Help diagnosing front end noise

[RobM]

Hi all,

First off I have an '03 accord 4cyl, 5at, ex-l navi, 98,500mi

I noticed a noise in the front end slowly getting worse. I notice the sound coming from both the passenger and driver side. It happens when I go over bumps, but not when both tires go over the bump, it's independently. I can kind of feel it under my feet when the driver side tire hits a bump. I took a look under the car, but I don't know enough to know what to look for. I'm thinking it's sway bar bushings or something? I had a similar noise when the rear ones wore out. Has any had a similar issue? Any help is great appreciated.

[golftango]

Check to see if your heat shields are loose.

[RobM]

Well, the the heat shield on the catalytic converter fell off already. This is more of a "thunk" sound and is under my feet more(near tire).

[max]

check the lower or upper arms.

[RobM]

Originally Posted by max

check the lower or upper arms.

Thanks for replying. What in particular should I look for?

[max]

if u have jack, lift front side, carefully try to shake tires, first left then right side.if u hear some noise coming from lower side of spindle/knuckle that's lower arm,but if sound is coming from upper side where spindle conects to arm, then upper arm must be replaced.

[Fredsvt]

check the front swaybar to subframe bushings, it is very, very common on gen 6 cars.

If the swaybar moves up and down within the bushings it'll knock. Check the end links for play also.

Also check the lower ball joints, take a large screwdriver, and place it between the edge of the knuckle and lower arm, try to lift up on the knuckle, if you see the knuckle raise up, carefully look at the lower ball joint. If you see play there, it may not make the noise, but the joint is bad.

[RobM]

thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate it. I'll give it a shot.