Hello,
I recently replaced the upper control arm/ball joint assembly on my 2001 accord. Everything went back together fine, but driving to work this morning it started making a constant thumping noise, during each rotation of the tire. Any ideas on what this could be? I don't want to keep driving it if there is a worse problem.
Thanks

 

This was not there before the "work"?

Suggest you get the front back in the air and spin the tires - did the brake dust shield get bent during the work?

 

Does the noise go away when you apply the brakes? If so, then one of the springs on the brake pads could be out and the pad is knocking around a bit. Had this problem on a friend's VW golf.

If not the above, then let us know if the noise is different when turning one way or the other vs straight, and if going in reverse vs forward. Also at what speeds?

 

Thumping as the wheel rotates makes me think of something wrong with the tire. Tread separating, or a bent rim, or something like that.

That would be an interesting coincidence for it to happen when you replaced the upper control arms, but you do need to rule out a damaged tire or wheel. Swap wheels front to rear & see if it changes??

 

Noise is occurring 20-30 mph, and usually happens when decelerating (not braking, just letting off the gas). I'll try rotating tires, would doing this work take that wheel out of alignment?

 

Did you get the wheel tightened properly?

The upper control arm pivots from where it is bolted through the bushings. How did you tighten them? I typically put my jack under the lower control arm and jack up the suspension until the car just lifts off of the jack stand. That is close to the resting position of the car. Also check that you didn't leave a loose bolt. Did you pull out the spring/dampener assembly?

 

UPDATE: here is a video of the noise-

The wheel is tightened properly, and if I understand correctly, doing this work does not take the car out of alignment. The bolts for the bushings were hand tightened, but rechecked after a drive. I did pull out the assembly when I was doing this.

 

Problem solved, took some tightening... Stupid on my
Part.
Thanks for the help

 

What did you tighten ?