I had posted a while back about rattling coming from the front end suspension of the car. I would feel the rattle through the steering wheel as well. In turns the car would shift and was quite unpredictable while driving. After some time of guessing what the problem could be, I decided to tackle the problem with suspension bushings. I went to my local Honda dealership for OEM bushings and ordered $300 worth in bushings (not really that many parts. Come on! OEM cheap? Yeah right). After looking over my suspension and testing to see if there were any problems I did not find anything wrong with my bushings. Some of them maybe needed to be replaced because they LOOKED old, but they did not have any cracks in the rubber or signs of abnormal wear. After testing for shakes or rattles with a friend, we did not find much wrong with my suspension. The tests showed what seemed to be normal wear and tear. Even though they were small signs, I felt that I couldn't just let it go. It annoyed me greatly and had to get fixed immediately. In the end, I went back to honda and returned what parts I could. I used the money I got back towards oem balljoints and moog inner tie rods.

At first the tie rods were replaced and a majority of the noise went away. First sign of really bad wear was the fact that when disconnected, the inner tie rod would not suspend itself in the air. It would just dangle down. When the new ones were installed, they were upright and the ride improved greatly.....AFTER I got an alignment. Upon putting the car back together I was driving on the sidewalls of my tires instead of the tread so an alignment was a must.

Once the car was aligned and driving well, I still noticed rattling over small bumps (ie: cobblestone driveway or some similar surface) but it was not as bad as before. Today the lower ball joints were replaced and the rattle has completely gone away. In fact, the interior rattle (Hasport solid urethane mounts) is the only rattling I hear/feel.

There were a few other things I noticed after this was done.

1. Shifting gears felt much more solid immediately after the inner tie rods were replaced when before it felt like the transmission was moving away from me or something. My shifts feel more positive and secure rather than loose and hoping I am not breaking anything.

2. Turns felt more secure and the car did not shift as badly. This in turn made the care more predictable.

3. Overall better feeling that the car felt SAFER to drive.

4. Less bottoming out. My car is lowered (actually raised as high as the coilover can go safely) and used to bottom out on a slight lump in the road. Now even tougher bumps have yet to cause the car to bottom out. It used to be bad with passengers, but I won't find out if the lower ball joints improve that at all until I have to drive somebody somewhere.

I'm sure this has eliminated other problems I used to have while driving the car, but I won't find out until I drive it more. I hope this post helps anyone else that is trying to figure out wtf is rattling in the front end of their car when driving or going over bumps.

almost entirely new front suspension, lol

 

thank you, i need to do the same, and more

i know exactly what speedbump sound you are talking about, like wtf is that, and keep drivin

 

Last night on the way to my friends house via turnpike I almost ruined my car. On the exit ramp my front left tire's seal had opened up and the weight of the car being on that tire caused it to deflate more rapidly. Everything was fine until the end of the turn when the pressure had completely gone beyond my expectations. The car underseers out of the turn and into the sand. All I see is sand going over the windshield and my driver's side window...then I felt something....I had left the sunroof open and SAND WAS COMING IN THE CAR. I was upset that I had left it open and closed it immediately to prevent more sand from coming in.

At that point the car had stalled out, first thing that came to mind was what people would think. Those that saw the accident might think I am hurt. Immediately I jump out of the car and signal to everyone that I am ok. I take a quick look at the car and it's covered in sand. Driver's side sideskirt was scratched up showing the white from underneath, but no breaks or dents.

After dusting myself off I get back into the car and onto the onramp. I head down the street and some SUV guy was trying to race me. I guess he had seen the accident and wanted to "teach me a lesson". We both found a straight and I put him in his place after the end of first and start of 2nd.

When I got to the nearest gas station, the tire was kinda low, but I could see it getting worse really quickly. My tank was low on gas anyway so I went inside to wait in line and pay cash for gas (I remember why I chose to get a gas card in the first place. The idiot up front is waiting for lotto tickets and a pack of cigarettes. *sigh*) I also requested the car wash since there was one there. I got back out to the car and the tire was extremely low. The cashier mentioned that the air machine didn't work anymore so I had to drive slowly to the other gas station to fill up on air, then come back for the carwash. I then went to WalMart and bought tire sealer just in case. I got home and my tire was low AGAIN. Upon inspecting the tire there were no punctures. I did find out that the seal between the tire and rim was gone, and that was why I was leaking. In fact, there was sand between the tire and rim preventing the seal from being made again.

When I used the sealer, I could see where the seal wasn't holding and the leak slowly faded away as the tire inflated up slowly. I went to another gas station and filled up to 40 psi (My tires have a max rating of 50psi) just to help pressurize the seal. I'm not sure that will do anything really. I think that later I will bring it down to 35 or 37.

Lesson learned: When you see a low tire on your car and think "eh, that's not bad" don't overlook it.

I'm glad to still have my life and my car with little damage. All I need now is a new 1988 CRX Si glove box as it seems it has broken. When I open it, it almost completely comes out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ProjectCRXtacy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">On the exit ramp my front left tire's seal had opened up and the weight of the car being on that tire caused it to deflate more rapidly. Everything was fine until the end of the turn when the pressure had completely gone beyond my expectations.....

I head down the street and some SUV guy was trying to race me. I guess he had seen the accident and wanted to "teach me a lesson". We both found a straight and I put him in his place after the end of first and start of 2nd.

.......When I got to the nearest gas station, the tire was kinda low, but I could see it getting worse really quickly.

....so I had to drive slowly to the other gas station to fill up on air
</TD></TR></TABLE>

so lemme get this straight... you knew your tire was low.... so low that it just got you into an accident you were lucky to get out of.... and so low you needed to drive to a gas station slowly because it was getting worse and quickly growing more dangerous ...... yet you still decided to go find a straight road to race an SUV with your car in the unsafe condition it was in? not too smart.....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MtnCRX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so lemme get this straight... you knew your tire was low.... so low that it just got you into an accident you were lucky to get out of.... and so low you needed to drive to a gas station slowly because it was getting worse and quickly growing more dangerous ...... yet you still decided to go find a straight road to race an SUV with your car in the unsafe condition it was in? not too smart.....</TD></TR></TABLE>

You're right. I was a fool and won't let it happen again. I have no problem admitting that. You learn from your mistakes and try to prevent others from happening as well. it was a mistake in the first place to even drive the car ANYWHERE knowing that the tire was low on air.

 

The best part about learning from a mistake is having the rest of your life to do it in.

wow... that doesnt sound bad at all.

 

You are absolutely right. I am greatful for not having died....but I think I already mentioned that in the post.

 

UPDATE:

I haven't gotten to look and see if the tierods are out, but now it is confirmed that at least the driver's side is bad. Everyday I drive the car it gets worse and worse on the driver's side. The car tilts to the front left corner on level ground even though the air pressure is 33psi up front and 36psi in the back. I'm going to try to get in touch with a shop to get a look at the car.

Today I grabbed the outside of the tire with both hands (one on each side) and shook the wheel and got a rattle. Looks like a tie rod is out. More will come as it happens.

 

Not much of an update, still waiting for the mechanic to have time to work on my car. It's getting worse. Starting to feel like something else broke. As time passes, I am sure I will find out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ProjectCRXtacy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not much of an update, still waiting for the mechanic to have time to work on my car. It's getting worse. Starting to feel like something else broke. As time passes, I am sure I will find out. </TD></TR></TABLE> Well at least you have more time to race SUV's while you wait

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by doitdub &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Well at least you have more time to race SUV's while you wait </TD></TR></TABLE>

lmao, bastard. hehe.

Update: Checked my car out this morning (9am ack!) It turns out that my steering rack is gettin old and that was cause for the rattle noise.

I also found that the front two tires had feathered quite a bit from when the balljoints were installed. I thought the alignment was fine, but it was not. So upon doing a tire rotation in front, I no longer got a pull to the left or right. Car drives straight, alignment is good, and the ride is much more pleasureable. Like a Honda should be.

So to sum it up: Got rattle up front? Check tie rods (inner/outer), balljoints, wheel bearings, THEN check rubber bushings. One last thing, "Don't race SUV's after you just spun out and know your driver's side tire is low."

Now I'm gonna go wash my CRX. Lates.

 

front suspension issues are not to be taken lightly.
if you value your car, u might wanna ba little more careful..

it wouldnt be that easy to control a car, if your steering rack, or tire rod broke while u were going 75 on the freeway, with a flat tire, and an SUV next you you yelling obscinities

 

Ive done the same thing to my front end (ALL balljoints and tie rods replaced), along with the jimfab crossmember (which eliminates the radius rod bushings) and wow what a difference. Much more SOLID and tighter 'feel.' Dont u love it when u can actually feel the difference? I think ALL ef's need to have this job done, considering how many miles these cars have racked up by now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fourthgenhatchB17 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ive done the same thing to my front end (ALL balljoints and tie rods replaced), along with the jimfab crossmember (which eliminates the radius rod bushings) and wow what a difference. Much more SOLID and tighter 'feel.' Dont u love it when u can actually feel the difference? I think ALL ef's need to have this job done, considering how many miles these cars have racked up by now.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed, I can't wait until I get my Full Race traction bars installed....and another rack...Right now it feels like a dream though. The car goes straight without fighting with the wheel. It doesn't wear me out anymore. Thx for the lessons and help. I just hope this in turn helps someone when they search the archived posts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ProjectCRXtacy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">lmao, bastard. hehe.

Update: Checked my car out this morning (9am ack!) It turns out that my steering rack is gettin old and that was cause for the rattle noise.
</TD></TR></TABLE>


I just bought my first EF and also noticed disgustingly annoying popping and clunking coming from the front end... jacked teh car up and noticed that the inner tie rods are completely shot, just like yours.... So I went for a rebuilt rack that already has the inner tie rods installed on it - im putting it in tomorrow in fact. I'd reccomend it, for the money. GOod luck.