I have a 2014 Honda CR-V. It is all-wheel drive. The car has a lot of a miles (90K) for a newer model. Lately, when I accelerate, there is such a strong vibration, I have to let off the gas and gently accelerate again and repeat until I can get up to speed. Just so you are aware, I have brand new tires and a wheel alignment. (The car was doing this before the work was done, but I thought new tires would correct it.)
My question is this: After test-driving the car, my mechanic says I need to replace the left front axle. (He advises me it can hard to tell which axle is bad, but he agrees the vibration feels strongest on left front.) It must be warped or slightly bent. That makes sense, at first. However, if it is the axle, why don’t I feel the vibration when at cruising speed as I do when accelerating around and past that speed? I recognize acceleration creates torque, a rotating force. But, if the axle is defective, wouldn’t I still feel a vibration at cruising speed from an unbalanced axle?
I have to wonder if the drive shaft itself is defective. I wanted your thoughts about what this could be and how to eliminate some variables before I pay too much.
There’s more load on drivetrain components during acceleration, so the additional stress can cause certain imbalances to manifest. If the vehicle can be raised and run in gear, it might be possible to confirm warpage or imbalance by observing the rotating shafts. I’d also check the mounts for the engine, transmission, and rear differential.
That sounds like a sign of a bad CV joint to me. I don’t know if you can only get it as a whole front axle assembly or separately. It sounds like the mechanic is on the right track. Try seeing if you get the vibration in a turn, should do it more on one side vs the other
I had a similar symptom with my car. Lots of vibration on acceleration, none coasting. Turned out that my lug nuts were loose on one wheel. Tightened them up, no more vibration.
Maybe not your issue, but worth checking for a cheap fix!
Yes, from what I am now finding online, sounds like a bad CV joint (or, CV axle?). Funny how this is my 3rd CR-V. The first two (of the earlier design) were awesome work horses. I never had an issue for 300K! This one…eh.
“CV” stands for “constant velocity” and refers to a characteristic of a type of universal joint, i.e. a joint that allows rotation to be transmitted through a bend. CV joints are encased in rubber boots that can flex with the rotation through an angle. A drive axle (sometimes called a half shaft) is composed of a shaft, an inner CV joint, and an outer CV joint.
ETA: Generally replacing the drive axle with a remanufactured assembly costs less than replacing the CV joint alone.
