Popping sound from steering/suspension? (Video Included)

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http://sweb.uky.edu/~rjnahr2/si/steerpop.mpg

Hey all, the only aftermarket suspension work I have done is I am lowered on Comptech springs. The springs ride good, no issues, had them on for a few months... about 2 weeks ago I noticed as I was backing out of my drive and turning the wheel I heard a real light, "pop, pop, pop, pop, pop" coming from the passenger front wheel. sound got a little louder, and now it's always.

It's only that wheel, and it's only when the wheels are turning back and forth (pulling into a parking spot, making a low speed turn, etc.) The springs are silent (I drive somewhat rough roads and they don't squeak or make noise).

it's ONLY that front right, and it's ONLY when turning the wheels. like, if I turn the wheel and hold that position and drive in circles it won't make the sound. similarly it won't make the sound if I'm driving straight and I have zero other noises. it's just a popping sound while actually turning the steering wheel and only front passenger.

pot holes... anyone who has ever been to Lexington, KY will vouch we have some of the worst roads ever... I've managed to miss 'em all I believe, but there have been one or two times where I've hit a rough/sharp edge on uneven pavement during road work. So it's possible.

The car drives straight as an arrow. So I'm stumped. I'm nervous about bringing it in (I hate going to the dealer), not to mention I have aftermarket springs, race header, reflash, etc. Don't really feel like hearing a bunch of mumbo jumbo about any of those items.

I'm wondering what is causing this sound. Any ideas? Thanks!

Rob

 

that noise reminds me of the bad axel I had on my 95mazda 626... sound just like that. . .

as for taking it into the dealer, the honda dealers should hav close relations with comptech (at least thats what they told me when they were suppose to take my FG1 for R&D) so maybe just take out the header and see about taking it in?

not sure but the axel is my only guess

maybe try jacking it up, see turn the wheel when the front is off the ground and see if you can pin point the noise from there . . .

 

sounds like your springs are binding.

 

My car makes a similar noise when the car is on but not moving and I turn the steering wheel. It's not as loud though. I'm not even sure I could record it with my camera but I could definately hear it.

I've taken my car to 2 dealerships.... the first one said "we don't find anything wrong with it" and the second said "it's the electronic assisted steering" or whatever.

I don't really buy either of the explanations but what can I do.

 

You could check the nut at the top of the strut rod. If it's loose, the strut could move slightly and make a noise like that.

Did you install the springs, or did someone else do it? If someone turned the strut rod and piston inside the strut housing while installing the springs, the seal inside the strut could be bad. If that's the case, it could allow the strut rod to turn with the outer housing when you turn the wheel (it shouldn't do this). I've heard cars with that problem making similar noises.

Can you get someone else to turn the wheel while you watch the strut/spring assembly? Watch the spring for odd movement. Also, watch the top nut on that strut while someone turns the wheel. It should not move. Only the outer lower strut housing should turn with the wheel.

 

My car is lowered for about 3 weeks and I haven't heard that sound until last week.
I hear that same sound also for mine, but not as loud at yours.
I hope after getting a camber kit and alignment for mine that
it would go away.

 

update: so it does it while on the ground, while turning the wheel sitting still or while turning the wheel at low speeds... it does not do it during normal driving speeds (turning onto another road).

got it up on jackstands, doesn't do it anymore... there is still a slight tick, but it is so quiet it doesn't exist for all practical purposes.

we remove the strut/spring assembly, completely take it apart, reassemble it, and use lithium grease the hell out of it (the spring seat, the top, even the upper coils... anywhere anything could rub). put it back together, get it back on the ground... problem still exists. no boots appeared to be torn. I'm clueless... I don't know if I should ignore it or get it in for service.

 

Have you tried putting the original suspension assembly back on? Shocks/struts/springs or whatever you changed out?

Go back to stock and see if it is still happening....if it does, take it to the dealer, if it doesnt, then its a problem with your install and/or parts.

 

Ive herd that sound lots before. Its one of two things(I Think). Either the bearings in the top hat or The spring moving on the pearch. Im goin with its the spring moving in the pearch. Put your hand on the spring and have someone turn the wheel and see if it moves. With that style of suspension the top hat moves a little. This could be moving the spring. Check it Out.

 

I asked some of my friends about what
you and me hear in our lowered car.
Some say that the springs are still trying to
settle in.
My friend has the full coilovers on his rsx and
experienced the same sound at the beginning, but
not anymore.
Well, I'm going to my mechanic tomorrow to see if
they can check out the situation. Update you
tomorrow.

 

Springs shouldn't need to settle in. They are either bound, or installed incorrectly.

Honestly id try just putting the stock setup back on and see if you get the sound... that will at least give you some place to start.

 

I didnt watch the vid, but the first thing that popped into my head was the springs moving. Just my thought.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KJMRide &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Either the bearings in the top hat.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You win! Took it in to Honda, and the top hat wasn't sitting right, they said it could be a result of anything from nailing a pothole too hard (lots of road construction in my area)... to a few other things.

Basically they disassembled it, and noticed the problem with the top hat (which I didn't see when I was greasing the thing thinking that the spring was binding), they fixed it, and no more noise. Charged one hour labor (wasn't warranty because aftermarket springs). Still, not bad.