2004 Honda Accord Car Vibration

Tiny
GAUSSIAN528
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,754 MILES
I took my car in for service because I noticed a vibration between 60 - 65 mph. Honda told me the drive axles were bad, so I replaced both axles with rebuilt axles from NAPA. The vibration went away and was gone for about a month. Now it's back and the vibration occurs at 20 - 25, goes away, then between 60 - 65 and goes away. It always goes away after I let off the accelerator. Are my axles bad - again? Or, do I need to check something else. BTW, the tires have been road force balanced and the car has just had an alignment.
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 AT 3:57 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi gaussian528,

Problem most likely to be caused by unbalanced CV inner joints. Check inner joints for excessive side play.

Check for torn rubber boots and lack of lubrication.
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
GAUSSIAN528
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  • 4 POSTS
I noticed that the passenger side axle (inner) has a little play in it. I compared the amount of play from the driver to the passenger. The driver side has no play while the passenger side has movement. Does that mean I just need to replace the axle or remove the axle and try to reseat? My thinking is that if I try to reseat it, I will have problems again. Am I right?
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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If the inner joints are worn, reseating would not help. A replacement is required but if the joint is stiff due to lack of lubricants, servicing it might work, provided the inner walls of the joints are not worn.

A slight amount of play where the joint plugs into the trans is acceptable but there must be no play between the shaft and inner joint.
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
GAUSSIAN528
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  • 4 POSTS
Ok. I can literally shake the entire shaft and get movement. When I do the same on the driver side. No movement at all.
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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You must note if it is from within the shaft or between the shaft and trans.

If it is between shaft and trans, you could have a bad differential
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
GAUSSIAN528
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I wish I could visually see what you're explaining. How does the differential go bad? Could it be from replacing the drive axle? When I got underneath the car, I placed my hand on the CV joint, wiggled it to see if there was any play and noticed there was play in it. On a scale of 0 - 5 (0 being no play at all), it is between 1 - 1.5. I placed my hand on the same component on the driver side and there was no play at all. Is there a better way to test or should I just take it in to get a better diagnosis. Are there any other signs of the differential going bad?
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
With onehand holding the joint, use the other hand to shake the shaft. Do you have any movement?

Minimal movement of the CV joint within the differential is acceptable.

Differentials do not go bad when replacing the CV joints. It is due to wear and tear or manufacturing.
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 1:09 PM

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