Feedback/Vibration in Steering Wheel

[Phishin]

2010 Accord LX. 294K miles. I've owned since 2013 when it had 32k miles on it.

I've always done a fairly high-level amount of maintenance to this car. I just put a new A/C Compressor in it this week because I plan to drive this car for another 100k miles.

However, one some roads, the steer wheel is quiet and the car very smooth. However, there are other roads, where at 40-60MPH, the steering wheel vibrates considerably. I assume since it's road dependent, it's not a wheel/tire problem. I also assume this is the result of worn out steering/suspension linkages? Where do you think I should look? What about motor mounts?

Or is this going to be nearly impossible to figure out?

 

[Marcozi]

At that mileage I suspect the bushings are worn, but their wear shows up on certain road surfaces. That is, the bushings aren't so worn that the effects show up al the time but are sufficiently worn to show effects on certain road surfaces. I recommend you look into replacing all of the bushings at once. I don't think it's a huge job, especially since you seem to have sufficient skills.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

When were struts (and maybe springs) changed last? If there is nothing to control the bouncing then you will get that on bumpy roads. They might be ok for compression but not rebound extension or vice versa.

tire age? bubbles? belt issues? My sons Forte was getting a vibration at 70+ I didn't have last year. I had the tires road forced balanced and one was about 10lbs higher than the other 3. Shop put it on the back since they are 18 months old but lots of tread. No issue last year as it WAS on the RR. I rotated in spring at winter tire swap.

 

[Kira]

Have you inspected or ever replaced the....shocks/struts, tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms (their bushings), or any other bushings?
A knowledgeable inspection is in order.

With a helper and an open hood, put the car in R, then put it in D with someone looking at how the engine rocks.

NOTE: I had a car which drove just fine except in one, particular sweeping turn, where it'd wobble horribly.
After replacing the tires, the wobble on that turn disappeared.

 

[Phishin]

Thanks for all your feedback so far. Much appreciated. Struts/shocks are original.

However, ball joints and tie rod ends are new up front (and I had all new hub assemblies installed a few months ago). Both half shafts are less than a year old as well.

Tires have 20k miles on them: Michelin Defenders. Brakes are new (Centric rotors and Akebono pads). I'll do an inspection once it cools down a bit. You guys gave me a good starting point.

 

[mclasser]

Looks great for that many miles! Love the color & rims. Don't think I've seen that gen in champagne before.

 

[Kira]

For >7 years I cared for the same car; a neighbor's 4-cyl., in sliver. The time came to sell it.
A friend bought it for her trade school bound grandson.
It had uninterrupted dealership, "Quick Lube" and my maintenance. I tabulated it all.
There was included a Fumoto oil drain valve necessitated by the "Quick Lube" monkeys butchering the pan.
A sealant was always needed.
The oil at the time of the sale was fresh and I offered to show the kid how to change oil when the time came.

However, Grandma took the car to a known garbage garage (likely had a coupon).
They took a pipe wrench to the Fumoto and told her the BRAND-NEW BRAKES were bad. She lost $1,600.
The car dripped oil and the 18 year old ran it dry several times.
He TOLD ME the severe rattling was his cue to add oil. I wonder how many dinners he delivered once it started rattling.

There were lots of silver bits in the oil. I cried.
However, the best was when the little jerk said, "I'll just have a new engine popped in!"
SpongeBob will meet the real world someday.

I'm glad you're getting the fullest value from yours.
How close the VINs?. That ill-fated 2010 Honda was: 1HGCP241AA012427.
We just can't let go of our babies.