How would I distinguish between these things as an issue? My Honda is loud on the inside. I had two different mechanics look at it (I do not know of a very reliable mechanic in my area), and one said the passenger front wheel bearing was causing the noise, and the other said the motor mount was the culprit. Since I do not really have a mechanic I know is good and trust in my area, I was not sure how to determine which is correct.
@quadfather
What year and how many miles?
2011 Honda Pilot. 140k miles
What exactly is the sound? If it is a thud while accelerating or braking, then it is a motor mount. If it is whining sound while you are driving, then it is a wheel bearing.
First thing, I would start looking at a wheel bearing.
Park your car on flat firm surface. Block - both sides of left rear wheel with chocks - for safety. Next, use your emergency jack to lift the front left wheel clear of the ground. Instal some kind of solid block or safety stand under the car - front left end - for safety, this is important - you don’t want front jack to slip accidentally and drop the car!
Now, … real work starts: sit down in front of the raised wheel, say on something 6” flat - you want to be comfortable and solidly sitting. Grab your wheel with your hands at 12 and 6 o’clock, … jiggle it back and forth, listen for clunking, watch for rocking movement of the wheel, … look behind a wheel, too. Often you can detect a signs of rocking movement easier there, …
… if you do identify any rocking or/and clunking, … Houston, we just found the problem!
Note, be cognizant that there will be bit of a clunk if you try to rotate the wheel, … that simply is a gear lash - normal clearance between gear teeth inside a gearbox.
Try above first. If there is no problem, let us know, … we will come up with a procedure to diagnose a motor mount.
Best,
F.S.
