The earthquake damaged roads are finally taking their toll on my CRX. It's starting to get some weird rattles and knocks from all the rough roads and feels like things might start dropping off soon.. I hate to drive it but its my daily and I gotta get from A to B...

On a specific note though, it's developed one really annoying slapping (kinda) sound from the drivers (right hand) side. It happens most with vibration from ruts, when I let off the throttle in a low gear (shortly after the slack in the drive is taken up) or go over speed bumps. It's not a solid 'knock' and doesn't feel structural, ie suspension or anything. I've tried for hours to find it and keep tightening loose things but I've never got it. It kinda sounds like a piece of undercowel slapping but I've tried all that, anyone have any idea?

 

the best way to check is to raise the front end of the car and shake the tire/suspension to try and listen for the sound you are hearing. Try to tighten suspension mounting bolts all and you may find something lose.

 

Yeah I've tried shaking the car as best I can but I just can't replicate it. It only happens when there's a sharp jolting vibration or a kinda rolling weight shift, like dropping a gear. I think I've narrowed it down to the drivers side wheel arch area, so I'll have a good look there.

 

Bump to add that I don't think its a syspension issue, because I can also replicate it by letting out the clutch in gear until the engine just-about stalls. The vibration from that causes the same sharp slapping/rattle sound.

Any more input greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like a bad motor mount. The bushings tear out allowing the engine to rock back and forth. I would bet its the front mount.

 

Yeah, I would put my money on a motor mount too since you added that new post description......let us know how it turns out man.