Hello all,

Just making a quick post to gather ideas for a solution to a knocking noise I've had on the passenger side (LH as UK spec) front end of my 99 civic coupe. I've had this issue for months and months now, replacing everything that seems problematic, to no avail. I'm wondering if anyone has had similar symptoms to me, with a cause that I've not yet found?

To explain further, whenever weight is taken off the passenger side front wheel, I get a loud clunk - this is best replicated when turning right while going around a roundabout, then turning left to take an exit. I also get a knock over bumps, and when manoeuvring at slow speed, although this isn't happening EVERY time I manoeuvre nor at every bump. I should also add, whenever I have a passenger, the noise isn't nearly as frequent, if at all present.

I have had checks done by 3 separate competent mechanics as well as Honda themselves, and nobody can find a cause of the noise, so it isn't anything obvious i.e. drop links, ball joints, suspension arms.

Since the knocking started, I have replaced the following, with no difference made to the noise:
Complete coilover assemblies w/top mountsPassenger upper control arm w/ball jointPassenger front wheel bearingFront discs and padsNew set of alloysFront driveshafts (passenger side has been done twice)
Lower control arms (hardrace)
Stabilizer linksFront lower balljointsRoll bar D bushesFront inner tie rodsFront track rod ends
In addition to the above, both my LH engine mount and front torque mount seem fine, tight with no cracks to the bushing. This also stands for the rear engine mount attached to the subframe. The coilover collars are right, as are all the mounting bolts and any other visible bolts nearby.

I have a steering rack bush for the LH side to replace, and the gearbox itself will be replaced soon too, so once these are done I will update further.

If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate your insight. I'm absolutely stumped, as are those that have looked the car over.

Thanks

 

I would almost suspect the lower ball joint. First double check that the caliper mounting bracket bolts are tight, axle nut, radius arm bolts to lower control arm. Inspect the cv joint for cracks in the boots. Also check upper strut tower nuts in the engine bay..

 

Hi, cheers, the lower ball joint has been on/off a few times when changing lower arms and has been replaced recently too, it is tight with the castle nut secured properly with a split pin so I am confident this is ok. Caliper mounts was one of the things I checked, and the axle nut I torqued tight (approx 250nm) and chiseled an indent into as you're supposed to. The CV joints are new (as I changed the complete shafts) and have no splits, nor do I have any common symptoms of bad CV joints (i.e. clicking when turning). I am going to check top mount nuts and the bolts securing the upper arm after work today though, that's a good shout. Appreciate it

 

Do you have hubcaps? Are they the originals? If so, that could be it. My 1995 civic lx has the original hubcaps and they rattle, knock thunk over any little bump

 

Hi, they are not original wheels, the only caps I have are the small center caps, although I've changed wheels 3 times and the knocking noise has remained the same throughout, center caps fitted or not. It's quite a loud clunk, imagine a bad control arm bush "popping". Similar to that. Thanks

 

Hi, the front left hand upper control arm bolt was 1/2 a turn loose. Tightened it up, knocking is gone. No idea why I never double checked this, but I'm glad it's sorted now 🙂

 

Good to hear you found the issue!