Front end Question

96 Accord LX 5 spd.

When I am driving, the wheel seems to "feel" every nook and lump in the
road... I just replaced the Upper control arm ball joint, the brakes are
working fine.

There is a lot of bearing howl in the front, but no loose play in the wheels
when jacked up..

So my question is: Bearings or steering rack?

Anyone have this problem before?

BD

 

Is it possible it's tire trouble?

Mike

 

Tires are fairly new , and this problem has gotten gradually worse over the
last month. Another reader suggested it may be the stabilizer bar bushings
and I think he may have something there... They are original, and all
cracked,etc. I am going to pick up a set today and attempt to replace them
myself - provided I can get the old rusty bolts out...

Thanks,

BD

 

boondocks wrote:
provided I can get the old rusty bolts out...
Hack saw. bob (tie rods OK?)

 

Well...

After little effort (unbelievable) the bushings are in. I have noticed
significant improvments, but there is still a little bit of "looseness"
Perhaps the rear bushings need replacing also>???

BD

 

My stabilizer bar bushings were very easy to change. the rest of the
fronts took a bit more effort. The rear bushings were an adventure.

I didn't.

Have a look at them. Primary one is the great big one in the trailing
arm.

Keep in mind that your shocks will be a tad loose after all those miles.
Not enough to be dangerous, but enough to keep it from feeling like it
did when new.

And don't discount the effect of tires. Tires can introduce or remove a
*very significant* amount of precision in suspension-feel quite
independently of the suspension itself. I recommend the Yokohama ES100.

 

Yokohama ES100 not good for Canadian snowstorms...

I will have a look at the rear suspension today sometime... But the play
seems to be coming from the front end..

The tires will remain as I can't affrod new ones right now.

BD