I have a '01 Honda Civic EX 5 speed. Been a great car with MINIMAL problems. Recently i have noticed a slight pop under the front part of the car when pulling into the back driveway which is on an incline. I thought it was a bad ball joint and was waiting until payday to buy a complete lower control arm.

Today i am pulling out and turning left outta the neighborhood and i hear a rhythmic, low level, somewhat grinding/clunking sound coming from what sounds like the right wheel well area.

I enjoy working on my cars but usually have manuals sprawled out in front of me. I do not have the expertise to diagnose by sight or know what checks to make sure what part i buy is the part that needs to be replaced. Anything to check for or simple tests to perform would be greatly appreciated.

 

A periodic "clicking" when you turn sharply and accelerate is usually the outer CV joint. Look under the car and see if the CV joint boots are torn. Generally the joint doesn't fail unless the boot fails to let the grease out and dirt in.

 

also download your year service manual (the link is in my signature). it will give you all the details you need.

purchasing a remanufactured axle at an auto parts store is the easiest way to go. they usually come with a lifetime warranty.

 

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Is there any chance that the Ball Joint has any play in this? I only ask because of the going up inclines over a drain channel causes a pop because the tire isnt supported for a brief second. Kinda feels like the tire drops and then "pops" back into place when on solid ground again.

 

It is possible though probably remote. My own experiences with lower ball joint problems is that terrible sounds are made when you start turning the wheel. The popping sound might be an issue with your suspension (i.e. springs or struts) more than the LBJ.

 

This sounds similar to my Civic. I went under the car and found my boot torn to shreds and a bunch of road dirt and grime in the outer CV joint. I took a trip to a junk yard and found a similar Civic and took off just the outter CV joint. I paid like $15 for it. I put it on that afternoon and it solved the problem for just $15 as opposed to paying around 120 for an entire axle. Just a suggestion. People like me don't have a lot of money so i try to make do.

 

88, that is a great idea.

 

OK, im going to replace the CV axle through new or junk yard. Was wondering how much grease do i have to put into the boot if it's new. An old one i'll just go until it's pushing out the old stuff but if it's new i just would like to know a rough estimate of the amount. Or do they come pre-greased.

Overall, thanks alot guys, you've been a great help

 

Giest, if you get a new or remanned one, they will come greased and sealed with a new boot. No need for any grease. You only need grease if you intent to replace a torn boot with a new one. That is more work than replacing the axle itself.