Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a new ride and today I tested a 2000 Honda Civic Si. I noticed a rubbing noise coming from the rear area when braking or going over bumps. It sounds something like a tire rubbing against a wheel well (but that's not what's happening here).

The owner says that it's because the rear control arm bushing weren't greased when he replaced them, and that's causing that rubbing noise. Do you think this is really the case or is there something else going on?

Secondly, the AC clutch doesn't engage, even after the relay was bypassed. Is this a "simple" matter of replacing the AC clutch/bearing assembly, or does the entire compressor need to be replaced. The owner says that a shop checked it out and it's holding pressure like it should, so no leaks.


I've grown to trust the mods here for advice, so I'm hoping to get some help even though this isn't an Accord in question.

Thanks in advance!!

 

Noise could be many things. No way to be sure, but brakes are usual culprit. A bushing would not make noise continuously.

AC problem could potentially be many things, but either open clutch coil or more likely excess clutch gap are two possibilities,...if you're sure you were getting 12V to the compressor w/ the bypassed compressor relay.

An vehicle inspection may be indicated to fully understand all potential problems. This will cost $150-$200 typically. I've found it to be a wise investment.

good luck

 

It really depends an how much you like this particular car and the price including the probable repairs needed

From what you've posted, it sounds as if the seller is a private individual rather than a dealership... something to think about is that he/she is getting rid of the car for a reason. He's already stated that the bushing was not greased when installed (red flag) and this causes me to wonder what other mistakes and/or short-cuts have been made during maintenance on this vehicle

Try to remember that there are a LOT of cars on the market and auto makers will continue to produce more, perhaps a bit more searching is advisable.. if for nothing more than comparison

When it comes to sales, even the court system will tell us, "Buyer Beware"

 

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'm very interested in this exact Year/Make/Model and they don't come by often. That said, it's still a 15y/o car so I'm not expecting perfection (especially since I'm not going to pay an extra $2k above market value just for "mint" condition).

The rubbing noise I mentioned doesn't occur continuously, only during braking or going over bumps.

 

If it is what you want, then go for it
Happy motoring

 

Before I commit to purchasing the car, I'd like to ascertain the possible cause of the noise. So we don't think that it's the bushings? Also, I checked with the owner and he says that he replaced the rear upper and lower control arms, along with the bushings and bolts.

 

From our position here in the forum, there is no way to tell exactly what may be the cause of the noise... could be any number of things including (as pre-mentioned) a heat shield and/or gusset.

Have the vehicle checked by an independent mechanic... someone whom you trust and does not have a vested interest in the car, nor is seeking to make money from the diagnostic results

 

Thanks for all the help guys!!

I took the car to my auto shop and they said that the noise was most likely coming from the rear shock mounts.