GF's civic needs help

[Cholewa]

As the title states, her civic is in need of some lovin. It's an 02 or 04 automatic and the big problem right now is: going over bumps there is a distinctive rattle/clunking, almost like the sound loose subframe bolts make. BUT, whenever you lightly touch the brake, you can create the sound on the drivers front wheel. Now it's not as bad as going over bumps, but it makes the noise. Suggesting that it might be a ????

bad ball joint? drag link? caliper?

The sound only happens when going over rough surfaces.



Ideas, suggestions, offers to look/fix?

[staticpat]

is there any shuddering or twitching in the steering?

if so I would say tie rod end, if not and its just clunking then it really sounds like a wheel bearing.

[TouringBubble]

Wheel bearings generally have a rhythmic grinding sound, not random clunks. It does sound like a ball joint/LCA bushing. Check the boots all around the front end for damage/leaking. You can also put jack stands under the front LCAs and pry on the components to check for play.

One other thing ... tried the simple stuff yet? Lugs torqued? Drop a bolt somewhere?