Ok, so it's been a while since I've posted here: basically, I ran across a "94 EX-R (which is just a trim level designation here in Canada, not a true R type) that is clean as a whistle, no rust on the body, even the fuel/brake lines are clean as a whistle- the car was oil treated every year (because I have the receipts!) from one owner, about 200k miles for 1500.00. My old "96 had major rear fender well rust, driver door got bashed last year in a parking lot, windshield completely cracked, needed both rear calipers replaced, rusty brake/fuel lines, etc. So I sold it off to a local mechanic and picked up the '94.

Great little car- this ones the manual- with no major problems. However, one niggling noise.

When air temperature is above 15 C or so, when I lightly apply pressure to the brakes at slow speed, there is a creaking/crunching noise coming from the front end. This only happens at very low speeds, and only when lightly applying the brakes. A bit more pressure on the brake pedal and this stops, or if the temperature is cooler. The noise is rhythmic, and when the car slows down, the timing/pulse of the noise slows with the car. It isn't constant, and seems to alternate from side to side of the car. Having the clutch pedal depressed or not does not make any difference.

The car had been "stored" (not driven) for about 6 months or so. Of course the rotors are rusty as all get-out all the way around. So I took it to my trusted local mechanic who cleaned the fronts up nicely for rust, checked for sticky/rusted pads, checked rotors for warping, cleaned and lubed the pins. Seemed good for about 1/2 hour, then the noise started again. Basically looking myself, the pads and rotors looked to have been replaced fairly recently. Not sure if the pads are stock Honda pads, though.

I've checked the CV boots and other front suspension components. All looks fine in general.

So, I'd read online on another forum that this kind of noise can happen on front wheel drive cars where the axle spline into the hub dries out and needs to be pulled and re-greased. I can't seem to convince my local mechanic that this could be the source of the noise.

Any ideas? Help is greatly appreciated!!

 

I am having the EXACT same noise on my 2000 civic dx four door. I couldn't have described the problem better myself. This started happening after I got a brake job done on my car. It was done at a shop and they resurfaced the rotors and installed new pads and replaced the brake fluid. I am also looking to a solution to the problem but I have been out of luck. Right now I'm blaming it on cheap brake pads....

 

I think Warhawk may have a point- I'm not sure if the pads are originals. I'm also wondering if the shims aren't factory, either.

Thing that sucks- new OEM pads/shims are 90.00. I don't feel like doing them myself, so add another 50.00.

Ah well- at least I'm pretty sure this isn't a dangerous situation, the car brakes beautifully, no pulling, etc.

I'll live with it for a bit, then see what I want to do- but if anybody else has heard of the axle splines drying up causing this problem (in my case, I could see it contributing, since the car sat for over 6 months) I'd love to know!

 

I googled it online and found one person with the same problem that fixed it by just replacing the rotors. I guess we could try inspecting the rotors for any little imperfection we can find.

 

Warhawk- could you post the link, or PM me with the link? Thanks!

 

Of course I can't seem to find it now. I googled it and I remember I came up on some sort of accord forum. I've been searching for 30 minutes now and I can't seem to find it.

 

It's OK, Warhawk- don't stress out.

I think this is down to cheap after market pads/shims, myself. I'm not sure if the shims used on my car were the originals (re-used) or aftermarket.

I think I'm just going to get some OEM pads/shims and have them put in at some time- not going to stress out at this point.

Could be rotors, too, though- but I think I'll start with the cheaper option and go from there!

 

alright, keep me updated as to whether that fixes the problem or not.

 

Well, put new Honda OEM front pads with shims on- noise is completely gone! Looked at the pads that were on the car when I bought it- they were obviously not factory, and the back shims (that come in contact with the piston) were not a full cover shim- they only covered an area on the back of the pad. So, I think that because the piston wasn't in full contact with the shim, and there was an "edge" so to speak, created this creaking noise.

I got the pads directly from a Honda dealer for 80 tax in, paid 35 to have them installed.

All is good- Warhawk, if the brake job wasn't done either with factory pads/shims or a set that doesn't have full coverage on the back shim, I think this may help!