disastar

Ok, here is the shortest possible history of my problems and a question or two. Recently replaced the upper control arm and upper ball joint (one piece) on my 94 Accord. Also put four new tires on and four new struts (KYB struts).

Before all of that work was done, I was experiencing several problems, the most annoying of which were a thumping/whumping sound from driver's side front when coming out of left turns and the driver's side front wheel would hop over bumps (when I say hop, it felt like the wheel was being pulled directly out and away from the car).

After the tires, struts, and ball joint were replaced all of the problems disappeared. Less than two weeks later, the thumping/whumping noise from the DR FRNT returned and proceeded to get louder. The mechanic verified he could hear that but found nothing wrong with the suspension (and said the strut mounts were in good condition when he changed the struts). Now, the DR FRNT tire is hopping over bumps again. Additionally, the steering wheel shakes when braking from certain speeds, like 40MPH. This may or may not be related to the problems.

My questions are:
1) What suspension component can result in both the noise and the tire hopping? Strut mount? Ball joint?

2) Since this car has the rotors attached to the hub and wheel bearings, could a failing wheel bearing cause any of these problems? Additionally, could a failing wheel bearing cause the rotor, which is attached to the hub, to vibrate under braking?

3) Is it possible to have a strut plate or strut mount that looks fine but it the wrong shape or size or fit or even broken?

Thank you very much! I should add that my mechanic is very competent and agreeable but this has him a bit stumped, as am I.

jwogen1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by disastar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Additionally, the steering wheel shakes when braking from certain speeds, like 40MPH. This may or may not be related to the problems.</TD></TR></TABLE>

not sure really, but check the alignment, rotors etc and see if it helps or not

disastar

Alignment was done when I had my struts replaced a week ago.

disastar

bump?

Turbowa

The shaking when braking is either you front or rear rotors are warped. You need to either get them machined or replaced.

As for the sound, I would check your sway bar links and check the sway bar bushings. This can cause the same feeling and noises you have described except for the braking.

disastar

I just want to add that the noise and the wheel hopping get worse when it's wet outside.

Does this mean anything?