I know this doesn't belong here but I know most of you have had plenty of experience with ball joints...

Ever since late last summer my '02 Accord has been making a funny metal-on-metal sounding squeak/squeal noise coming from the front left wheel area. The noise would only occur when I turning WHILE going up steep driveways or big speed bumps (when the front suspension is under more load). This all started right after we had about 1 straight week of rain...

When I came back from college, I took it in to the Honda dealer. On the way up there, I was able to reproduce the noise going over a bunch of speed bumps slowly while turning slightly. I picked up the service manager and took her for a test drive, and the noise stopped altogether I left the car there and they took for another test drive, and they were unable to reproduce the noise. They visually inspected the front suspension and couldn't find anything wrong.

Both me and service manager agreed that I should bring it back if the noise gets worse and more noticeable, so they can fix it. The noise is still there, and happens a few time a day...

I'm hoping that this spring break I can sit down and determine what exactly is making that noise.

What should I look for? Play in the upper ball joint?

One thing I'd like to do is put some pre load on the front left suspension using a hydraulic jack and see if I can get the noise to occur while steering.

 

Thought the RR/AX guys could help me out...


Modified by LX4CYL at 5:47 AM 3/18/2004