I am having an issue on my 2003 Civic EX similar to this video (not quite as bad though). I have replaced rotors and pads about 3 months ago on this car so that certainly is not the issue. When I start slowly and accelerate everything is normal with no noise but when I begin to brake I hear the rotational noise from the front left of the car. I initially assumed that this was an Axle/CV joint but a friend said I would notice this same thing at other times if it were the case. Ball joint, tie rod, axle, bushing....not much other option is there? Anybody have a similar issue?

 

Without actual inspecting I would suggest you check the slide pins for wear on the left front caliper. Or perhaps the left caliper needs replacing. Did you do the brake service yourself? Backing plates and slide pins properly lubed? Sure sounds like the caliper is making the knocking noise from what I can tell from video. It's a start anyway...

 

Thanks for the response. I did the brakes and lubricated the contact points as well as the slide pins. A good reminder to always start with the cheap replacements and work your way up to the more expensive ones if you are unsure what the problem is.

 

Did you check the CV joint boots, an obvious problem is the boots are ripped and the grease is gone?

Also use a pry bar to check for anything else that may be that may be loose bushings, ball joints etc...

 

Update: This ended up being the caliper. The car needed alot suspension components but tracking down the cause of this creaking sound took a bit of work. I ended up replacing all of the suspension in the front left with the exception of the bearing.

 

Thanks for posting the solution. Glad you got it resolved.

 

Okay....I'm going insane here. I have replaced everything in the left front of my car including and this issue keeps coming back. I replaced the caliper and this noise went away for 3 weeks and now it's back. The only explanation I possibly have at this point is the brake line or the master cylinder as the cause....it seems as though every time I take the caliper off and push the piston back in everything is fine for a couple weeks. Anybody...Bueller...Bueller? Guy at the shop said it is rotors/brake pads..but why would the noise come and go?

 

bump

 

Bad wheel bearing? They tend to growl when bad and make noise when turning usually but could act up when brakes are applied.

 

Just to follow up on this I took it to a local mechanic who said it was brakes and rotors...despite my questioning he leaned on his experience so I followed along. Replaced the rotor and pads and still had the same issue. The problem is within the brake system and not caliper/rotor/pads. I am having the brake hose and master cylinder replaced and hopefully this will end this nightmare of an issue. #275Kclub

 

Latest: Was told the first thing to replace is the brake proportioning valve...before the brake master cylinder.