Weird Noise in Wheel

[Cmdridq]

I have an 89 Civic AWD wagon with the 6-speed manual trans. It has 120K on it and has never had any front end work done on it.

I'm pretty sure I've got CV joint problems cause I get that clickety-clack sound out of the wheel area when I do a sharp turn, but that's not the reason for this post.

Recently when cruising around 50mph, I will start getting vibrations coming through the steering wheel as if I had a flat tire in front or one of the wheels was severely out of balance. And I'll hear a repetitive noise which seems like it's coming from the right front wheel area; kind of a thud, thud, thud sound. If I slow down to 30 or so, it subsides for the most part. Then it may suddenly be fine, and not return at all for a few days. Then this cycle will repeat itself. I know something is messed up but I'm not sure what exactly. The effect is scary enough to make me pull over and check the wheels to make sure they look OK, and I will get off an expressway out of fear of a breakdown. Is this something a bad CV joint would do? What happens when a CV joint fails? Are there any other possible sources for this problem? Maybe a bad bearing or suspension part? Thanks.

[Smoghog]

Originally Posted by Cmdridq

I have an 89 Civic AWD wagon with the 6-speed manual trans. It has 120K on it and has never had any front end work done on it.

I'm pretty sure I've got CV joint problems cause I get that clickety-clack sound out of the wheel area when I do a sharp turn, but that's not the reason for this post.

Recently when cruising around 50mph, I will start getting vibrations coming through the steering wheel as if I had a flat tire in front or one of the wheels was severely out of balance. And I'll hear a repetitive noise which seems like it's coming from the right front wheel area; kind of a thud, thud, thud sound. If I slow down to 30 or so, it subsides for the most part. Then it may suddenly be fine, and not return at all for a few days. Then this cycle will repeat itself. I know something is messed up but I'm not sure what exactly. The effect is scary enough to make me pull over and check the wheels to make sure they look OK, and I will get off an expressway out of fear of a breakdown. Is this something a bad CV joint would do? What happens when a CV joint fails? Are there any other possible sources for this problem? Maybe a bad bearing or suspension part? Thanks.

Ball Joint or wheel bearing.

I would get it checked immediatly you don't want to break a ball joint at 50

[Cmdridq]

Thanks. Is there any simple method to determine which one is bad?

[Smoghog]

Originally Posted by Cmdridq

Thanks. Is there any simple method to determine which one is bad?

You can jack up the side you hear the noise from, or suspect. For the wheel bearing you need to block the other tires good and start the car put it in gear and listen you will hear either a grinding/squeeling or a whirling noise that increases with rpm. It is an AWD. oh boy! (Not my best suggestion)you can TRY to jack up the whole side of the car then. Unless you have access to a lift then do it there

As for the joints you can grab the wheel and see if there is any play or looseness. push top to bottom and left to right. Once you find the play take a look to see if you can see it.
Good luck.

[Cmdridq]

Both CV joints had bad boots and no grease left. Replaced both front axles. Problem solved. Other parts seem OK.