- Joined
- Dec 7, 2012
- Messages
- 3,586
Got a bit of a conundrum with the 2009 Honda Accord Sedan. Approximately 123k on the clock now. Starting around 65mph and up I have a vibration that will come and go about every 30 seconds or so and will usually last 45 seconds to a minute.
The car was outfitted with brand new Dunlop Signature II tires a couple of months ago. Prior to this, the circa-2012 Cooper WeatherMasters on 16" steel wheels were smooth. After initial installation of these tires, I began to notice this vibration. Ruling out the obvious, when taking the car for a bi-yearly alignment courtesy of the previously purchased lifetime alignment from Firestone, I opted to have each wheel balanced. Tech performing the service mentioned that the installing shop didn't correctly balance them. Unfortunately, this didn't seem to correct the issue. Perhaps the harshness of the vibration improved, but the problem still existed. 50, 55, 60 mph -- car is very smooth.
My next thought was that the worn axles were causing this vibration at highway speeds. I also did have a choppy/wobbly torque steer under hard acceleration. I ordered new (under warranty) axles from RockAuto. Those have been installed -- acceleration related vibration has been corrected, however my highway speed vibration still exists.
Upper and lower ball-joints are tight, control arm bushings aren't worn-out, inner and outer tie rods seem good with hands at 9 and 3. Rear suspension seems good. New struts in the rear, new rear passenger wheel bearing. All other wheels spin freely and bearings feel well packed and free. Brakes are wearing evenly and braking is good.
Manual trans shifts fine and no strange drivetrain issues. Dare I have these balanced again? I am also beginning to think I could possibly have a bent wheel(s). Western New York is no stranger to potholes and it is evident that a lot of the local and county municipalities are not putting a great emphasis on their roadway quality.
With a quick glance, nothing sticks out when I spun the wheels on the lift. I observed where the rim meets the bead and the tire with part of the body to see if I'd notice a slight move when the wheel was spun -- nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps a second closer inspection will reveal something.
Car has some miles but is kept in mechanically excellent condition.
Anything I'm missing?
The car was outfitted with brand new Dunlop Signature II tires a couple of months ago. Prior to this, the circa-2012 Cooper WeatherMasters on 16" steel wheels were smooth. After initial installation of these tires, I began to notice this vibration. Ruling out the obvious, when taking the car for a bi-yearly alignment courtesy of the previously purchased lifetime alignment from Firestone, I opted to have each wheel balanced. Tech performing the service mentioned that the installing shop didn't correctly balance them. Unfortunately, this didn't seem to correct the issue. Perhaps the harshness of the vibration improved, but the problem still existed. 50, 55, 60 mph -- car is very smooth.
My next thought was that the worn axles were causing this vibration at highway speeds. I also did have a choppy/wobbly torque steer under hard acceleration. I ordered new (under warranty) axles from RockAuto. Those have been installed -- acceleration related vibration has been corrected, however my highway speed vibration still exists.
Upper and lower ball-joints are tight, control arm bushings aren't worn-out, inner and outer tie rods seem good with hands at 9 and 3. Rear suspension seems good. New struts in the rear, new rear passenger wheel bearing. All other wheels spin freely and bearings feel well packed and free. Brakes are wearing evenly and braking is good.
Manual trans shifts fine and no strange drivetrain issues. Dare I have these balanced again? I am also beginning to think I could possibly have a bent wheel(s). Western New York is no stranger to potholes and it is evident that a lot of the local and county municipalities are not putting a great emphasis on their roadway quality.
With a quick glance, nothing sticks out when I spun the wheels on the lift. I observed where the rim meets the bead and the tire with part of the body to see if I'd notice a slight move when the wheel was spun -- nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps a second closer inspection will reveal something.
Car has some miles but is kept in mechanically excellent condition.
Anything I'm missing?
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