knocking when accelerating/decelerating - Honda Prelude Forum

go pre · 04-14-2002, 06:34 PM

hey.. lately I've noticed that my car will make a light knock sound at random times. usually it occurs when i'm accelerating and then let off the gas, or when i start to brake. it's just a single knock, like something is shifting or moving. feels like it could be something in the suspension i guess. anyone else ever have this problem? any suggestions on things to check? i'm hoping it's just something loose in the suspension and not the tranny going.

Jordan_4WS · 04-14-2002, 06:43 PM

I had a simliar problem (for me it also made a grinding sound). Do you haev an aftermarket Header? You should check the Header Flange, cauase that was the problem for me. I know it is a common problem, where the header flange is cracked. The solution is to remove the flange (if you have an aftermarket header, it is lighter so there is no problem.

Ill find the threads about it and post them.

-Jordan

go pre · 04-14-2002, 06:51 PM

i have the stock header. actually, i started to notice the noise after i removed the heat shield covering the header. if you missed my thread from before, one of the bolts holding on the header was completely loose. so i just tightened the bolt and didn't put the heat shield back on. i guess there is a possibility that my header is cracked, i'll go and check it out tomorrow morning. it still just feels like it's something in the suspension or tranny though.

Jordan_4WS · 04-14-2002, 06:52 PM

Here is my thread about it... Joon was right, and the sound has gone away since I removed the flange:
Clicking sound coming from front of car...

There is also a post in the FAQ relating to this, you may want to take a look.

-jordan

Dr. James · 04-14-2002, 09:43 PM

I would also check your axles. very common symptom of axles going bad.

Jordan_4WS · 04-14-2002, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr. James
I would also check your axles. very common symptom of axles going bad.

Yes, you might want to take a look at your CV's. Also do you here the noise around corners? if not, your CVs are probably ok.

-jordan

Absolut · 04-14-2002, 09:59 PM

I also hear a load shift noise...

When I accel or decel, or change the loading of the tranny, I feel a clunk in the suspension.

I thinking it might be the radius rod... not sure. Have to check it out next time im changing the oil.

go pre · 04-14-2002, 10:03 PM

i don't really notice the sound when turning, it's basically just when accelerating and decelerating. it's almost like something is shifting forward and backward. what should I look for when checking the axles and the CVs? i just had an idea that it could be those rods that hold the wheel to the front of the chassis. last year i had the nut on one of them break and the wheel moved back and rubbed against the back of the wheelwell. i guess i'll check those tomorrow too, although it's kind of a pain because you have to get under the car and remove that plastic mudgaurd thing.

Dr. James · 04-14-2002, 10:15 PM

Just because it doesn't make noise when you turn doesn't mean that it's not the CV's. Thta mostly a symptom of outer CV's. Clunking, vibration, shimmy, etc while accelerating or decelerating is very common symptom of worn inner CV's. Check for play in the shaft, grease slung everywhere, boot clamps that might have come loose.

SuCKaZ · 04-14-2002, 11:16 PM

how much would it cost to replace the axles/cvs? b/c im prett sure mines are gone..

Dr. James · 04-15-2002, 10:16 AM

Check out this website www.raxles.com The guys name is Marti Cook, and he is a very nice guy. His prices on Axles are more than from the local Auto parts store, but his are not just refurbished units. He uses brand new outer joints, and sometimes inner ones as well. he also uses premium Amsoil axle grease, and has a lifetime warranty on them. I had a set made not long ago for my old Prelude, they ran about 120 bucks a side. a little more than the autoparts store, but the quality is better and the warranty is a lot better. I had an axle of his on my old Civic and after 6 years the boot busted and destroyed the inner joint, he sent me a new one free of charge. not bad. great business, and great guy.

go pre · 04-15-2002, 11:24 AM

well I went to take a look at the CV joints this morning. all the boots looked fine. but i was surprised to find that one of my lugnuts was completely loose, almost off of the stud. guess i didn't tighten it down enough. anyway, after fixing that i drove around and the problem is fixed! thanks for the help, i'm glad i didn't have to replace anything..