Hi all,

I've been stumped with diagnosing a problem with my 97 base model MT prelude.

WHen the temperatures fall below freezing, whenever i start off in 1st gear as soon as my wheels start moving there is a clanging/banging/popping/clicking noise from the front left of my car. hard to describe the sound almost like a CV joint.

i've inspected all the radius rod, LCA, tie rod, UCA... everything is properly torqued and no signs of damage or wear. i convinced myself it was the lower ball joint and changed it. problem still there. i emphasise that this only occurs during sub freezing temperatures. inner and outer CV boots are in excellent shape with no cracks or tears.

any clues as to what it might be? i'm selling my car soon and would like it to be in tip top shape for the future owner.

car has ~125k miles if that helps narrow down suspected causes.

thanks for the help h-t!!

 

i'll also add that motor mounts are in good conditions as well.

 

Which is the front left side. The driver side or passenger side?

 

Well, canadians drive on the left side.

 

Hmm good point. Let us know if your car is RHD or LHD

 

holy ****....I Lol'd

Left side is LHD driver side. You always reference it looking at the car from behind.

OP: Does the sound change with speed? RPM? Describe it more.

 

yes from the front driver side which is the left side LOL.

the sound is a series of 2 or 3 clicks/bangs as i begin in 1st gear. always when i'm just moving from a stop. once i'm driving i dont hear the soudn any longer.

it definately sounds metal on metal which led me to belive ball joint which is why i changed the lower one but that did nothing. theere does not seem to be any play in the upper ball joint or in the tie rod. steering is tight no problems there.

i'm baffled!

 

Take the car to a large parking lot and do tight circles to the left, see if the CV clicks then.

I want to go ahead and say the CV is bad, but I don't want you to buy one and find out otherwise.