2002 Acura MDX Steering problem when shifting into 3rd gear

KARANATE

MEMBER
2002 ACURA MDX

Steering problem
2002 Acura MDX 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 120K miles

My 2002 Acura has a problem with the steering. During acceleration, when the transmission shifts into 3rd gear, the steering is squirlley for a brief moment. It gives the sensation of hitting a small patch of ice and the mechanic can't figure it out. I'm not sure how the transmission can be related to 3rd gear but that is when it happens.

7 Replies

JEREMIAH

MECHANIC
217 POSTS

Could it possibly be more speed related than gear related? Does it happen at the same speed? Does it go away at higher gear/speed?
Could be something simple as an imbalanced tire or bent rim or flat spots, could also be a something worn in your steering or suspension system, wheel bearing, ball joint, tie rod end, bushings. They could give you similar symptoms.
Start with a simple tire rotation to eliminate the first half of possibilities

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Sunday, June 20th, 2010 AT 3:20 AM

KARANATE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The problem doesnt seem to be speed related. It is more load related and happens when it changes gears. Also, when going around a curve to the left, it tends to want to grab and try to turn more than I want it to. The tires are new and didn't help the problem. The wheel bearing is an interesting thought. One more piece of information that I thought of, my wife hit some black ice earlier this year and the car slid into a curb. I had the front end aligned and there was no apparent damage but this steering problem occurred shortly after and may be related. Thanks!

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 7:53 AM

JEREMIAH

MECHANIC
217 POSTS

Since you mentioned that, an alignment problem with your camber could cause a pulsation, unfortunately, camber is a non adjustable angle for your vehicle, unless the person doing the alignment knows how to move the mcpherson strut and subframe or is at least willing, most will recommend replacing parts such as a control arm. In general, your alignment is only a toe adjustment, check your printout.
For the wheel bearing to be affected must be a good enough impact, they could also just have worn out.

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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 10:39 PM

KARANATE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your suggestions but my mechanic finally found the problem. It was a loose bolt in the A frame. He said when it was aligned after the accident, the alignment shop may have loosened the bolt to make adjustments and forgot to tighten it up.

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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 AT 7:04 AM

JEREMIAH

MECHANIC
217 POSTS

Good to know he found it. Just know that there is no such bolt that is loosened for an alignment, only a tie rod nut which will not cause a vibration.