creaking/tapping noise on accel/decel.

[paul_c]

Yes, I did a search, and came up with some ideas, but I wanted some fresh opinions. I have a 92 mx-3 4 cyl. auto. When I come to nearly a complete stop, I hear a noise, like something is grabbing or tapping--I can feel the sensation through my steering wheel and sometimes my brake pedal. It happens a little when I take off, too. Not associated at all with turning. Doesn't happen at speed or at complete stop. I'm not sure if it is engine related or suspension related. Most prior answers pointed to suspension, but someone mentioned engine mounts (my steering wheel does vibrate a lot when I'm at a stop, but I just figured this is par for a 4 cyl car). Thanks guys!

[torpedan]

I suggest looking at the brakes as in goto a shop and have them check it out. Unless you are familier with what to look for The steeringwheel has to do with the rotors being warped most likyl the noise does too a brake job might fix it all.

[paul_c]

it's not the rotors being warped (no pulsation on applying the brakes). Whether it is any other brake component, I'm not sure. Anyone else?

[Jutzi420]

You might just need to replace the master sleave on one of the front rotors. There's a TSB about it on this site. Mine make a tapping noise when I brake at low speeds, but not accelerating. I've got the part but haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.

[mitmaks]

what kind of car is that? nissan z?

[paul_c]

Originally posted by mitmaks:
what kind of car is that? nissan z?

It is a Supra, but my question was regarding my MX-3 (which holds 4 R-compound Supra race tires in the trunk--I love my MX-3!)

[Freq2002]

The sterring shaking at a stop is too wierd,... I know mine was smooth as could be, but with the rest of the info the tapping noise while accelerating & stopping sounds alot like the CV joints.
Barring that, the suspension could be goin out on one side or the other & would give feedback thru the wheel. You have the lower ball joint (most likely) & the swing arm bushings, either one failing would make it squirrely.
Most tire shops can eyeball it for you for free & tell you in a matter of minutes whats what.

[paul_c]

Originally posted by Freq2002:
The sterring shaking at a stop is too wierd,... I know mine was smooth as could be, but with the rest of the info the tapping noise while accelerating & stopping sounds alot like the CV joints.
Barring that, the suspension could be goin out on one side or the other & would give feedback thru the wheel. You have the lower ball joint (most likely) & the swing arm bushings, either one failing would make it squirrely.
Most tire shops can eyeball it for you for free & tell you in a matter of minutes whats what.

Yeah, that's the best advice I've heard yet. My buddy is the manager at NTB, so it looks like I have to get over there. If its the CV joints, I won't be surprised. I change axles like I change underwear. Ugh.

[paul_c]

For anyone else with these symptoms, it turned out that the problem was in the brakes. My suspension needs a fix too, but the problem resolved with brake work alone. Thanks all.

[paul_c]

Addendum: not the brakes; turned out to be a bad ball joint. I thought the noise was gone after the brake fix, but it returned. Ball joint fixed things.