Strange problem. Front end wobble after backing up a long distance. 2006 V6 Accord.

[Gasbuggy]

Yesterday I had to back up about a quarter mile down a steep hill because of a closed road. The next time I got up to 45 mph it felt like I had a front passenger tire/wheel that was seriously out of round. My first thought was coincidentally I tossed the stick on wheel weights or a belt broke in a tire (all the tires a relatively new/plenty of air).

I haven't hit any potholes.

Today when I got on a highway the car did not feel safe doing at 50 because of this unsteady sensation. I took the first exist and used back roads.

I jacked the control arms up to investigate for something loose and then rotate the tires. The front suspension/tierods feel tight enough to pass inspection, though with 200k, I should start replacing some parts just because. No brakes are sticking.

my best guess is it's the passenger axle, it's the original and has that damper and looks suspect. Honda axles are know to rot under the damper and snap. Though I would think all the ripping around I do that just backing up wouldn't suddenly produce such a significant problem.

 

[Lubener]

If you can't do it , I suggest having a competent shop perform a front end inspection. Nobody here can see it , so they are just guessing.

 

[Gasbuggy]

If you can't do it , I suggest having a competent shop perform a front end inspection. Nobody here can see it , so they are just guessing.

I understand that.

I worked at a garage a long time ago but I'm not a mechanic by trade. My skill set is pretty extensive though. I have a shop and lifts and have been working on cars for a long time. Checking out a front end, for me, is not something I have to put much thought into and what I saw today looked good. Except that axle damper. I'm expecting whatever the issue is, it won't be something obvious.

 

[Jetronic]

I'd inspect the cv joints

 

[Egg_Head]

Unrealated question: Is that the stardard sized oil filter in your image?

 

[GSCJR]

I'd inspect the cv joints

+1, and also your mounts.

 

[rijndael]

Except that axle damper.

You can often expect some serious rust under those.

 

[ctechbob]

Only thing I can think of to also check is the compliance bushing in the LCA. The V6 cars are hard on them and it is possible that running in reverse that long maybe put enough load on it that it finally gave up the ghost.

Either way, they eventually fail and yours are probably due for replacement by now. If it were me, I would have them pressed out and replace them with the same part from the 07-08 Acura TL Type S. I think they may be a little more beefy than the run of the mill Honda part.

Don't use an aftermarket part, however, those are generally way too soft and cause tire wear problems.....as me how I know.

 

[Gasbuggy]

Unrealated question: Is that the stardard sized oil filter in your image?

Yes, 7317, camera angle is helping it seem bigger.

 

[Gasbuggy]

It was the half shaft! Check out how thin it was. New Cardone unit went in. Replaced control arms, lower ball joint etc. Car drives great now.

The new axle makes a clink sound on some downshifts though, like it has play. Certainly didn't feel even slightly sloppy in hand. I will let it get a few miles before I get mad.

 

[Wolfshead]

You couldn't turn around ?

 

[Gasbuggy]

You couldn't turn around ?

Narrow back road with no shoulder. Could have done an Austin Powers move but I could commute in reverse if I had to.

Worked out for the best, gave me a warning rather than needing a tow truck.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Narrow back road with no shoulder. Could have done an Austin Powers move but I could commute in reverse if I had to.

Worked out for the best, gave me a warning rather than needing a tow truck.

Just think... How many vehicles are running around (high speed too) with similar situation. That is pathetic for any part to disintegrate like that. Especially one that could be a serious safety issue. Of course I know nothing about dealing with parts of the country that salt roads so.....? Is that what led to the issue?

 

[ctechbob]

Just think... How many vehicles are running around (high speed too) with similar situation. That is pathetic for any part to disintegrate like that. Especially one that could be a serious safety issue. Of course I know nothing about dealing with parts of the country that salt roads so.....? Is that what led to the issue?

Yep, salt gets under there and eats them till there's nothing left.

Thankful every day I don't live in the salt belt. The thought of having to throw a car away long before I'm done with it pains me.

 

[Gasbuggy]

It lasted 20 years. It's definitely been through some salt, not enough to cause any body or undercarriage rust. the splines did look rather worn though so a replacement was due anyway

 

[researcher]

It lasted 20 years. It's definitely been through some salt, not enough to cause any body or undercarriage rust. the splines did look rather worn though so a replacement was due anyway

Great work, wow look at that rust, that old axle was gone. If that Cardone axle doesn't work well, I'd suggest contacting Marty at Raxles.com I had him send me half-shafts for my 96 Civic, excellent, stellar work! Nothing wrong and smooth. Just thought I'd mention it.

 

[Gasbuggy]

Great work, wow look at that rust, that old axle was gone. If that Cardone axle doesn't work well, I'd suggest contacting Marty at Raxles.com I had him send me half-shafts for my 96 Civic, excellent, stellar work! Nothing wrong and smooth. Just thought I'd mention it.

Thank you for the comment, my mechanic friend told me that there was a great place to buy well made aftermarket axles for Hondas but he could not remember the name of the company and I needed one asap. Raxles is the company. Glad to know about it.

I put pads and rotors on the front while apart and I guess from pumping the calipers back up afterwards I have been treated to a stuck rear caliper now. Haha, gotta love it.

 

[duck__dodgers]

I wish I never sold my 7th gen. Accord; and just lived with the annoyance of playing driveway valet.

18 years, 178,000 miles. my only issues were pothole-salt related: cv joints, bearings, rusted-out steering fluid line, worn axle.

 

[rszappa1]

I wish I never sold my 7th gen. Accord; and just lived with the annoyance of playing driveway valet.

18 years, 178,000 miles. my only issues were pothole-salt related: cv joints, bearings, rusted-out steering fluid line, worn axle.

Mine had 386000 with no issues.. It had the 2.4. A great car...