Noise on moving

This is driving me nuts. I noticed yesterday that my Accord 2000 is
making a noise while driving on the highway. My first thought was
that it sounds like a small metal wire being dragged on the road. But
it comes and goes (for long intervals). So it can't be that. And I
stopped and checked for any dangling metal parts underneath the body.
I did not see anything that would come in contact with the road.

If I listen carefully, the noise is like a small metal ring rotating
really fast on a metal rod. No sound on stopping or when in reverse.
But then the reverse driving is so infrequent that that may not be a
correct assumption. You know, sometimes it does not make that noise
while going forward too.

I opened the windows and the noise got louder so it is probably on the
outside. (On the highway, the wind and traffic noise does not make it
appear louder, but on smaller roads it definitely seems so) I have not
opened the hood because there is no noise while the car is stationary
and driving with an open hood is a little dangerous, I am told. ;-)
(And I would take the risk if there was a way to look inside while
driving with an open hood.)

It even reminds me of the 'belt' noise some old cars make on starting
(mostly) in winter. But *that* noise is louder and comes even while
standing.

And one more thing as it maybe important -- I noticed that pressing
the brake pedal sometimes stops it. So it makes me think it might be
related to the clicks I felt in the brake pedal a few days back. Like
some metal wire coming in the way of pressing the pedal. That went
away after a few days.

Do you think I should take it to the shop and have it looked at right
away or can I wait a few weeks for the next scheduled service (in
about 4 weeks now).

Thanks and kind regards,
bc

 

It quite possibly could be the heat shield on the front part of the exhaust
system.

 

could be a few things, possibly the backing plate of your front brakes
contacting the roters, could be the pads are worn out and need replacing, or
possibly even small debris between your pads and rotors, among numerous
other possibilties, bring it to a garage and have them track it down for you

 

could it be the disk brake wear indicators??

 

I had a smiliar noise on my 2000 honda accord, turned out to be wear
indicator for rear disc brakes, considering I only had about 24k miles on
it, I was a bit disappointed they went out so fast. Neither my wife or I
ride the brakes nor do we abuse them.

 

My first reaction is one of the brake dust shields on one wheel. Jack up
each wheel and turn it to see if you get the described noise. The dust
shields are made of very thin metal and can be bent easily. If you find one
rubbing, just bend it out of the way (until the noise stops). If you don't
find one rubbing, I would check the brake pads and rotors. As others have
said, could be wear bar noise also.

Dave D

 

About a year ago the Honda service person had said that the brakes are
worn about 50 something percent (he gave different percentages for
front and rear) and said that I don't need to worry just yet and I
should wait till they hit the 25% mark or so. So, I asked them during
the 30,000 mile service in July and they said that they were still
good. Though they did not give the percentages. So, I am thinking it
must be the brakes now. But I didn't know that *this* is how it tells
me.

Thanks gentlemen! I would schedule a check up, I guess.

PS: It is definitely like the sound of a small metal ring rotating on
a metal rod. And I have a feeling it is coming from the front
passenger side. Outside the vehicle, as I said. Braking definitely
stops it but only while I am braking.

 

My Honda service center refused to co-operate: No appointments
tomorrow (Saturday) for diagnostics. I asked if they could give me an
opinion at least and he said a technician will have to look at it and
no one would be available tomorrow. I would have to drop the car in
the morning during weekdays and they would run a complete diagnostics
test to cover all bases and that would cost me $69 which would be
adjusted towards any repairs arising out of it. Ouch!

I guess I am gonna have to see if any non-Honda shop would give me
their opinion. Will probably try Pep-Boys tomorrow. And maybe before
that, I would try to jack up each wheel and rotate it to see if I can
narrow the source at least.

Regards,
bc

 

More on this story: I found a Honda service center yesterday that is
willing to take a test drive FOC and give me their opinion. But as I
drive 11 miles to the service center, the car is completely silent.
No sound even on the ride back after cancelling the appointment. And
yet, when I take it out for my drive back in the evening, it comes
back for the entire (almost) 40 mile ride back home.

So, this morning I decided to stop by at the SC on my way to work. But
guess what, no noise all the way till the service center. And as I
change my mind and pass the exit, you guessed it, there it is loud and
clear. I can't believe my car is playing mind games with me.

Also, this weekend, I had my wife drive it while I stood outside
listening to the noise. It seemed to be coming from the passenger
side wheel. I also noticed that the wheel's hub cap was cracked.
Possibly happened when I hit the sidewalk on the crazy icy Tuesday (I
live near Boston). Anyway, I convinced myself that it is the sound of
the cracked plastic hub cap smashed-in against the metal of the wheel
and started prying it out. It went badly and I managed to break a
portion of it. Now I am stuck with a broken hub cap on the passenger
side (it was cracked but usable) and a noisy car. I guess I will spend
another $150 for new hub caps next month or maybe upgrade to alloy
wheels if I get a good deal on those.

Thanks for listening. I will keep you posted.
bc