2000 Accord rythmic thumping source found

Apparently for some reason, after 7 years and 130K miles, the left front
brake caliper and wheel decided to make contact. The top outermost points on
the caliper are making contact with the wheel but not evenly all around.
This happens with either of two wheels mounted on the left front.

My wife clearly slammed into a pothole hard enough to dent the left rear rim
and ruin the tire. Could this same, or other pothole, have done some damage
to the front to cause this? If so, what do I look for? There's nothing
obvious to my untrained eyes.

Can I safely run the car with spacers on the lug nuts to move the wheel
outward about 1/8 to 1/4 inch?

 

Then both wheels are bent. And badly. Don't you feel it in the steering
wheel while on the move?

Sure, until the excess offset wrecks the wheel bearings. What you
propose is called a "Band-Aid fix", AKA "cover-up".

You have something very, very wrong here. You do not fix this sort of
thing by applying spacers. That is a very *bad* thing.

You need to have a professional check out your ride. Something is badly
out of kilter here. I think you have either two damaged wheels or
(more likely) one very bent hub. It's a wonder your wheel bearings
aren't howling.

 

Sometimes I think I do and other times I don't. I blamed the road surface a
lot.

You know, when you sugar coat your reply I'm never sure what you really

I think your point is beginning to clear up to me.

Well, ahm, actually, to tell the truth there is this wee noise that I
thought was coming from inboard of the hubs. The transaxle fluid is good.

I reckon I'd better get on down to the pro straight away.

Thanks TeGGeR.

 

It sounds like the wheel bearing or shaft is punched in. You might want
to fix that before the it seizes up and throws you into a skid.

 

What does "punched in" mean?

Base on TeGGeR's subtle suggestion the car is grounded except maybe for a
short drive to the shop.

Thanks.

 

As in, the inner bearing ring has been smashed part-way through the
outer bearing ring from a strong impact. Or maybe the shaft is pounded
through the bearing. Something's broken. The parts won't fit that way
without breaking first.

 

Thanks.

 

Bottom line ( I hope) is the left front wheel bearing was shot. After R&Ring
it all is quiet.

Thanks for all the help and warnings. I do appreciate it.