Front End Low Speed/Coasting Thumping after Hard Bump

RobOscar4

Well-Known Member
15
29
Concord, NC
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Sedan
Hey guys,

Just wanted to post here to get some opinions and suggestions about an issue that just started within the past week.

Back ground first: its a 2012 si sedan with 38k miles, I put eibach sportlines on a little over a year ago and spc camber arms on two weeks ago. I got it realigned and the rear camber adjusted and whatnot the day after the arms went on as well. I also rotated and rebalanced my tires two days ago and did not notice any uneven tread wear or bent rims, therefore ruling out a wheel issue. Also worth noting, I had the clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, and pilot bushing replaced under warranty about a month ago due to a clutch related noise.

The problem: last weekend I hit a pretty nasty bump going through an intersection at roughly 45 mph. I'm pretty certain the springs bottomed out as it was a hard hit, but I don't believe the car hit the ground at all. Since then I have noticed a slight thumping feeling coming the front end. It is only noticeable at slow speeds (5-10 mph) and while coasting and fades at any speed past 15mph. It is very rhythmical and speeds up and slows down with the speed of the car. I can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel and pedals and can only hear a noise accompanying the feeling when the radio and air are turned off.

Self Diagnosis: I visually inspected the wheel wells when the tires were off for rebalance and did not notice any tire rubbing on the plastic lining or anything suspicious or knocked out of place. I'm pretty sure its not brake related as it occurs while coasting and while braking and don't believe it has anything to do with the warranty work Honda did on the clutch, but just wanted to mention it (since the front end was partially taken apart to replace everything) in case someone had a thought. I feel like its either hub/bearing related or maybe even a cv joint going bad but I'm not positive and hate to spend the money and time to replace them if they aren't the problem. Just wanted to post here and get some thoughts and opinions as to what it might be or any possible fixes if someone has had the same issue.

Thanks guys!
 

RobOscar4

Well-Known Member
15
29
Concord, NC
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Sedan
I just realized the Mechanical Problems and Technical Chat forum was the appropriate place to post my questions so if this needs to be deleted here, that's no problem.
 

Monk

Well-Known Member
4,218
2,196
SW Virginia
Vehicle Model
2012 Civic EX
Body Style
Coupe FG3:ASM
Great explanation by the way......
As you said yourself, it sounds like something that rotates, and it started after a hard bump. You could have put a knot in the tyre that probably would not show up on a rebalance, which ever tyre hit it should be taken off and inspected from the inside.........

You might try switching that tyre to the rear and see if the problem stops, then you'll know it's the tyre/wheel....... Good luck.
 

Nix

Jötunn Moderator
10,765
8,162
Lew-vul, KY
Body Style
It's A Fast Pig!
Threads moved and merged together into one.



I think Monks idea is a good place to start. Begin narrowing down possibilities. I doubt you've blown a strut from the hit. Top hat might be knocked a bit loose/crooked. Thats all I've got. I suspect a tire issue you can't see. Maybe knocked a belt loose or out of place. It might not be visible from the outside. Swapping the wheels around will definitely help determine if its a wheel and tire issue.
 

RobOscar4

Well-Known Member
15
29
Concord, NC
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Sedan
Thanks guys for your thoughts. I took your suggestions and swapped my tires front to back and put about 10 miles on them today. I didn't notice any thumping or noise while driving today but I want to put a few more miles on them right around home just to be sure. Then I take it over to the tire shop and have them take the assembly apart for inspection. I appreciate your help and hopefully it is a tire issue and not a car component, since I got warranties on the tires when I bought them at the beginning of this year. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again.
 

RobOscar4

Well-Known Member
15
29
Concord, NC
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Sedan
Narrowed it down to one wheel/tire assembly after several combinations of rotations. Hopefully I can get it to the shop tomorrow to have them Roadforce it and inspect the inside. And then I'll go from there, fun fun!
 

Nix

Jötunn Moderator
10,765
8,162
Lew-vul, KY
Body Style
It's A Fast Pig!
Well at least one wheel/tire is a lot cheaper than a whole bunch of suspension parts.
 
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