Hey, Im new. I have a 00' Accord EX 4dr. 4cyl, 5spd.

I have a couple questions I havent been able to figure out yet.

1) When driving, when the car hits normal operating temperature (as it appears on the temp gauge), there is a roughly 1 second hesitation (no matter what rpms or throttle position), then it's normal from there on out. It almost seems like the ecu is switching between 2 fuel maps and there is some lag time between them or something. It has done this since I bought the car. Does anybody know what causes this?

2) I need to replace my struts. Im not planning on lowering it, but I want something with better than stock handling. Would you recommend the GR2s, Tokico HP, or something else? For an otherwise stock suspension (I do plan to put on some better sway bars later), would I see a big difference by going up to the AGX?

3) Im about to replace my TB. Do I need to replace the water pump at the same time? Anything else while Im in there?

4) My car seems to be eating tires. They start feathering after ~5k miles. Whats up? Do I need an alignment, or are worn out struts the cause?

Sorry for all the newbie questions.
TIA!
Dave

 

Koni Reds are excellent for an otherwise stock suspension. It is recommended that you replace the waterpump when you do the belt. Take you car to an alignment shop and have them check your alignment. You'll need an alignment after you replace your struts.

 

Ok, so that answers all but #1.
Anybody ever heard of that? Did I explain it well enough?

And anybody have any other suggestions for Struts? Is it Koni Reds or bust? BTW, how much are the Reds?

 

On the alignment, if you want to, you can check different tire places for lifetime alignments. I paid maybe $110 for a lifetime alignment on my Accord at a Firestone store a couple of years ago, though I haven't been back for a followup. If you do this, you could get an alignment now, and after you have the struts replaced (though they may require that you go at least 5,000 miles or so between "free" alignments).

As for the hesitation, no idea.

And yes, change the water pump while you are doing the timing belt.

I've got a '99 LX sedan 5-speed, close to yours, it's a fun car to drive.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Heat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've got a '99 LX sedan 5-speed, close to yours, it's a fun car to drive.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Mine is not. In fact I hate driving it as it is right now.
Im real tired of the enormous amount of body roll, and the roar of the feathered tires.
I plan to change that.

 

Strange, my body roll is minimal, a very sporty feel (stock suspension).

And my tire noise is minimal, though our cars are notorious for loud wind noise when the windows are down.

What tires are you using? If you are using the tires that came with it, Michelin MXV4 plus', you might consider a different one. I use Michelin Radial X's from Sam's Club, seemingly less road noise, and definately better traction on ice and snow (which was my main beef with the MXV4 pluses).

 

If there is any sort of "imperfection" in the shape of the rim then it could cause your tires to feather but after I would think that it would happen sooner that 5k miles. If you have hit any major pot holes or a curb maybe, that could have done enough to cause a bit of a mis-shapen rim. You would have had to hit it quite hard to do that to stock tires and rims though. Try alignment after you get your struts replaced, that might take care of it. Sorry I couldnt help more. GL

 

Rims are fine. I had the car aligned a year ago, but the feathering never stopped.
I think the struts may be a large part of the cause. I'll replace those, and get an alignment.


It looks like the AGX isnt available on the 98-02 Accords, so then its kindof down to the Tokiko HP or the Koni Reds. There is $100 difference between them. Are the reds worth the extra money?


Oh, and currently Im running BigO Touring tires (came w/ the car). 2 are new, 2 need replacing. I got the new ones thanks to nails and a free replacement warranty.


Oh, and last question. I've been getting estimates for a WP and TB, and they've been ranging from $380 - $550. Would you say thats in the right price range? What should I expect?

Thanks again!
Dave

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DrummerDaveB &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh, and last question. I've been getting estimates for a WP and TB, and they've been ranging from $380 - $550. Would you say thats in the right price range? What should I expect?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats probably about right for the cost to do that job. Although I've never paid to have someone do it for me so I'm not real sure.

Do you feel comfortable doing a job like this yourself? If so, you can save yourself some money right there. I just helped a fellow H-T member do his timing belt and water pump along with some other parts. I took some pictures and will be doing a write-up showing how we got the crankpulley bolt loose and some other parts of the job that people seem to have trouble with. I should have that ready within a week or so when I get some time to write it out and download the pictures.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DrummerDaveB &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey, Im new. I have a 00' Accord EX 4dr. 4cyl, 5spd.

I have a couple questions I havent been able to figure out yet.

2) I need to replace my struts. Im not planning on lowering it, but I want something with better than stock handling. Would you recommend the GR2s, Tokico HP, or something else? For an otherwise stock suspension (I do plan to put on some better sway bars later), would I see a big difference by going up to the AGX?

3) Im about to replace my TB. Do I need to replace the water pump at the same time? Anything else while Im in there?

4) My car seems to be eating tires. They start feathering after ~5k miles. Whats up? Do I need an alignment, or are worn out struts the cause?

Sorry for all the newbie questions.
TIA!
Dave</TD></TR></TABLE>

For struts.. monroe sensitrac's are a nice OE replacement. If you're not planning on lowering the car, I would go with those.

As for your timing belt job, while you're in there....
timing belt, balance shaft belt, water pump, crank seal, cam seal, balance shaft seal, tb tensioner, valve cover gasket, valve adjustment.

As far as your tires chopping, a blown strut can cause some wear, but I would look more at your alignment than anything.

FYI - replacing struts does not constitute a need for an alignment on your accord. whoever said that was mistaken. how do I know ? because I do alignments on my Hunter machine everyday.

 

I could do the timing belt myself, but could and want are different things.
I dont really have the time, and risking smashing my valves into my pistons if I screw up isnt something Im willing to risk.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Escobar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
For struts.. monroe sensitrac's are a nice OE replacement. If you're not planning on lowering the car, I would go with those.

As for your timing belt job, while you're in there....
timing belt, balance shaft belt, water pump, crank seal, cam seal, balance shaft seal, tb tensioner, valve cover gasket, valve adjustment.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I dont really want an OE (style) replacement, or I'd just get OE.
If the monroe's will give me good handling, then I'll add them to my list.

Id like something that can handle, because, although Im not lowering it, I do corner as hard as my vehicle will let me quite often. I would like to help my vehicle to corner harder, but just w/out lowering it, and w/out killing my wallet (ie going w/ Koni Yellows). Times are tight.

Hmm . . . all that stuff sounds expensive. I think I'll do that on my next timing belt change.

Actually, you mentioning the valve adjustment made me think.
The valves have started clattering (I hear it at idle) a bit more lately. I seafoamed it, so I dont think its carbon buildup. Maybe they need adjusted?
How much would that one run me? Or is it something I could do myself?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DrummerDaveB &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I dont really want an OE (style) replacement, or I'd just get OE.
If the monroe's will give me good handling, then I'll add them to my list.

Hmm . . . all that stuff sounds expensive. I think I'll do that on my next timing belt change.

Actually, you mentioning the valve adjustment made me think.
The valves have started clattering (I hear it at idle) a bit more lately. I seafoamed it, so I dont think its carbon buildup. Maybe they need adjusted?
How much would that one run me? Or is it something I could do myself?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sensatrac's are monroe's flagship self-adjusting shock. They are much better than OE but have an OE price. I know because I sell them at my shop. Check them out online if you want more information (website).

"All that stuff" you're talking about is everything that I would change when doing a timing belt. It's ALL right there when you're doing the belt swap. You would be foolish not to. But hey, it's your car....

You can do anything yerself if you have the right tools.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Escobar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
"All that stuff" you're talking about is everything that I would change when doing a timing belt. It's ALL right there when you're doing the belt swap. You would be foolish not to. But hey, it's your car....

You can do anything yerself if you have the right tools.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree. When we did that timing belt job over the weekend, the guy wasn't having any problems with the water pump but when we removed it you could feel it had some resistance and was sqeaking very very slightly. It was time to be replaced and if it was left until the next time it wouldn't have maid it. But it's all up to you.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I agree. When we did that timing belt job over the weekend, the guy wasn't having any problems with the water pump but when we removed it you could feel it had some resistance and was sqeaking very very slightly. It was time to be replaced and if it was left until the next time it wouldn't have maid it. But it's all up to you.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, well, I am doing the water pump. Thats a given at this point. I actually found an estimate from a shop for $225 w/honda parts & labor, which is great. So, I am probably going to get the valve adjustment too. Now as far as the tensioner and balance shaft belt, seals, etc goes, I will have the shop replace them if they need it. I dont want to throw money away, and I dont want the shop to "fix it until it's broke". Maybe that makes me foolish, or maybe that just means I dont have unlimited funds to dump into it at this point in time. I have other things to pay for like a mortgage and tuition, and car insurance, all of which are hitting me at once.


But anyway, are you saying then, that the sensatracs are going to be as good as say, the Tokico HP's? Im leaning in that direction at this point. I'd guess the Monroe's are cheaper, and if they are as good, then its a no brainer. But is that what you guys are saying? The Tokico's have a lifetime warranty, correct? Can the Monroe compare?
I just want the best I can get for the money Im going to be spending. I cant buy the best, so I just want to know what is regarded as the best of the midgrade struts.

 

Thats sounds like a good deal.

I understand not having "unlimited funds" to dump into the car as I'm sure others do too. But if you want your car to last and run good then you need to take care of it. It's just one of those things you need to budget in. It sucks sometimes but we all have to do it. Everything I do on my car is on a budget, so I know where your coming from. But if something, especially a timing belt, is up for replacement I'm not going to try and strech it I'm going to budget it in and replace it. Cause with my luck that thing is going to break and bend the valve and that.

Speaking of which, I need to order my parts so I can do my timing belt, water pump, ect. to my Civic.