Last week I posted about a strange freaking sound coming from the car, for my 2000 Honda Accors Manual Transmission. Scotty and members thought it could be the transmission or motor mounts.
Took it in, and mechanic said it was old, sounded like suspension (not transmission or motor mounts), and not to be to be too concerned. And left it at that.
Now I hear more creaking sounds. Initially it just happened at slow speeds, getting out of first gear. But now it is happening more frequently.
The sounds start appearing after the car has been driving for about 10-15 minutes.
Now I hear creaking at slow speeds getting out of first and second. I hear creaking going slowing down in neutral. I hear it going super slow in reverse.
I hear a creak when when I am about to stop, it disappears briefly, and then comes back when I fully brake, and the car settles from braking.
I don’t hear it going at speeds above 25mph or on the freeway.
And why I think it is steering/suspension is the sound seems pronounced when I STEER left and right at almost a stop.
How can I narrow down where the sound is coming from? What parts should I look at specifically? How do I verify it is indeed where the creaking is coming from?
We’ve narrowed it down to steering/suspension, but I have no idea how to diagnose this further. I’d like to go back to the mechanic with a little more information.
Thank you in advanced Scotty and members.
At 23 years of age your suspension bushings are probably all shot.
Suppose it is the bushings. Is it still okay to drive?
Suppose it is the bushings. Is it still okay to drive?
If they're just creaking and not actually loose you should be OK for a while. If you start getting clunks or looseness in the steering or suspension then worn parts need to be replaced.
Since you said it is associated with steering, I would look at components related to steering. Like the ball joint on the tie rod end. Or maybe even the lower ball joint. Look for anything connected to the steering, and subsequent components connected to the tie rod end.
Spray WD40 on all the suspension soft parts and see if the noise goes away.