Front drivers side axle continues to produce an extremely annoying clicking sound when I turn sharp to the left. I am still on a stock oem suspension on my 96 ek hatch, so I'm going to replace the axle and hoping that this is the issue that is causing the clicking sound. I have also already looked under the wheel well to confirm that nothing is hanging down or rubbing against the tire. Should I just replace with an oem axle or are there other aftermarket axles that are considered to be an upgrade and perform any better? I do plan on putting coilovers on the hatch at some point in the near future. I also don't know if I should just replace the one faulty axle, replace both front axles, or go all out and replace front and back axles in all. Any and all info/tips is much appreciated.

 

Found these on ebay, if this is what I should be getting.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-New-DTA-Axles-Both-Frt-Left-Right-OE-Repl-with-Warranty-Civic-Free-Shipping-/290742849418?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b19fcf8a&vxp=mtr

 

If the other axle is an original OEM axle keep it, if it needs a boot replace it before it starts clicking. Personally I've had good luck with Fenco axles as far as D-series stuff goes.

 

Yeah I've had the clicking happening for quite awhile now. Only clicks when I'm turning a sharp left and other than that doesn't click when I'm going straight or turning right. Seems interesting to me, but from a lot of feedback it seems that my original assumption of it being the axle is probably true. I'm going to get the replacement parts this week and get it fixed asap. I had planned on putting brand new axles on both sides, is there a reason why you'd choose to keep the original over putting a brand new part on? And I haven't heard anything about Fenco so I'll definitely look em up. I had some peeps tell me to just get some from Autozone since they'll have a lifetime warranty. I just want to get it fixed as soon as I can, and do it correctly with the best parts possible.

 

The OEM axles are usually a lot better than the aftermarket ones. Sometimes you have to go through a few new axles before you get one that's doesn't vibrate or isn't the wrong length, it's uncommon but not unheard of to go through 4 or 5 before getting a good one.

 

Oh dang, I had no idea it could be so hit or miss when replacing. I wonder if I should just go to Honda and buy the oem replacements instead of anything aftermarket. I'm sure it'll be more expensive but I'd rather get what's right for it the first time. Plus, I'd bet they don't provide a lifetime warranty or anything like that.

 

They're very, very expensive. They're also discontinued, but you can still buy all the pieces separate. The outer joint is about $250. $175 if you order through majestic Honda.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...ESHAFT+%281%29

 

Yeah wow, I called a local Honda dealer yesterday to get a quote and it was $367 per axle. Definitely NOT going to spend that much. So I can either go get some aftermarket ones somewhere else and hope that they have a lifetime warranty, or I can call a local place called Auto Adventure and get a used but in great shape oem part for a lot cheaper. I'm still not sure whether or not getting a brand new aftermarket or a used but great condition axle would be the better route to go.

 

I've also had much better luck with remanufactured D series axles than B series axles. The ones that Carquest sells in particular.

I might even be tempted to look around for a low mileage used axle. I swapped my car with 69K miles on the stock drivetrain and they had a lot of life left in them. Can't remember if I sold them with the tranny or not.

No need to change out both axles unless you can see a tear developing, or some kind of sign of wear, in the other one. Other than draining the transmission, you won't be saving yourself any work.

 

Okay cool thanks I'll check both sides out and see if the right side needs to be replaced or not. Auto Adventure has used ones for $35 per axle, I'll call back to see if they know the mileage on the axles pre being pulled off the cars. If not then does autozone sell the remanufactured ones you were referring to? I'm trying to figure out where else I could look to find some low low mileage ones like you found.

 

Auto Adventure, they're in Oregon right? If so believe it or not I have heard of them before, they're supposed to be good.

My personal preference is good used OEM with new boots (I'm quite partial to Fenco boots, they fit nice) over new aftermarket or remaned.

 

Yeah they're in Portland, OR. And cool I think I'll go buy the axle(s) from them this week and snag the Fenco boot(s) and get everything fixed this weekend. Looking forward to not having to hear that annoying a$s clicking sound anymore, drives me crazy lol. Thanks for all the info!