2005 CRV vibration under acceleration

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Jul 31, 2025
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As mentioned in title. 230k miles. Figured someone here might have an idea>?

There is a rhythmic vibration which increases with speed under acceleration. Does not do it while cold - only appears once transmission has warmed up. Engine (K24) is super smooth.

It occurs no matter what gear you are in, most noticeable in 3rd and 4th gear. Increases frequency which matches speed as you accelerate. Does NOT do it while coasting or in low throttle applications. Worse at higher throttle. Originally, it only did it when steering to the right at 45mph or more (think right hand sweeping turn), but now is getting worse and also does it while steering left or tracking straight. It also comes and goes; completely smooth at times and bad vibration at others.

CV joints replaced, along with much of the front and rear suspension, about 2 years ago. Problem started after those changes. CV joints were originally suspected, but indie shop replaced them 2x under warranty and same issue.

I am starting to think there's an issue on the output side of the transmission. But could it be the fluid? transmission drain & fill was done about 10k miles ago, with Schaeffer fluids.


opinions & experience appreciated!

K2
 
Last edited:
As mentioned in title. 230k miles. Figured someone here might have an idea>?

There is a rhythmic vibration which increases with speed under acceleration. Does not do it while cold - only appears once transmission has warmed up. Engine (K24) is super smooth.

It occurs no matter what gear you are in, most noticeable in 3rd and 4th gear. Increases frequency which matches speed as you accelerate. Does NOT do it while coasting or in low throttle applications. Worse at higher throttle. Originally, it only did it when steering to the right at 45mph or more (think right hand sweeping turn), but now is getting worse and also does it while steering left or tracking straight. It also comes and goes; completely smooth at times and bad vibration at others.

CV joints replaced, along with much of the front and rear suspension, about 2 years ago. Problem started after those changes. CV joints were originally suspected, but indie shop replaced them 2x under warranty and same issue. I am starting to think there's an issue on the output side of the transmission.

opinions & experience appreciated!

K2
Could be a bent axle.
 
had an '04 Accord show roughly similar symptoms around 130,000 miles. for me it was a worn axle.

Then I experienced the same symptoms when I rented a base Challenger in Florida with only 27,000 miles, lol
 
Most likely due to poorly re-manufactured aftermarket CV axles. I have had good luck with installing the Duralast GOLD new CV axles from Autozone on several Hondas and Nissans.
Out here, the Duralast Golds appear to be made by GSP. But like many AZ parts it tends to vary by region.
 
AWD? Bad joint in the shaft?
A possibility….and this can be disconnected and tied up, followed by a test drive.

Most likely scenario, as many have pointed out, is bad axles.

I bought my 2005 CRV in 2017 and when I test drove it, there was a vibration I was unhappy with. I agreed to purchase it contingent upon fixing that.

They had to replace them twice to get good results.

I have had several times where ongoing vibration was caused by stuck calipers. Seems to be a problem in these (or maybe just mine). It doesn’t sound like that’s your issue but it couldn’t hurt to check.
 
Thanks all.

It is AWD and have an appointment to get checked out at a better shop next week...I agree with the idea of a bent or low quality reman part.
 
Transmission fluid drain and fill only gets about 1/3 of the total fluid. Several drain/fills are often done a little bit apart to get fully fresh fluid.

Since it’s AWD the rear differential drain/fill is also easy to do and is a one shot.
 
Spill and fill transmission a few times. See if it clears up. Use OEM Honda fluid. Then move on to the axles and center bearing....,,if the transmission clean up doesn't work. You can check center bearing easy. Just see if it wiggles, or is loose.
 
+1 for the problem being aftermarket CVs.

I have seen multiple cases now with 2nd gen CRVs and Elements where aftermarket CVs will cause vibration, especially under acceleration. Get some junkyard OEM ones, reboot, and off you go.
 
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