there is a loud clunking noise coming from the drivers side axle. it happens when going straight and sometimes when turning. only last for about 15 seconds then goes away with more throttle.

i checked the axles todays because the previous owner said he replaced the drivers side and it looks brand new. no tears or rips in the boots.

the axle seemed to have about an 1/8th inch of play in and out, and side to side.

is this normal? any ideas?

-thanks

 

Might be the differential. Check that the axles are fully inserted into the differential (they "pop" into place with a rounded C-clip engaging in a groove in the differential splines). Check the axle nuts are tightened to spec as well.

Auto or stick?

 

It's a manual .

I've read about some similar problems I'm having with the autozone axles being junk so maybe that's what it is.

Any other opinions?

 

Anyone?

 

Does it happen when going over bumps? Like potholes? because worn endlinks are known to make a clunking type sound.

 

Nope just during normal driving. Gets really bad when i take a corner hard.

 

Nope just during normal driving. Gets really bad when i take a corner hard.

 

you ever figure out what it was.? i kinda have the same thing every now and then.. but only into turns..

 

maybe a ball joint that didn't get greased?

 

definitely not a ball joint. the clunking speeds up as you accelerate.

 

no one??

 

Id say its a bad bearing or two in one of the cv joints. take it apart and regrease and see if it helps for a few minutes

 

after hours of searching and reading ive narrowed it down to two things. its either the 1.)cv axle or 2.)the differential and i need a new tranny. im hoping it option number 1. im going to pull the axle tonight and see what i can find.

 

just finished replacing the cv axle and the clunking noise still happens. it also pulls to the left im not sure if i mentioned that before.

any input would be great!

im dumbfounded now i really thought it was the cv's, the sound is right below the drivers side firewall/floor board and it seems to only happen in a high gear at low rpms. like when its bogging.
****! i dont know.

 

cv joint.

 

Not sure if Srs ?

I just replaced that.

 

Did you fix the problem?

 

No, Honda-tech has gone down hill
Not one useful response in this thread

 

Have you rotated your tires? Bad bands can cause funny noises.

 

No
It's too loud to be tires and too inconsistent.

 

ok check the wheel bearing the best way to do this is by jacking up the front of the car and with the wheel on and the lugs tight try to rock the wheel back and forth. if you get alot of play then this could be the it. also does the car have a front sway bar if so then the bushing could be going out. these are just the two that come to mind since you replaced the axle.

 

My del sol clunks badly because the coil spring is broken at the base of the strut.

The very end of the spring is broken off about 1-2" from the end. Looks like some salty water accumulates there...it is all puckered with rust and you can see where the break is.

In my case the clunking noise has a twang to it that kinda sounds like a spring (like if you hung the spring by a string and hit it with a hammer).

Currently looking for replacement springs...appear to be a dealer only part.

 

Alright I checked the wheel bearings and there was no play in the wheel when I rocked it back and forth. I also inspected the sway bar bushings and they looked alright... I guess they could be replaced but I just don't see that being the problem? The best way to describe the clunking is imagine your axle is loose and some how is hitting something under the car. Clunkclunkclunkclunk for about 4 seconds then goes away once your getting in higher rpms. Over 3.5 or so

 

Did you use the proper axle for your transmission? I have had parts stores give me the wrong axles before. Compare to the old axle for length.

 

That could be.
How do I know id they gave me the right one?