2004 Honda Accord Vibration at 50-65mph

2004 HONDA ACCORD

50,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

ACCORD04

MEMBER
4 POSTS
FOLLOW

My 2004 accord (50K mileage) vibrates a lot when accelerating at 50-65 mph. The vibration dies down beyond 70mph, and does not happen during deceleration. It started happening after I replaced all four tires, and of course the initial suspicion was tires not being balanced. Got it checked out twice, and in fact even changed the 2 front tires to another set of new ones, but the problem still exists. Tired replacing the axle, but with no luck.
Another mechanic is saying the problem could be with he transmission. I do not want to spend a lot of money for a transmission change so early, especially if the problem is not going to be that. Do any experts here have any suggestion as to what could be wrong here ?

Thanks very much.

Aug 11, 2009 at 4:14 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Hi accord04,

Thank you for the donation.

The problem seems to be a fault with the inboard CV joints or transmission and I need to confirm this.

You mentioned replacing the axles, were the CV shaft replaced as an assy?
Was there any significant difference after replacement?
Were the replacement parts new or used?

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

ACCORD04

MEMBER
4 POSTS

[quote:8a86883baa="KHLow2008"]Hi accord04,

Thank you for the donation.

The problem seems to be a fault with the inboard CV joints or transmission and I need to confirm this.

You mentioned replacing the axles, were the CV shaft replaced as an assy?
Was there any significant difference after replacement?
Were the replacement parts new or used?[/quote:8a86883baa]

I am not sure whether the CV shaft was replaced. And there was no significant difference after the axle replacement, which also I am not sure whether they were new or used.

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Quite often when the word axle is used, it means the CV shafts but since you are not sure, I would suggest checking it out first.

Check if the CV in board joint boots are in good condition and also if there are excessive side clearance. If the joints are firm but the inboard joint has excessive side play, it could be a fault with the trans differential.

After the axle replacement, were the symptoms similar or were there any significant changes in frequency or vibration level?

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

ACCORD04

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I checked with my mechanic that the CV shafts were also replaced along with the axle, and all parts were new. The problem remained the same even after this change.

I would also like to mention that the whole problem started when my right front tire went flat (I had to drive like that for a couple of miles before putting the spare), and I then replaced all 4 tires as mentioned in my first post.

Thanks.

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Is the vibration felt only at the steering wheels or whole vehicle is vibrating?

Were the rims checked for damage, especially the one that had a puncture?

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

ACCORD04

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The vibration is felt in the whole vehicle. even though I feel it coming more from the right side pf the vehicle.

The rim on that side was found to be a little bent, and so we tried moving the good rim from the back to the front and the bent rim to the back. But the problem still persists. Its weird that the problem happens at 50-65 mph. Would not a bent rim always cause it to happen (even at much higher speeds) ?

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Imbalance are mostly confined to a certain speed range depending on the condition. It would taper off after a certain speed and might come back at another speed range. This is similar to unbalanced tires, the vibration would disappear after a certain speed.

The best way to confirm if the rim is the cause would to get another rim to test.

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

JOEFOLZ60

MEMBER
1 POST

[quote:b83bf6c6bb="accord04"]The vibration is felt in the whole vehicle. even though I feel it coming more from the right side pf the vehicle.

The rim on that side was found to be a little bent, and so we tried moving the good rim from the back to the front and the bent rim to the back. But the problem still persists. Its weird that the problem happens at 50-65 mph. Would not a bent rim always cause it to happen (even at much higher speeds) ?[/quote:b83bf6c6bb]

Please let me know how you solved this problem..mine is doing something similar and have all the mechanics stumped....thx. joe

Feb 21, 2019 at 1:08 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.