Honda Tech Tip: Diagnosing Knocking Sound Coming from the Front Suspension

Honda Tech Tip: Diagnosing Knocking Sound Coming from the Front Suspension

Vehicle owners may complain of a knocking coming from the front suspension while driving over a bumpy road. This can be caused by the damper shaft nut not being tight enough. To correct this problem, loosen and retorque the damper shaft nut to the appropriate torque specification.

Vehicles:
• 2002 Civic Si — All;
• 2003 Civic Si — from VIN SHHEP3…3U400001 thru SHHEP3…3U406119; and
• 2003 CR-V — from VIN SHSRD6…3U100001 thru SHSRD6…3U106587; from VIN SHSRD7…3U100001 thru SHSRD7…3U141932.

Symptom:
Knocking coming from the front suspension while driving over a bumpy road.

Probable Cause:
The damper shaft nut isn’t tight enough.

Corrective Action:
Loosen and retorque the damper shaft nut to the appropriate torque specification.

Diagnosis:
Test drive the vehicle over a rough road while turning left or right. Note any noise and the side(s) it comes from.

Repair Procedure:
1. Hold the damper shaft with a 6 mm hex (Allen) wrench, and loosen the damper nut 1/2 turn with a 17 mm crowfoot and ratchet. See Figure 1.
2. Hold the damper shaft with a 6 mm hex (Allen) wrench, and use a torque wrench with a 17 mm crowfoot to torque the damper shaft nut to 49 Nm (36 lb-ft).
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other side, if necessary.
4. Test drive the vehicle to confirm that the noise is gone.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For additional information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

You May Also Like

ADAS Calibration Aborts

Knowing the common “hiccups” can save you time and money.

If you have invested in the fixtures and scan tools to perform ADAS calibrations, you know most systems will walk you through the entire process. But, what happens when you follow the directions and the process still won’t initialize or complete or a malfunction light comes on?

Chassis – Ride Control

Learning how to read the tire and communicate your findings is the key to ride control.

Myers Tire Supply Introduces MTS Xpresstm

The innovative solution to consolidate purchases and control inventory costs.

Albemarle, Ford Form Strategic EV Production Agreement

Albemarle will supply more than 100,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide for future Ford EV batteries.

Trailer Brakes and Bearings

From trailer brakes to wheel bearings, there are plenty of ways that your customer’s trailer can add to the profitability of your operation. 

Other Posts

Driveshaft Center Support Bearings

Spotting center support bearing problems can happen from the moment you put the vehicle in gear to pull it into a bay.

Air Compressors for Shocks (VIDEO)

There are four items you need to pay attention to when installing a compressor for an air ride system. Sponsored by Wabco.

Mercedes Airmatic Suspensions

Diagnostic tips to aid your repair efforts.

Charging More for Brake Jobs

Here’s why charging more for brake jobs keeps customers coming back.