Solving FWD Axle Vibrations What to Look For

Over the years I’ve run into this issue more times than I can count. A vehicle has a mystery vibration on acceleration, or during certain driving conditions. The culprit is often the inner CV joint.

The take away here is beware of aftermarket parts, but I’m sure you already knew that.

I hope this information is helpful and saves you some time and frustration.

#ETCGVideo #EricTheCarGuy

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[illiniwood]

Whelp, that explains why my drivers side axle is aftermarket on my Element, and why it vibrates on the highway. This video is two and a half minutes of pure gold.

[eaglefeet]

Really miss the glory days of this channel. Eric hasn’t lost a step. ETCG forever.

[FunkyCpie]

Been watching your videos since your old shop. The old old one. I have learned SO SO much from you, and here is another good one! Thank you Eric!

[speez]

I've learned a lot from you over the years. Thanks for your insight Eric!

[lovingther]

I have the same issue in my Honda Civic. I regret changing the original axle instead of just changing the boot. The vibration on acceleration has never gone away no matter what aftermarket axle I have used, the vibration started once I replaced the original axle 😢😢

[canuckfixit]

Here here! Had this problem with my '05 EX 5-speed and it was the axles. New aftermarket axles, although looking good, perpetuated the problem. I bought a matching OEM pair from a scrap yard to fix my problem. I also bought a pair of low-mileage OEM from eBay. I think I'm set for life now. 😉

[pixelydj]

You have helped me so much over the years, Eric! I truly appreciate the time and effort it takes you to share your experience with us. #brofist
I recently completed a refresh of my girlfriend's front end and drive axles, and was wracking my brain trying to figure out a way to transfer those dampers onto the new aftermarket axles I purchased. In the end I went for completing the job rather than getting stuck for too long over something I didn't know *for sure* would be an issue. Sure enough, there's some vibration on acceleration.
I own a 1991 Accord DX with an MTX and other than slicing my hand open on the brake rotor's dust shield in a moment of carelessness, I never felt any vibration with either of the aftermarket axles I installed. You have surely seen more Hondas than I ever will, but I never noticed any of that generation Accord's CV Axles with the dampers.
I bet I just got lucky somehow, because it isn't as if I was in a position to buy OEM or super high quality aftermarket replacement parts.
Your suggestion that salvaged oem axles aren't always a bad idea brings me a lot of comfort over trying to get them new from Mazda!

[PatrickGSR]

I had a vibration issue under load only on my 94 Integra GSR, back in the mid-2000's. I went through a SLEW of bad AutoZone reman axles, replacing probably 4 or 5 sets within a year's time. After that I swore to never use reman axles again. I've been through a few sets of NAPA and O'Reilly brand new axles over the last 20 years. I usually just get a whole new one whenever I find a torn boot. I end up replacing each axle once every 5-6 years or so, which really to me isn't a big deal considering the axles cost less than $100.

However, I recently noticed some dry rot on both inner CV joints on my GSR, and this time I've decided to go with replacing the boots only. The axles themselves are fine (O'Reilly units currently), and the boots aren't torn. But I'm going to proactively replace the inner joint boots before the CHD9 Tail of the Dragon trip in October.

[bluecar]

As a general rule of thumb, salvage your original CV joints if it's not too far gone (hasn't started clicking in turns). Aftermarket axles often times fall short in quality. Is the boot torn but not clicking yet? It's not too late! Take it apart and replace with a one-piece boot.

[matthewholzner]

I chased this problem for 2 years with my '12 CRV and it took replacing both axles to fix it. I suspect it was inner joints just like this. Great vid.

[HappyDane]

You may have just solved a problem I've had for years on my 05!

[MarcusSandoval-kxth]

This is the most articulate mechanic i know 👍 intelligent 🧠 dude

[nismo]

Hey Eric! The company Raxles sells their axles with the balancer, as their products are rebuilt using original equipment axles.

[Pantherman]

Good to know, I'll keep that in mind. I recently had a vibration issue with a 2011 CRV that I let sit for 4 months; ended up being a front right caliper that's hung.

Don't let your vehicles sit a long time like I did, it always tends to make them mad somehow.

[cesarmagdaleno]

I also had the same issue on my 91’ Accord. We went through 3 sets of remanufactured rods before we found a good set. This was years ago.

[camerongates]

Midwest rusted up undercarriage 07 pilot owner here. I was originally from louisiana and then moved to cali for a few years where i never really had to deal with rust. First used car purchase was this pilot and boy did i mess up not looking at the undercarriage. Anyways ive got avibration on acceleration that really starts getting bad after 30mph. I noticed a little slop in the drivers side axel. Im guessing this is where its coming from. Thanks for all your very informative videos!

[ChavezDIY]

I rebuilt my Acura TSX axles using OEM axles from the salvage yard and eBay. If the boot is torn or a CV joint is stiff then find another CV joint. I just bought the OEM boot kit from the dealer. To avoid repairing CV axles, replace boot and grease using OEM boot kit for all CV joints every 10 years or 110k mi.

[volvo]

My 2000 Volvo S40 had this exact problem...vibration under loads especially at highway speed. One of the Axle CV joint boots was ripped open and all of the grease flung out. Luckily I found a new OEM axle on eBay for a great price and now the car is happy.

[OwensGarage]

Vibration dampers are great, But I’ve seen several Hondas where the axle rusted away under the damper and the axle actually broke in half.

[Silvertarian]

Hi Eric, been a long time since I've seen your channel recommended. Beard is looking fabulous brother.