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Honda Accord Repair Question


Topics covered: Wheel, Bump, Noise.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on August 14, 2006

Suspension question

I have a 1993 Honda Accord Wagon LX w/ 175k miles. anytime i hit a bump (big or small) i hear a clanking noise from my front driver side wheel. i jacked the car up and grabbed the wheel at the top & btm and tried to move it back and forth, and it did not move. however i then i grabed the wheel from right to left and tried to move it and it moves a little.. about an inch or less.. any idea of what this might be and any idea on about how much this might cost me to take it to a shop and have them fix it? thanks for all your help !!! i love your website!!
Avatar Asked by greg23

Answer

Replied on August 22, 2006

Kind of hard to judge side play. I look at tire wear and handling of the car. Now the noise could be coming from a loose and worn stablizer in the front. It is often difficult to find without putting the car on a rack to let the suspension system loosen up. Generally, when you hit a bump, small ones as well, the car actually is off the ground. If you can't find it, take it to a mechanic and have him put it up and look for it. Have him show you what he found.

Tiny Answered by Bruce Hunt (expert)
3,803 answers provided
Replied on August 30, 2006

I'm not sure what the "clank" sound you hear is, but I do know that for civics and accords, the suppension is normally tight since they ride low. If you could only get it down to about 1 inch or so, how hard was it to get it there? If it takes a lot (lets say you weigh 200 lbs and are in shape) of effort to push it, then I wouldn't worry about it.

As far as actual cost, the parts for both sides of the front end are approx. $120.00 each, labor varies from $50.00-$100.00 per hour depending on who you take it too. I would estimate about 2-4 hours for both to be removed and installed.

Keep in mind that when you replace the shock absorbers or springs, the car will be out of alignment, which cost about $100.00.

Tiny Answered by Aegisknight
2 questions asked