Rattling/clunking noise only heard while accelerating

Tiny
CRV97
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA CRV
  • 210,000 MILES
I've been hearing what sounds like a metal on metal rattle/clunk while accelerating, the noise is constant and as soon as you lift off the pedal, the noise stops. It also makes a clicking/popping noise when turning left. (Both CV axles were replaced a year ago). All the bushings look ok and all the bolts are tight on the suspension. I did a driveway test and put the car in drive and held the brake to try and isolate it, found 3 broken motor mounts ( it has a total of 5!), Replaced them all and the noise is still there. In the past year I've replaced various parts due to being severely worn or broken; lower ball joints, sway bar end links, brake rotors and pads. I've narrowed the noise down to the driver side front and I can only hear while the car is in motion, I can't get the noise to reproduce by any other means. Struts/coils appear to be in good shape, theres no leaks and doesnt bounce, there's no play in the wheel at all ( inner/outer tie rods were replaced too 6 months ago). Just replaced tires a month ago and had a front end alignment at Goodyear and they didn't find anything either. Help!
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:30 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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I suspect the lf axle. When it turns it clunks, you said, that is an indicator of an axle. It may also be making noise on acceleration.

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:34 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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That's what I thought as well, both axles were replaced a year ago and were still under warranty so I replaced it a couple weeks ago, and its still amking the noise. =(
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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New or used axles?

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:50 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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  • 7 POSTS
They were rebuilt, but. The original one had like a rubber damper on the middle of the shaft like it was molded on there, neither of the 2 that I replaced it with had this. I also looked up the axle on honda's website and it doesnt show it either, weird.
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:56 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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Although the shaft does have slight play at the inner joint, like its too short, but the noise was there before and after putting the rebuilt one on.
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 12:58 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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The rubber is never on replacement axles. Only on new ones from honda which makes the price very high.

Have the hub bearing checked and make sure the torque is correct on the axle nut

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 1:04 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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  • 7 POSTS
Will do, but if the axle from honda comes with the rubber. Doesn't it 'need' it? :/ And is the hub bearing the same as the wheel bearing?
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 1:11 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, hub bearing and wheel bearing are the same.

It is for balance more than anything.

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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Wouldnt I have other symptoms too with a bad bearing? Like the noise getting louder as I drive. Cause as soon as you let off the gas even at highway speeds. All the banging/rattling stops as it coasts until you get on the gas again. Its weird. One of those you have to hear it things. :/
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 1:20 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Could be but what did you torque the axle nut at when you did the axles?

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 1:50 AM
Tiny
CRV97
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  • 7 POSTS
Torque wrench.@140
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
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Should be 180 to 200 but that is tight enough to not give it the noise

Roy
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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
FRIAR
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Hey, I know this thread is a bit old at this point, just wondering if you ever figured this out? I've got a similar sounding problem on my 1997 CRV, and I can't seem to locate the source of the noise.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2015 AT 10:01 AM

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