[papa_g]

A couple weeks ago I took the rd1 to the mountains for the snow fun. Didn’t really do any off roaring, but on the way back, on the freeway, we started to notice a clunk when going over bumps. We immediately investigated when getting home, and after banging around with a hammer and trying to find a loose part, I concluded it was the passenger tie rod. After replacing it, it was still clunking.

The mechanic who inspected could only find a worn upper passenger ball joint. After replacing the upper ball joints, it’s still clunking and getting worse.

It’s the loudest at low speeds and when the chassis flexes. Lately today it evolved into clunking, rubbing, moaning at the minimal body flex. There is also a rubbing sound from the front passenger side that increases with wheel speed.

It really doesn’t feel safe to drive any more. Does anyone have any suggestions? Really appreciated

Parts replaced in last 5k miles:

Front/rear endlinks
Motor mounts
Transmission mount
RTABs
Front upper ball joints
Rear struts

 

[otto888man]

check the front strut for looseness check the spring and mount and check the center rod for the strut for looseness. Try disconnecting one of the sway bar link and then test drive it see if the noise goes away. check the heatshields for the brakes esp the front ones.

 

[Jayceegee]

I would check the brakes. Your neighbor in Tacoma.

 

[ajchien]

I remember once searching forever on an Element, until I opened the hood and saw the upper strut mount deteriorating. One of those duh moments.

 

[Carbuff2]

One of those duh moments.

I've had a couple of those lately, too. We all put our pants on, one leg at a time.



Double-check torque on any fastener that was touched in the past few months!

Since you had the car in snow, check to assure that the brake rotor splash shields are not bent-in and rubbing on the rotor.

 

[papa_g]

I've had a couple of those lately, too. We all put our pants on, one leg at a time.



Double-check torque on any fastener that was touched in the past few months!

Since you had the car in snow, check to assure that the brake rotor splash shields are not bent-in and rubbing on the rotor.

I would check the brakes. Your neighbor in Tacoma.

I didn't think to check the brakes, do you think it could be a loose caliper?
It doesnt sound like it's rubbing on the rotor, and the thunking is really heavy. I feel like noise from the splash shield would be wimpier.

check the front strut for looseness check the spring and mount and check the center rod for the strut for looseness. Try disconnecting one of the sway bar link and then test drive it see if the noise goes away. check the heatshields for the brakes esp the front ones.

I also heard about removing the sway bar entirely and seeing if the noise goes away. Is this kinda the same concept?

I remember once searching forever on an Element, until I opened the hood and saw the upper strut mount deteriorating. One of those duh moments.

How do you tell the upper mount is deteriorating?

 

[Carbuff2]

I didn't think to check the brakes, do you think it could be a loose caliper?

That was one of my 'uh-oh' moments. The caliper mounting bolts had loosened from service work SIX MONTHS prior.

 

[Jayceegee]

I didn't think to check the brakes, do you think it could be a loose caliper?
It doesnt sound like it's rubbing on the rotor, and the thunking is really heavy. I feel like noise from the splash shield would be wimpier.

Honestly it could be a number of things. It may or may not be the brakes. Think I would get it diagnosed with a local dealership. Better safe than sorry !

 

[ajchien]

How do you tell the upper mount is deteriorating?

 

[papa_g]

View attachment 159431

Checked mine and they definitely look healthier lol…

Sorry I haven’t checked back in. Been having a hard time getting a free moment to get back under the car.

Noise has gotten worse but for the most part stabilized. Been driving it around and just tolerating it. I will definitely be looking at all the things you all mentioned, in addition to a few other things, and hope to get back soon with an update.

 

[Tigers Gonads]

Checked mine and they definitely look healthier lol…

Sorry I haven’t checked back in. Been having a hard time getting a free moment to get back under the car.

Noise has gotten worse but for the most part stabilized. Been driving it around and just tolerating it. I will definitely be looking at all the things you all mentioned, in addition to a few other things, and hope to get back soon with an update.

Have you checked the end of the front springs (bottom) where it sits on the front shock absorber ?

 

[TremorCRV]

Checked mine and they definitely look healthier lol…

Sorry I haven’t checked back in. Been having a hard time getting a free moment to get back under the car.

Noise has gotten worse but for the most part stabilized. Been driving it around and just tolerating it. I will definitely be looking at all the things you all mentioned, in addition to a few other things, and hope to get back soon with an update.

You could always drive it until something falls off, then you´ve found it.

 

[rickwai]

Have you checked the end of the front springs (bottom) where it sits on the front shock absorber ?

Exactly what the problem with mine was. The last ring of the spring broke off and was smacking around in the lower spring cup.