Suspension question

GREG23

MEMBER
HONDA ACCORD

I have a 1993 Honda Accord Wagon LX w/ 175k miles. Anytime I hit a bump (big or small) I hear a clanking noise from my front driver side wheel. I jacked the car up and grabbed the wheel at the top & btm and tried to move it back and forth, and it did not move. However I then I grabed the wheel from right to left and tried to move it and it moves a little. About an inch or less. Any idea of what this might be and any idea on about how much this might cost me to take it to a shop and have them fix it? Thanks for all your help ! I love your website!

Monday, August 14th, 2006 AT 2:10 AM

2 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

Kind of hard to judge side play. I look at tire wear and handling of the car. Now the noise could be coming from a loose and worn stablizer in the front. It is often difficult to find without putting the car on a rack to let the suspension system loosen up. Generally, when you hit a bump, small ones as well, the car actually is off the ground. If you can't find it, take it to a mechanic and have him put it up and look for it. Have him show you what he found.

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Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006 AT 9:42 AM

AEGISKNIGHT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I'm not sure what the "clank" sound you hear is, but I do know that for civics and accords, the suppension is normally tight since they ride low. If you could only get it down to about 1 inch or so, how hard was it to get it there? If it takes a lot (lets say you weigh 200 lbs and are in shape) of effort to push it, then I wouldn't worry about it.

As far as actual cost, the parts for both sides of the front end are approx. $120.00 each, labor varies from $50.00-$100.00 per hour depending on who you take it too. I would estimate about 2-4 hours for both to be removed and installed.

Keep in mind that when you replace the shock absorbers or springs, the car will be out of alignment, which cost about $100.00.

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Wednesday, August 30th, 2006 AT 7:58 PM