Car is a 93 Civic EX coupe with 155K on the odo. Basically when I come to a stop or turn the steering wheel, I get a rubbing/groaning noise from the front of the car (Its more prominnant in a stopped state because the noise doesnt get lost over the sound of the engine.) I am figuring its bushing related as it happens both while turning and coming to a stop and things are still in motion. Any idea which particular set of bushings might be causing this problem. Ive only replaced inner and outer tie rod ends, LBJ, front struts and cv axles.

All help is appreciated, thanks

 

Could also be your upper ball joints, or your power steering pump going bad, or just low on power steering fluid.

Put the front of the car on jack stands. Grab the driver front wheel at 12/6, and try to wiggle it. Repeat for 3/9. Repeat both tests on the passenger side. It shouldn't have more than a few millimeters of displacement.

 

I'd check the power steering.

 

Will do that this weekend definately. Also just wondering, will the car be able to make the groaning sound without the weight of the vehicle on it? (Been there when some things dont make noise in the air)

 

Maybe, maybe not. It depends on where it's coming from, and how bad the broken part is.

 

To diagnose if it's the powersteering pump, remove the belt and try driving around without it. The ps pump kicks in when the car isn't moving or is at very low speeds and then it eases off once the speed is greater (so you don't have super smooth steering at 100+mph and easily crash)

 

Interesting, would the pump make noise even though Im braking and not turning the wheels? Typically I hear the groaning while turning the wheels with the car stopped or slowing down OR just coming to a stop with wheels straight.

 

Ok, determined that the right hand strut wasnt tight under the strutbar. PS was full, no wiggle on the tire either at 6/12 and 3/9. Plus car made no noise while being jacked up. Accidently discovered it by leaning on the strut bar under the hood and it groaned the way I heard it in the car.