Clicking sound 1988 Lude - Honda Prelude Forum

Dazman · 06-04-2011, 08:36 PM

So when in second gear at low speeds the gear clicks as if the CV joint is bad, but it's coming from the transaxle. It's not the CV joint. When shifting to other gears there is no clicking. Turning right the clicking is loud but not to the left.

I can't figure it out.

Any ideas?

Colfax · 06-08-2011, 01:13 PM

It's the cv joint. Replace the axle. Any noises coming from the transmission wouldn't change when you turn the steering wheel. Sometimes the noise can be transmitted through the axle into the transmission so it sounds like it's coming from there.

Dazman · 06-09-2011, 08:44 AM

This noise started in 2005 and both axles were replaced, including bearings and ball joints. The noise is still there and hasn't gone away. The car is in getting painted and when I get it back this week I'll do some more testing.

Some have said the reverse fork has a spring that weakens that could be hitting the 2nd gear. In 2nd gear with the clutch engaged the rattle is still there.

The only other thing I can look at is the intermediate shaft, but I can't see it being that. I was able to duplicate the problem with the front end on jack stands.

Colfax · 06-09-2011, 01:14 PM

Sorry, you didn't post that you had already replaced the axles. I guess that's why you said it's not the CV joints, lol.

It's not very common to have problems with these transmissions other than worn synchros. I'm kind of at a loss as to what the issue might be. But I'd start with replacing the intermediate shaft since it's less invasive than pulling the tranny and tearing it apart. If it's only making noise when you turn right, the next place I'd look is the diff and supporting bearings. But in all honesty, if it turns out to not be the intermediate shaft (probably isn't), you might be better off picking up another used tranny than sinking money into fixing yours. I can get them locally for $55 from the junkyard. You may see comparable prices near you. Good luck.

Mike

Dazman · 06-09-2011, 10:49 PM

I hope to do some troubleshooting in the next few days. The sound is so odd. I read about on car that had the same issue, it was a totally different car and it turned out to be the starter. Something was lose inside and it moved over towards the flywheel in the turn. I'll have to check this out, but it's a long shot.

Dazman · 06-11-2011, 07:00 AM

Well it's not the axles. The noise cannot be duplicated in any other gear at the same speed other than 2nd gear.

When in second gear and going about 5mph if you take the steering wheel and steer from center to the right the noise gets loud. Driving straight the noise is very quiet.

Dazman · 06-13-2011, 03:31 PM

Update! Something a lot of people don't do when they ask about issues with their car.

One person on a forum said "Its not the cv joints.. Ive done loads on gearbox mods.. In the gearbox there is the reverse gear selector arm. Inside the arm is a ball bearing and spring arm. what happens is the spring goes weak and the selector arm moves around, funnily enough it rattles on second gear."

According to the Honda Dealer he is correct. The sound was duplicated on the hoist and she's being repaired. The have to replace the shift fork, syncs and a few other parts.

Will update again when I have her back.

Colfax · 06-14-2011, 01:44 PM

That's some good information. I really need to dig into my transmission one of these days and learn more about it. It's about the only part of my car I haven't torn down yet.

Hopefully that takes care of your problem. Sounds like you'll have a good working transmission when it's done. Mind if I ask how much they'll be charging for this work?

Dazman · 06-14-2011, 10:27 PM

For the following:

1st and 2nd syncros, reverse fork, reverse gear, input bearing, new clutch and resurfacing of flywheel with taxes I'm at $1850.00

I'll post exact details when I get her back.

Colfax · 06-15-2011, 09:24 AM

You must really cherish your lude to spend that kind of cash on it. The rest of the car must be in pretty good shape then? Most people would just pick up another 3rd gen for less than that. I know I'd probably spend that much on mine if needed, but I've got a lot into her already.

Thanks for the updates. Any good pics you want to post of your lude?

Dazman · 06-24-2011, 12:35 PM

So the issue was the reverse gear holder. A small piece of metal and the ball bearing broke off allowing the reverse gear to rub against the second gear in a turn. You cannot get the part anymore so I bought a used tranny and took the part out.

Cost me $2300.00!

Colfax · 06-27-2011, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the update. You must have really wanted to know what was causing the clicking noise. Why didn't you just install the used tranny you took the part from? You could have saved most of that $2300. That's more than the book value for a 3rd gen in excellent condition with 60k miles.

Dazman · 06-27-2011, 11:51 PM

Well I had the tranny shipped to me and it was $250.00 plus $23.00 for shipping. They told me it was good, but the mechanic said mine was in excellent shape except for the the gears that had been rubbing. The clutch was also replaced and the flywheel was machined so that was an added expense not to mention the main input bearing was replaced.

I can't complain as this car has only just now cost me some money to fix her. I'm the original owner so I don't want to part with the car. It's been to England, and all over Europe and I took photos of her by all the road signs when we went on road trips to various cities!

Colfax · 06-28-2011, 10:12 AM

That's a different story. I totally understand spending that kind of money if you are the original owner of the car. I would do the same thing if I was in your position. You have a sentimental attachment that most of us will never see. I'm glad you got it fixed, and hope it lasts you for another 20+ years.