I just replaced my drivers side axle (97 accord) a couple weeks ago and since then I've noticed a "knocking" noise. I searched around to see if anyone else has had this problem but couldnt get any clear answers. Anyways, I've got an aftermarket suspension and at first I thought it was the shocks making the noise but I've checked everything possible (tightened everything over and over) and happened to tap the axle today, which moved a little. It's clipped in securely and brand new but some reason it's got some play between the "tranny side" of the axle, where it connects. I dont know what to do. Maybe one of you have heard of this problem before and can help me out? The noise is driving me insane. thanks.

 

is it in all the way on the tranny side

 

what are you doing when its knocking?

 

I had the same problem a few times after replacing an axle. Turned out it was the axle that was bad. Aftermarket axle. I went through about 4 of them in 3 months. I finally got a remanufactured Honda axle and it was fine.

 

Removed axles but never had to replace. Normally aftermarket are actually suggested because when they rebuild them they make the CV joints bigger (so I'm told). Granted there's a lot of things that can go wrong with used parts. Sounds like you don't have the original Honda axle core so that'll cost you, but I have heard on Hondas there is no substitute for the real thing. Other cars might not be such a problem, do some research and find out how much it'll cost you after you get your money back.

Oh easy hint I can offer to separate the lower balljoint without destroying it: use a pneumatic impact hammer. You might have to lube it up a bit, but loosen the nut (don't remove completely that way you can repair threads if needed) and it'll vibrate right out of there. I rented all the tools and was hesitant to use the forks 'cuz I'm cheap and didn't want to replace the balljoints, this worked on the first try.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ericjackson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what are you doing when its knocking?</TD></TR></TABLE>
It knocks constantly, does it more often on bumpy roads, but I can even hear it on the smoothest pavement going straight, turning etc. at all speeds.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sinister2c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">is it in all the way on the tranny side</TD></TR></TABLE>
Its all the way in, the ring (not sure what its called) is locked in tight, but its got some play up and down. I was thinking maybe the problem was from the tranny side but I dont know how likely that would be.
I believe it's remanufactured. I bought it from advance and never had problems with their axles before. Sounds like I may need to stick with OEM? I'll check into it. Thanks for the advice.

 

something knocks under my car when i start off and turn at the same time, or turn at slow speeds. could be the samething. i dont know, but i had someone check it out and they couldnt find anything,but they heard it too.soo....you got me

 

my budy has had tons of problems with Advanced and axles for his Maxima. THEY sold him two wrong axles before they got it right, yeah...manual transmissions need different axles from autos you dumbass! Then one that he got split immediately, I guess they didn't 'belch' the air out of the grease or something. New one has done alright but we'll see. I think Hondas do like their stock axles.

Oh and don't do whay my same buddy did. He got impatient and beat his axles out of the hub. All well and good, but he hit it directly with the hammer and bent the **** out of the threads!!! $200 down the drain, and then the hastle of dealing with idiots at advanced!

 

Yeah, I'll admit that advance does not know their axles. I've had to take back a couple that were the wrong part in the past. Hopefully this wont turn into a horror story like it did with your friend hah.
I have 4 or 5 good axles sitting around (all honda)... maybe honda would take a couple of them and give me a new axle? That would be nice but not likely.

 

Yeah I tried to sell them my stock water pump core and they didn't want it. The guy I talked to said starters and axles are the big ones they want back. You never know, if you got several of them you might be able to clear up the garage and get a new axle for free. Its worth a call anyways.

 

well, I used to work for an Advance Auto, and I'll admit. Most Advance employees are certified automotive dumbasses. previous mechanical experience is not quite a nessecity for employment. anyways, I used to buy ALOT of junk from work, and I've (clears throat) "defect exchanged" alot of merchandise. I've snapped 3 CV axles completely in half at the shaft itself, not at the joint. blown a clutch into peices. burned up a set of spark plug wires. reduced MANY sets of front brake pads with lifetime warranties into .5mm pucks of ceremetallic crap. anyways, I abused my car, and my previlages. I cured most of these problems with an Exedy clutch, Nology wires, DSS stage1 axles, and Axxis pads. Honda reman axles are VERY nice peices. I've got buddies with turboed hatches running reman Honda CVs, stage 4 clutches and slicks, and never had a problem. long story short, don't deal with Advance axles. too many dumbasses and not enough quality.

 

Yeah, most of the guys I deal with in auto part stores dont know what is going on... Maybe they just dont know hondas? Anyways, I'm down on the fact that I'll be buying another axle and replacing it, but once I do it I'll post results.
thanks for the comments, keep em coming.