"Zephyr" <davedejonge@hotmail.com> wrote
> Hey Folks, I have an issue with my 03 accord
> its has 120,000 miles and has run great since we bought it
> 2 years ago
>
> here's the issue, when turning to the right, the front
> left wheel
> makes a clicking noise that is spaced proportionally to
> how fast the
> wheel is turning.
>
> My first thought it that its a CV joint issue. agree?

This is the first place to look, yes. Specifically, evaluate
the outer CV joint.

Failing outer joints click; failing inner joints clunk.

> here's the fun part, its been doing this for 2 years
> apparently.
> My wife drives the car the bulk of the time, and the noise
> only occurs
> when turning right, not left, and only if it is cold
> outside, IE less
> that 40 F. So here in Michigan for 6 months of the year
> the noise
> never happens.
>
> I drove it this morning its 50's out, and no noise at all
>
> If the boots themselves are torn its a mighty small tear,
> I don't
> have a lift so I can't see the inner boot, but I can feel
> both the
> inner and outer boots and neither has any grease on the
> outside, and
> both feel fully intact.

The grease coulda squeezed out the clamps and left the
bearings somewhat deprived, resulting in wear yada and so
the clicking. Just one theory, anyway. Michigan winters will
"wash off" the underside of cars to such an extent that I am
not sure I would trust the absence of grease.

> So, I am reluctant to fix something that is not broken
> 1/2 the year.
>
> any recommendations on actions I should take?

I have noticed that some folks here have reported ignoring
the clicking for quite some time. Google the archives for
immediate help. Others likely will post more at some point.

If it is the CV joint, it is said to be customary to replace
the entire half shaft. This is because the labor for
removing the old half shaft, and then the old CV joint, and
installing and grease-packing a new joint, exceeds the cost
of just replacing the entire half shaft. Remanned half
shafts have become widely available. OEM is recommended.
It's too easy to go amiss with shaft diameter, length, etc.
otherwise. Or so it's said.