were tight along with lug nuts. Steering rack has a slight drip, but I don't think it is steering rack related. My *theory* is one of the CV joints may have a groove or something, and one of the ball bearings gets into (or out) of that groove to make the noise. No noise turning to the right.

I've only had the car for about 3-4k miles, and it is currently in hibernation for the winter; otherwise I would try to get a video of the noise. I hate to throw parts at the problem which is why I wanted to ask before buying a set of new axles.

Thanks all.

SIR-G Amp

Sounds like the most probably cause is an axle shaft. We get that complaint a lot here at the dealership.

-Amp

holmesnmanny

Over time the grease will deteriorate or leak out if it's the original axle so even if the boot is still intact the axle can be bad.