hello all

I've used this forum with great success on one previous occasion so im hoping the technical amongst you can help again.

My 97 civic has rather suddenly developed a knocking. It is particularly noticeable on hard steering, I think both left AND right. It seems to be worse after 5 minutes or so of driving than when cold. I'm also fairly convinced that i can hear a light knocking when driving in a straight line. And, although i haven't experienced it myself, my wife says that the steering was affected on one occasion with the car apparently keen to veer to the left.

I've done what research i can online and come up with some part of the cv assembly or possibly an engine mount? it seems that neither completely match all of my symptoms anyway. I have had a look at the rubbers on the cv and they appear intact, although i know that doesn't necessarily rule them out as a possibility.

anyway, it would be much appreciated if anyone has any ideas to share

thanks in advance

 

CV joints will click especially on turns when they are worn. The boots don't have to be torn for the joints to wear out.

If you have watched Eric the Car guy on CV joints, he will tell you that you can go awhile on worn CV joints. It gets louder as the wear gets worse. So if you are having to wait a bit before getting them done or buying new axles, you should be okay as long as you don't hear it clearly and loudly anytime the wheels are moving. If you hear it always when moving, it's probably definitely time to change them.

This may or may not be your problem but it does sound like it fits the symptoms.

Starts of with clicking mainly on turns, eventually becomes constant, near constant usually means definitely time to get it fixed.

Maybe another member can suggest other possibilities it could be. Can't say I'm familiar with other parts of suspension going bad (i.e. tie rods, ball joints etc.) so don't know their behavior when worn.

 

I was gonna post that video... But wasn't sure if OP would buy it...

It could also be the track rod or steering rack...

 

thanks for the info folks. i have a quick update and id be interested to know if this holds true with a shot cv joint.

i took the car for a drive myself and after about 15 minutes the car develops a really quite strong pull to the left, sometimes with noise and sometimes without. force is required to actually hold the wheel straight. needless to say i have taken the car off the road. i havent seen this particular symptom listed in connection with a cv joint so am keen to know if im on the right track.

cheers again

 

update just in case anyone is interested, it was indeed a cv joint. changed a couple of weeks ago and not had a problem since. maybe says something for running a car when you know you have one on the way out / gone as my car certainly wasn't safe to drive!

 

Glad to hear you got it fixed up. I suppose the description of knocking instead of clicking should have been a clue that the joint was severely worn and in need of replacing.

When they first start to go it's more of a clicking that slowley gets louder and more constant, when it gets loud (knocking?) then it's definitely time to repair/replace.