I started hear a grinding (or sounds like i'm running through gravel rocks) when i'm turned all the way right and I press the GAS pedal. I must GAS the pedal, if i'm just moving w/o actually gasing the pedal it would make a sound.

I looked underneath, didn't see any torn boot covers.

 

My guess is a wheel bearing

 

It sounds like CV Joint noise to me... When they are close to being completely worn out you can grip the axle in your hand and push, pull on it and feel play in it Honda CV joints usually last a very long time.

 

I guess a wheel bearing would always make the noise, gas or no gas. So then it probable is something in the driveline like the CV joints.

 

definitely not wheel bearing. that'd be a constant noise and it would get louder the more you turn the wheel and get almost silent if you turn the other way

 

^^ Ditto.

If memory serves me right, a failing wheel bearing makes a howling sound that is directly related with vehicle speed. I.E.: The faster, the louder/the slower, the quieter. Like solbrothers said, turning left or right would increase sound on the bearing by increasing weight load or decrease the sound by lessening the load.

I'd highly recommend checking items from the outside inward. Basically check lug nut torque (80 foot pounds), check the wheel bearing itself (lift the front tires off the ground, grab the tires at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock then try to rock the wheel/tire back and forth; also rotate it while in the air), then check your CV joints by either going in and inspecting visual damage.

I personally had a similar noise back in February on my Fit... I checked the wheel bearing, lifted the car up and checked the CV joints even ran it in gear turning the wheel lock to lock and didn't hear a thing... until my driver front wheel came off. Hence why I recommend going from the outside in when checking this out, never overlook the simple stuff when diagnosing possible issues.

 

It could be cv issue.

But I'm leaning towards wheel bearing because when I gas it while sharp turn to the right, it creates more pressure/weight is on the left wheel. After some googling these seems to be common symptom of wheel bearing.

I will check for wheel play. Someone also mention to put one side a jack stand on one side, turn on the car on - Drive and hear the wheel spin (for noises). Then the same thing on the other side.

If this turns out to be wheel bearing, should I have local shop do it... or honda dealer? Any idea what the labor cost is?

Wheels falling off sounds pretty serious.

 

from personal experience:

if its the wheel bearing, let honda do it. it'll run you 600 but they'll be replacing the wheel sensors also. (bearing are 80 and sensors are 100 per so the rest is labor)

It's basically for peace of mind. I went to a local reputable mechanic since they were charing $380 but I had to supply parts. They ended up destroying both wheel sensors in the process so factor in an additional 200 and I would have been better off ordering the parts and going to honda....

 

Hmm thanks for reminding me. I recall taking my RSX to some local mechanic to replace suspension joint, the ABS light turned on because the wheel sensor broke.

 

It could be the CV, could also be lug nuts. Whenever I was talking to a couple of friends about it (both Honda techs, one is a master tech w/ 33 years experience on Hondas) both agreed that loose lug nuts do make similar sounds that a failing/failed CV joint makes under certain conditions which is why its also wise to check lug nut torque when diagnosing this possible issue (which I openly admit I neglected to do).

I'd recommend either a Honda/Acura dealer or a Honda/Acura specialist to do the repair for getting the actual OEM part instead of possibly an off brand replacement part, a technician that has access to the proper procedures, and specialty tools needed to do the repair right, as well as the dealer likely warrantying that part/repair once it is done even if your car itself is off warranty (nothing but the repaired/replaced is part covered).

Looking at Mitchell On Demand, it would be 2 flag hours to have one wheel bearing replaced (3.8 for two bearings); so find out the shop's labor rate, multiply it by 2 and add the part cost and you'd have a good idea of what you'd be paying.

 

the "gassing it up" thing makes me wonder. if that's the case, it definitely isn't the wheel bearing.

 

maybe more gas = more G-force making the car lean towards left wheel?

I'll do more test later today.

 

That is why I said it sounded like it was a CV joint... I had a diesel powered VW Pickup that I was always having to replace CV joints on.. It only had 60 horsepower but made a tremendous amount of torque and I carried heavy loads in it.

 

ok i'll jack up the car now and pull the CV for play.

 

Check it with the front wheels turned and straight... After reading Hootie's post I realized that I was hearing a click coming from the right front wheel when I let the clutch out.... I need to snug up the axle nut to 80lb... It started when I installed coil overs awhile back and I only think about it when I hear it after it has been sitting for a few hours unless I am wearing hearing aids.

 

ok, jacked up the car (wheels were straight - read your post too late) . No play in both the axel and wheels.

I also put it into drive so one wheel spins freely, no unusual sounds on either wheel.

I'll drive it more later and see if I notice anything else.

 

Well...
My car is making the same noise...
Any update?

Thanks,

 

well it's been two years ... never changed anything. Totally forgot about the sound. I'm not sure if its still there or i'm just not noticing it anymore.

 

That's Weird.

 

Even though this post is old the info I will share will not expire and will opefully help someone.

CV(Constant Velocity) joints can make noise during tight turns, especially while using heavy throttle. I usually describe the noise as similar to what it sounds like when you start out on a roller coaster and are getting pulled up the first hill.

Check for cracked boots on the axle or grease that has been flung out of the cracked boot. Usually, the boot cracks, the grease comes out, dirt gets in and the ball bearings in the CV joint go bad and start clicking while applying throttle on a sharp turn.

During a sharp turn and while under heavy throttle, the CV outer axle joint will be turned with the suspension and wheel as they turn. The outer axle joint will make noise because it is under more pressure during the turn and has dirt and/or no grease left in it. That is why it makes the clicking noise. The parts that normally are under pressure arent clean and coated with grease anymore.