Ok so here's the situation. Whenever I gas it around 40-60mph, the steering wheel shakes violently. after 60mph, its not as bad and around 75mph, I don't really notice it anymore. It feels like the front wheels are about to fall off or something though during the 45mph+

Here's the facts:
- Its a 2002 Civic SI
- Has stock shocks with Eibach Pro Kit Springs. (so suspension was tampered with)
- This condition has happened on 3 different sets of wheels (determined it is NOT a tire balance problem) and it didn't feel as bad once I went from 15" wheels/tires to 16s.
- Carfax determined it wasn't in an accident (yeah I know its not full proof, but at least I know it didn't get crazy f-ed up or anything)

I went to a mechanic today. He first put the car on a lift, then told me to drive it (in the air) to 40mph. From that, he determined its not a wheel alignment problem, but a tire problem. I told him how its been happening on 3 different sets of wheels so thats impossible. Then he drove it and determined its not a tire or wheel alignment problem, but possible a problem with the axle or transmission. He thinks I bought a lemon and the car was probably in a major accident.

What do you guys think?

edit: Just checked my front motor mount. Is it broken?





Modified by SkoundrelUSA at 10:45 PM 8/19/2008

 

Check the suspension for any worn parts, also check the axles/drivetrain.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC5Tuner &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Check the suspension for any worn parts, also check the axles/drivetrain.</TD></TR></TABLE>

suspension looks fine, tie rods, ball joints and all look ok too.

I tried jiggling the axle and its slightly loose but i can't tell if its really loose or just like that, because I remember on my 94 Civic the axles had about the same amount of play in them. I'm not sure.

 

Yes it does look like your motor mount is broken.

Sorry to share your post like this but your problem sounds like mine. My problem however is on a 05 Rsx type s. I took of my aftermarket rims and put the oem rims and the shaking got worst. Probably because the tires were already worn on the aftermarket set. Anyways my car doesn't stop shaking at all once I'm driving. I'm the original owner and I know the car has never been in an accident. Last week i lifted the car and took off the wheels. I started the car and noticed that my rotors looked like they were warped. Not only that my axles looked like they weren't really straight. So maybe the warped rotors messed up my axles or vice versa.

So if you got a chance lift your car and take a look at it like i did that way maybe we can figure this one out.

p.s also my transmission grinds in 3rd gear so maybe that caused my axles to go off balance somehow idk.


Modified by guysensei at 12:37 AM 8/21/2008

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by guysensei &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">p.s also my transmission grinds in 3rd gear so maybe that caused my axles to go off balance somehow idk.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sig material right there folks.

I doubt a broken motor mount would cause "violent shaking" like you said, but it wouldn't hurt to replace them. And if you're wondering whether or not you need an alignment....here's a good idea: PUT IT ON AN ALIGNMENT RACK and get the specs. See if it's in spec. Most shops do this for free.