I'm having problems on my wife's 01 LX. So far I've replaced: outer tie rod ends ,ball joints, motor mounts, control arm bushings, passenger side sway bar end link, and struts... still I have this popping noise coming from the passenger side front end when going over random small bumps.
I haven't had it aligned yet because I'm trying to get everything solid first. It seems like I've replaced everything except CV joints and inner tie rods, but this noise doesn't seem to fit the bad CV joint description, and there is no play in the front end when I wiggle the tire.
The threads I've read mentioned "indexing" something (?) and sway bar bushings. Someone else suggested new strut mounts. I'm all ears for anyone who's had a similar problem, or can give some insight.

 

I'm having the same problem but on driver side, I hope after replace the outer LCA bushing, it would solve the problem.

Did you replace the upper LCA too?

Did you replace both outer and inner bushing on the front LCA?

 

Sorry, the 2001 has only a lower control arm (LCA) no upper, and it has only inner bushings.

I replaced the bushings myself, then I saw that I could have bought a complete control arm replacement for about $45. For all the trouble, I should have just replaced the whole control arm. fyi.

 

I would pull the shock/spring to inspect it. Maybe your spring is cracked or shock is bad.

 

I'm sure it is possible that the new struts are bad, but I just had them off and they are okay.

 

my bad, I missed in the original post you already replaced shocks (not struts on our cars btw)

dang, you have replaced a lot.

You say random small bumps....so it doesnt happen all the time? Usually if a CV goes bad it will click with the rotation of the wheel, not so much from bumps in the road. I'm assuming that when you changed your shock you looked at the spring and replaced the rubber top bushing that's usually falling apart.

Back in the day before I was forced to do my own car work, the dealership messed up pressing in a new bearing and it made popping noises when going over bumps. With the car jacked up, maybe look for play in the wheel.

Other idea would be a loose weld nut in the passenger side front frame rail. Maybe the one that holds the lower transmission torque mount that fastens to the underside of the rail?

 

I just replace the lower control arm outer bushing today.. I thought of replacing the whole arm but the bushing was cheaper than the whole arm, plus I like to tinker with it. LOL

The noise still there after replacement of outer bushing.. WTF

My next change would be the brakes (it due for change) if doesn't fix the clunking noise, then I guess change out the strut bushing, I been taking out the axle nut on the car for like 10 time already dealing with this problem, I don't think it a safety issue, it just bugs me.

Which site you order from for that price of LCA?

 

Yea, I told you the outer LCA bushing isn't likely the problem. I guess just keep randomly throwing money at it.

 

ya.. the learning process i guess, I actually didn't really spent that much on it yet, $26 for both side LCA bushing and $17 both strut bushing, parts only. DIY

 

If you do your own work and have done the front brakes and not lubed the caliper pins, it's possible they are dry or worn and the caliper is actually rattling when you hit a bump. Easy to replace if your mileage is high. They do wear. Autozone sells the bolts(pins)and they're cheap and a fast easy replacement. Good luck!
Duane