Front left wheel clicks when downshifting or when under sudden load

SKACZYNSKI11

MEMBER
2003 HONDA ACCORD
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,100 MILES

I noticed a few months after Midas replaced my CV boot and Axle that when I downshift from third to second or second to first (low gear manual in automatic transmission) while engine braking in the snow (my ABS is failing and for some reason can't be fixed but that's another problem) my driveline or CV axle will make a singular click as it decelerates or under the sudden load. It also happens if I I've been driving for a while and go into reverse and then heavily tap the gas (i back into my slopes driveway so I can't lightly tap it). I'm contemplating going back to them for them to fix it because it's under a 3-year warranty but I'd like to know what it is if anyone can help me.

Friday, April 29th, 2022 AT 10:18 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Did the ABS issue start after the new CV axle was replaced? I ask because it would have been moved around for axle replacement.

Also, in most cases, a CV joint will make a clicking sound when turning. Have you noticed that at all? Also, do you notice any vibrations at higher speeds?

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Also, keep in mind that the noise you indicated can be the result of a faulty bushing, a stabilizer link issue, a ball joint, and so on. If it is loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear, that may help.

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, April 29th, 2022 AT 9:25 PM

SKACZYNSKI11

MEMBER
8 POSTS

The ABS code came up well before the CV axle was replaced, and the only code that 3 different OBD scanners read was left front Wheel Speed Sensor Failure. A few weeks after the axle was replaced, I replaced the sensor, and the ABS light shut off, I put it in drive and moved forward about 10 feet and it came back on and stayed on. If I cleared it, it would come back on. OBD scanner still reads left front Wheel Speed Sensor Failure. I don't know if it's related or not.

I don't think I hear any clicks while turning, but maybe sometimes when I turn and suddenly give it some gas it may click (I don't entirely remember).

There are no vibrations or clicks at high speeds. The only time I hear a click is when downshifting or when applying a sudden load or when the engine suddenly increases in revs such as when downshifting. Normally I don't downshift, but I do in the winter because of the failing ABS sensor.

I'll try to record it at some point today or tomorrow.

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Saturday, April 30th, 2022 AT 10:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

As far as the ABS, it's possible you may have gotten a bad one. What I would suggest is to check it. It's not hard to do. All you need is a voltmeter or multimeter. Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

Now for the noise you hear, find an empty parking lot or safe area to try this. Simply fully turn the steering wheel and try to accelerate. See if you hear the clicking.

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, April 30th, 2022 AT 7:39 PM