1998 Civic EX stock coupe, A/T, 149K miles. Car purchased 6 months ago.
Has a set of KYB front and rear shocks (or front struts if you prefer).

During full-lock left turns there is a knocking noise that I have isolated to the left front shock/spring. Replaced left front CV axle 3,000 miles ago, hub, bearings,ball joint, tie rods all in good shape. Right front CV axle in good shape. 100% sure it's coming from left front shock spring. Shocks and springs do not bounce and seem to be in very good working order. Could this be due to improper installation? Top hat issue? Anyone experience this?

 

Is the top nut on the shock tight? Maybe there's slop up there that only reveals itself when you take weight off that corner.

 

My son and I are going to remove that strut tomorrow. Pretty sure the spring needs to be re-seated correctly according to some info I found online. I tried tightening the top nut a month ago and didn't make any difference, sprayed wd-40 on spring = no change, checked upper control arm (it's fine).

 

It could be possible that the ends on the coils are catching on the top or bottom (or both). Maybe raise the corner and turn the steering wheel to lock, and see if/where the coil ends might be catching on a groove/notch/debris on the upper mount and/or spring perch.