I get a clunk from the front suspension every time I hit a bump. Its not really metallic sounding, kind of a dull clunk but noticably out of place none the less. I've heard lots of people say they have the same problem, but I haven't come across the root of the problem. Apparently TSB 98-050 deals with it, but I haven't found a copy of that either.

Anybody have any ideas?

 

"Applies To: 1997–99 CR-V – Up to VIN JHLRD_XC_
98-050 Service Bulletin
March 9, 1999
Clunking Noise From the Front Suspension
(Supersedes 98-050, dated June 9, 1998)
SYMPTOM
When driving over bumps, you hear a clunking noise
from the front suspension.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The upper arm flange bolts do not properly clamp the
upper arm bushings.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the upper arm flange bolts.
PARTS INFORMATION
Flange Bolt, 10 x 68 mm (4 required):
P/N 90172-S04-003, H/C 4803912
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration
by the District Service Manager or your Zone Office.
You must request consideration, and get a decision,
before starting work.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Record the customer’s radio station presets.
2. Disconnect and remove the battery.

3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist, just enough to lift the
wheels off the ground.
4. Remove the air cleaner housing.
2 of 2 98-050
5. Loosen the two flange bolts from the right upper
arm. Repeat this step on the left side.

6. While supporting the right front tire with your
hand, remove the flange bolts, and ease the
upper arm away from the upper arm mount.
Discard the flange bolts. Repeat this step on the
left side.
7. Raise the vehicle about four feet off the ground.
8. From inside the right front wheelwell, look for
traces of body sealer in the upper arm mounting
areas. If any body sealer is found, remove it with
a gasket scraper. Repeat this step on the left
side.
NOTE: Be careful not to scratch the body finish.
If you do, repair the area with touch-up paint.

9. Lower the vehicle until the wheels are just off the
ground.
10. Reinstall the right upper arm, and secure it with
two new flange bolts (see PARTS
INFORMATION). Repeat this step on the left
side.
NOTE: When installing the new flange bolts, you
may need to move the tire slightly with your hand
to align the bolt holes.
11. Lower the vehicle to the ground, and torque the
four new flange bolts to 73 NVm (54 lb-ft).
12. Reinstall the air cleaner housing. Torque the two
flange bolts to 9.8 NVm (7.2 lb-ft).
13. Reinstall the battery.
14. Reset the radio station presets, and set the clock.
15. Test-drive the vehicle over bumps to make sure
the noise is gone."

 

you're a lifesaver - thank you so much

 

Mine did it, it needed balljoints and tie rod ends. Problem fixed and Im not annoyed!!

 

How much did that set you back? I'm probably selling the car in about a year, wondering if its even worth fixing it at this point.

The service dept. near me said it was "pretty involved and would take a few hours to fix it" - um, sorry bud but I'm looking at the TSB its actually really easy and it says it should take 0.9 hours. If I had a car-lift I could easily do it myself in about 45min, no sweat. They quoted it as $250 for the labor alone, plus parts on top of that -- I don't think the guy knew what he was talking about.

 

Mine was like 4 something, I had lower ball joints, outer tie rod ends, front stabilizer links and an alignment. It was well worth it though. I spent about 700 in all, I had struts put in too. I have 17s with low profile tires on mine so they said that wears out my suspension faster than the stock 15s with bigger tires. I guess its possible, but I highly doubt it would ruin my suspension. I would just have your mechanic diagnose it, I always do and mine is right on target, his estimates are great too. If youre having problems with one guy take it to another, I dont know about the dealer though they probably charge outrageous prices, however all of my parts replaced on my front end are from the dealer, I usually only go OEM honda. I get my parts wholesale though, gotta love discounts! Good luck with everything...

 

probably sway bar links and bushings they make alot of noise..we replace alot at the Honda dealer I work at

 

Its usually the front swaybar endlinks. I replaced mine two weeks ago and fixed the problem. No more annoying dribbles.