Civic front end popping

My 2000 Civic has a popping sound on the front drivers side. It pops when
you hit a dip, turn or first take off. Sort of like when it's in a bind
etc. It will only pop once per event so I don't think it's a cv joint.
Anyone seen this or have any idea where to begin? I had a mechanic drive it
and tell me he heard it but doesn't know what it is. I don't think he was a
very good mechanic.

Thanks

 

Lower ball joint is the first suspect. You don't want that puppy to break
while you are on the move.

Get your not-very-good mechanic to pop the balljoint taper so he can wiggle
it by hand. Should be very obvious if there's a problem.

 

As TeGGeR says, check the lower ball joint. When you described it that was
my immediate thought. TeGGeR also has shared his personal experiences at
http://tegger.com/hondafaq/lowerballjoint/index.html ... if you don't want
that sort of experience you should have the ball joints checked Real Soon
Now.

One day I was leaving work and found a Caddy sitting lop-sided in the street
with traffic cones around it. I asked the security guard about it - he told
me the driver was making a u-turn when it happened. He had looked under the
car and found the ball joint had broken, so he asked her, "Didn't the car
drive kinda funny, maybe shaking [he shook his body] when you went over
railroad tracks?" She said, "Yeah! Just like that!"

Mike

 

I'm still riding around on the original lower balljoints on my '88 Accord(w/
241,000 miles) as they've never shown any signs of wear whenever I've
replaced the dust boots,etc. I'm always amazed but it's true.

I DID have to replace the upper arm/balljoint on each side though. The
balljoints were worn and the popping sound was getting worse. I've also
replaced the upper arm/balljoints in the rear of the vehicle.

 

I appreciate the info guys! I am going to attempt to check this out myself.
I just borrowed a C Clamp looking tool from Autozone to help remove the ball
joint. If there is anything else or helpful pointers I need to know, please
pass on.

Again thank you,
Catfish