Naturally, just out of warranty (52,000 miles) my 2003 CL-S 6-speed has developed a clicking sound when backing up. Actually it happens when backing up, then again when going forward in 1st gear. It sounds like a loud pop, similar to when you run over a large acorn in the road. No other problems with the car and it only does this once for each forward to reverse, or reverse to forward motion. Once in forward gears it will not make the noise again until backing up. Has anyone experienced this problem and found out what's causing it. I know the dealer will just try to sock me for an expensive repair, or the usual "nothing found!" BTW - I drive the car pretty easy, as far as launches and shifting goes, so the car has NOT been pushed hard. Thanks for your feedback.

 

Try putting it in the lower gears like 2 4 6 and then into reverse, the noise should go away...

 

I get the same exact noise when in reverse too. I have no idea what it could be either. I got 58k.

 

CV Joint?

 

Sounds driveline related to me.

 

I'll try narrowing down where the noise is coing from this weekend. It may be related to the static engine mounts and dampers, or the front mounted vacuum-controlled mount. I have the shop manual. Hope it's not a CV or axle issue!

 

It's best to go from 1st to Reverse in this car. Lines the syncros up. And you can't go from 6th to Reverse in this car.

 

I had a clicking sound in my 6speed and tookit to the dealer several times. They couldn't
fix it. Turned out that on a previous visit the tech didn't tighten the bolt that holds the lower tie rod. I found it when my buddies pu the car on the rack. So much for warranty work at Acura. They tried to blame it on my after market parts(comptech sways and springs
and tokico illuminas). What Asswholes. ANyway I fixed it and it now has no noises.
Check out your suspension closely.

 

The noise appears to be coming from the right fender well area. I pulled off the right front wheel and inspected the axle and cv-joint. All appeared in good condition. Since the car makes no noises when turning, I doubt it's CV joint related. I'm guessing it's motor/transmission mount related. I had the timing belt tensioner recall performed a while ago, which I believe involves removing some of the engine mount bolts on the right side. Good guess is that the bolts may not be tight enough - Just a guess! I'll have to check them.

 

Maybe the engine mounts?

 

My GSR made a similar noise. After a long process, it turned out to be the axle. They can look ok, in that there is no boot rip or leaking, but can have issues inside.

Paul

 

Did a quick check of the engine mounts, steering assembly and suspension bolts, etc. No problems found. I setup an apointment with my dealer for next Thursday, August 25. I'll report back on the results.

 

I picked up my car from the dealer - They found the splash shield on the right wheel was bent and contacting the rotor. This is a thin sheet metal plate which is used to direct cooling air into the hub assembly. I can still hear a very slight nosie with the windows down when backing up and going forward, but it is almost inaudible and sounds normal. My guess is that there is enough play in the wheel bearings to allow the rotor to move slightly when doing the foward/reverse motion. This was probably enough to allow the rotor to whack the bent splash shield - Ergo the "Pop" sound!

Thumbs up for Ryan's Open Road Acura Service in East Brunswick, NJ. I said "No Wash," so they just dressed the tires. Overall good job and NO CHARGE!