I have a:
1997 Honda Civic LX (4-door)
D16Y7 engine with Automatic transmission
104K miles and transmission rebuilt at 50K miles by AAMCO
Passenger side half-shaft from AutoZone (no more than 2K miles on it).

A few days ago my car started making weird noises, as if metal gears were grinding. It makes those noises all the time, except when I turn the steering wheel a few degrees right ( and a little louder when I turn left).

I don't think its the transmission (at least I hope it's not) because makes the noise no matter what gear it's in (2nd, 3rd, D, or N).
I do how ever suspect the driver side half-shaft might be falling apart.

I would greatly appreciate any and all advices on how to proceed.
I would take it to a mechanic, but I don't have that kind of money to spend right now. (I do have the tools to do most of the work on the car though).

If any one has encountered this or has any ideas/guess what might this might be, please tell me.

 

sounds like your front wheel bearings might be shot..

if you didnt regrease them, or torque the axle nut when the
tranny/axle was out. it could cause premature wear on the
bushing and by turning the wheel you are putting more/less
pressure on that bearing if its starting to go

 

2nd that ^^^. wheel bearings are cheap and easy to fix. ive done quite a few now.

 

Thanks, I'll check that first thing tomorrow.

 

I took the wheel off, but everything looks fine.
What happened was, my dad was driving the civic from work, caught a patch of ice, and the car did a 360. Didn't hit anything, but that's when the noise appeared.

I was just wondering, could it be that all it needs is an alignment?
Aside from pulling to one side (which my car is not doing) are there any other symptoms when the car needs an alignment?
The noise totally disappears when the wheel is turned right, and reappears as soon as I let go of the wheel (gets a lot louder when turning left).

 

You were right, it is the wheel bearing, thanks.