[bgacura]

Hi, i just purchased 2004 tsx MT, from first owner, 117k miles, all service records from Acura dealer. No accidents. While I was driving i noticed bit of the shake at 20mph only when it is in the gear. I searched the forum and found that some members had same symptoms after axle change, and suggested that this might be due to aftermarket axles that are different lenght than oem. In service records I found that both front axles were changed at 110k. Now, it was not completely clear to me from other posts if this was the reason for shake, and if it was, what was the solution. Provided that it is why I am experiencing symptoms what could I do since I wasn't the one taking it to the dealer (have all receipts)?

Also, what I can see,oil was changed on every 3.5k. I researched the forum and see that majority is doing the same, or changing on 5k the latest. If I am reading Acura service manual correctly, they recommend oil change on 10k, what am I missing since both Acura dealer and this comunity are interpreting manual differently?

I wanted this car for a loooong time, and finaly got it. Love it so far, read a lot about reliability and hope to experience it personaly with my new "almost new" car.

Thanks for every response.

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

I'm pretty sure I have the same issue and I'm at 90k miles (145km). I'm going through the list of what to do, so basically check tires, balance, alignment, check brakes and from there, I'll probably have to go with an axle fixing/replacement. For that, I'd contact HeelToe. He's found a way to get rid of the issue without having to actually replace the full axle or something. Haven't fully read it but that's what I've heard.

 

[bgacura]

I'm pretty sure I have the same issue and I'm at 90k miles (145km). I'm going through the list of what to do, so basically check tires, balance, alignment, check brakes and from there, I'll probably have to go with an axle fixing/replacement. For that, I'd contact HeelToe. He's found a way to get rid of the issue without having to actually replace the full axle or something. Haven't fully read it but that's what I've heard.

Andrew, thanks for the response. Brakes and tires have been changed few thousand miles ago, so i don't think that is the case. I will check if any wheel lost it's symetry since that is only thing that I believe could be relevant for the symptoms in question. I am not sure that I am following what you said about HeelToe, some thread that he posted?

 

[ricky rooster]

i replaced my axel since oem one lost its boot. now my car does vibrate from 20 to 25mph. your description sounds just like what my car does because of my axel replacement.

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

This is the part from HeelToe I'm talking about. You can email or call them asking about the part and if it's right for you.

Honda Genuine Inner Axle Joint and Boot Kit, 04-08 Acura TSX - HeelToe Automotive

 

[bgacura]

Thanks again!
Unfortunately, my axles have already been replaced and this works, as stated on their website, only with oem axles. Does anyone have an idea where to go from here? (apart from buying new oem axles to replace new aftermarket axles)
It is stated on the receipt that charge for the axle was $130 so it is safe to conclude it was not the oem one.

 

[appleman]

any solution or update to this?

I replaced my axles as well and have the 20-25 mph shake.

 

[deathangel]

Check the sway bar links. I had one that completely rusted out from the winters here in PA and help out with some of the vibrations. Another thing to check out is the rear engine mount bushing or engine mounts in general

 

[puddingstomp]

Auto technician here. Everything mentioned already is good to check, what gets me though is you said "only while in gear". Does this mean in gear while coasting (ie: not on the gas at all) or in gear with load on the engine? From personal experience I'm thinking engine mounts. Also most CVs (axles) nowadays have rubber dampers on them to limit vibration, if aftermarket low quality axles were installed then there's a possibility that's your problem. Control arm bushing and ball joints are another cause for vibrations and eventually strange tire wear.

 

[jonjohns]

Same boat for me, here. Just picked up a 2006 TSX. Wobbled like hell on a test drive. Owner replaced the CV axles, paid for them etc, but the Acura dealer only had aftermarkets in stock. Wobbling is much better now, but I have the 25mph wobble.

Has anyone tried replacing the intermediate shaft or carrier bearing? How bad does the wobble get over time? Surprised the dealership didn't know about this one.

 

[shandalo]

When I had aftermarket axles I was able to greatly reduced the vibration by having the wheels balanced at a shop that balanced them while on the car. This balances the entire driveline instead of just the wheel. This requires some different equipment so only certain places will do it and it generally costs a bit more. The major caveat to doing this is you cannot rotate your tires or you will have to rebalance. You also need to mark your wheel and a lug when removing wheels to ensure you put the wheel back on exactly the same as you took it off.
Acura separatly sells the vibration dampers they put on their axles for fairly cheap. To install it correctly would require a disassembly of the axle, but I believe a simple workaround would be to cut down the length of the damper so you could slip it around the shaft, then clamp it on. This method is not tested so I don't know if adding a damper to an aftermarket axle would actually help but intuition makes me think it would. I was going to try it but came across a set of used OEM axles so my problem was resolved that way.

Speaking of.... I may have an extra set of OEM axles around, if anyone wants to buy a set. Will check the garage later.

 

[jonjohns]

Update for anyone who is interested. I replaced the passenger side aftermarket with the inner joint kit from Heeltoe Auto. It worked! Still a tiny bit of vibration when accelerating out of tight corners, mid-corner. I think that must be when the left side is loaded up. I'll do the same repair on the left side soon.

 

[TheRas900]

Thanks for the update. Let us know how the other side goes.

 

[jonjohns]

Will do. I should mention, it is so much better no. No gradual vibration when accelerating (even gently) through 40km/hr, and silky smooth under hard pulls at all speeds. Impressed with the fix.