Suspension - Front Suspension Pop/Clunk/Thump
01-023July 9, 2001
Applies To:
2001 MDX - See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Front Suspension Noise
SYMPTOM
There are three distinct noises that may come from the front suspension:
1. A sharp metallic pop, usually heard when accelerating or braking.
2. A clunk, usually heard when driving through dips in the road.
3. A thump, usually heard when driving over rough roads.
PROBABLE CAUSE
Each of the three noises has a different probable cause. Symptom 1 is caused by insufficient clamping force of the lower arm to the subframe. Symptom 2 is caused by the front damper spring coil contacting the end of the spring. Symptom 3 is caused by faulty front dampers.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Based on the diagnosis of the vehicle's specific symptom, torque the lower arm mounting bolts, install spring silencer tube sections, or replace one or both front dampers.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: 51401-S3V-A02
Defect Code: 042
Contention Code: B07
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
Do the appropriate diagnosis based on the customer's complaint or the symptom you hear during the test-drive.
1. Sharp metallic pop: Drive the vehicle in a full-lock turn (right or left), at about 2 to 3 mph, and apply the brakes hard. Then accelerate again to about 2 to 3 mph. Repeat this several times. If you hear a sharp metallic pop, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A.
2. Clunk: Drive the vehicle through a dip or over a speed bump. If you hear a clunk, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B.
3. Thump: Drive the vehicle on a choppy or washboard road. If you hear a thump, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE C.
REPAIR PROCEDURE A
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
2. Without removing the bolts, loosen the lower arm rear mounting bolt on each side. Torque the bolts to 122 N.m (90 lb-ft).
NOTE:
The torque value above applies only to lower arm mounting bolts that have not been removed. If the mounting bolts are removed, they must be replaced and torqued to the specification listed in the service manual. All replacement mounting bolts are wax-coated to ensure proper clamping force.
3. Test-drive the vehicle as described in step 1 of DIAGNOSIS to confirm the repair.
REPAIR PROCEDURE B
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
2. Wipe off the top section of the front damper springs with a shop towel, then clean the same section with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Cut the spring silencer tube in half with a utility knife or scissors.
4. Carefully pull down on the spring just enough to insert the spring silencer tube section onto the coil below the end of the spring. Position the spring silencer tube about 1 inch (25 mm) past the end of the spring. Repeat this step to install the other section of silencer tube onto the other front spring.
5. If necessary, carefully pry between the spring coils with a short-handled screwdriver to ease installation of the tube sections.
6. Test-drive the vehicle as described in step 2 of DIAGNOSIS to confirm the repair.
REPAIR PROCEDURE C
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
2. Inspect the two front dampers:
^ If a damper is leaking fluid, replace it.
^ If the dampers show no signs of leakage, replace only the damper that thumps.
3. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to page 18-5 of the service manual.
4. Test-drive the vehicle as described in step 3 of DIAGNOSIS to confirm the repair.
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