My 97 3.2 TL was making noise from the front end: Toc toc toc (say it fast). Based on research I suspected the inner joint of the driveshaft. The noise is not related to turning (outer joint), as it happens when car is more or less going straight or very slight turn.

As a preventative measure, I replaced the whole driveshaft (axle) assembly on both sides with new parts, including a new seal on the right side. (I think the service manual has the sides mixed up - it showed the left side as right, and vice versa).

The bad news is that the noise is still there, so I need some help.

The noise is intermittent, unrelated to engine speed and happens with the gas on or off, usually at between 30 and 60 kph (20-40 mph). The ticking is faster with faster speed. I think the noise is from the front left side (though not necessarily at the wheel.) I don't know what it could be. Anyone with any experience? I setup an appointment with mechanic in a couple days, but would like to have some clue going in.

 

A brake problem seems most likely. You can dissassemble brake pads from calipers and inspect for damage or loose shims, etc.

Other possibility is a resonating exhaust heat shield. They can sometimes get loose and at certains speed will begin to vibrate loudly. Car must be elevated to allow close inspection of all heat shields for looseness.

Check radiator fans for possible loose fan blade causing noise.

good luck

 

I have this same problem just exactly as you said, I also have the 3.2 TL. I've narrowed it down and believe this is the outer tie rod that causes vibration as I've also inspected the cv axles. The ticking during acceleration I've heard is the torque converter and really not worth the effort to get rid of. There is a ticking exhaust wise I think it has to do with exhaust manifold because I've already tightened up all my exhaust shields. I am going to look into motor mounts and sway bar links next. Let me know if you've got it taken care of to see what your problem was thanks.

 

Thanks for the replies.

The drive with the mechanic revealed...nothing. The ticking didn't come up. (Surely enough, it returned on my drive back home.)

The good news is that the Canadian Tire mechanic was patient and listened to my description. We inspected the car on the lift and while we saw no issues with the axles (they were new), he noted scoring on the inside of the front disk brake (passenger side). He suggested that the caliper is seized and so isn't releasing fully when the brake is disengaged. I've ordered a replacement caliper (remanufactured). I'm tempted to replace the disk and pads, but I don't think they are worn that much, so I'll inspect it and make a judgment when installing the caliper.

It looks like Texashonda called it (at least partially) right. I sure hope the ticking goes away after the caliper replacement. If it's in the torque converter, that sucks, and I'll just have to live with it. What leads me to think that it's the brakes and not TC is that the sound stops at the lightest touch of the brakes, and that it occurs both with gas and without (so plausibly not TC).

Will update after caliper replacement for future reference.

As an aside, the mech noted a small coolant leak but couldn't find the source. It was in front of the oil pan, on the plastic shield, just to the right of center (towards passenger). I will search on this, but if there's a common minor leak that you know of, let me know (or post link).

 

are you sure it is coolant... i had a leak in that exact spot that i also at first thought was coolant but Texas and Ken noted it as a normal camshaft positon sensor leak...

 

and the winner is...TexasHonda!

It turns out it was a seized brake caliper pin. I only found out that the pin was seized when I was servicing my brakes. Had to hammer the pin out. I polished the rust off with a wire-brush disc on my bench grinder, lubed and replaced it. The clicking noise then disappeared. TexasHonda was right!!!

Only got to this a couple weeks ago, as winter is only now beginning to wane and leave.

Thanks TexasHonda for you many valuable contributions.