Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 2, 2010 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
fs909's Avatar
Thread Starter
New User
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

Hi,

I've been having an intermittent thumping/clicking/jackhammer sound when I accelerate at speeds over about 60 mph. It only happens when I am accelerating; when I let go of the gas pedal the sound stops immediately. It sounds like something is knocking on the wheels, and I can feel the thumping through the gas pedal. Actually, when it gets really hard I can feel it throughout the car.

I've read some of the other forums, and it sounds just like this one: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/jack-hammer-noise-back-1534926/
But I don't see how it could be unbalanced tires; my steering wheel doesn't shake. The CV boots are still intact. Could this be the wheel bearings, or is it most likely an axle problem?

I'm actually on the road going from Kansas to NJ, and it's gotten worse along the way. I already stopped once for a mechanic to look at it and the axle & joints looked solid enough. He wasn't able to reproduce the problem because it seems like the knocking/thumping only begins after the cars been traveling at 60+ mph for about 30-60 minutes. Perhaps after all the parts warm up? Unfortunately since then, the knocking is getting louder and harder, and when it gets bad there's a lateral shaking as well.

Needless to say, I've stopped for the night and will be bringing it into some nearby garage tomorrow. If anyone could recommend a garage near Richmond, Indiana, that would be great too.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 11:34 AM
  #2  
JGAccorn's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville, NC, USA
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

Sounds like axle(s) to me.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 11:40 AM
  #3  
fleetw00d's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, Ohio, USA
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

Sounds like my daughter's complaint when driving home from FL for break. Axle boots looked fine, but outer right joint was siezing up. New axle fixed it.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 03:04 PM
  #4  
fs909's Avatar
Thread Starter
New User
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

I was finally able to get a couple of mechanics to look at it; turns out the main problem were the engine mounts going bad. The rubber on the front was all worn out and the fluid leaked out of the one on the side.

I'll have it changed out tomorrow, but they're suspicious that there might be another problem, so they'll test drive it again after they replace the part.

The thing is that it doesn't only lurch once when you put it into gear; it gradually increases thumping while you accelerate. I think that might be what was puzzling them. I'll post again when they figure it out.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 03:10 PM
  #5  
The(704)kid's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: charlotte
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

i had a toyota that had the same problem....thing was the mech. told me that i'd spung a bearing in the engine...

it sounded like it had a BB in the engine....and it only did it when i pushed on the gas....

a week later the engine fell apart ....

i didn't get to read much on this topic but i just wanted to have my say in it....

good luck
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 06:03 PM
  #6  
The Jar's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

If you find out what it is, please share it. I might have something similar.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 07:00 PM
  #7  
eg6_trust's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: cali
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

Look at the tie rods and the rack in pinion it seems like that could be the problem....
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2010 | 07:32 PM
  #8  
Atreidies's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default Re: thumping or jackhammer like sound during acceleration at high speeds

I once bought an auction car that had a similar issue when I drove it home the first time. 2 lug nuts on each wheel. That's right...2 on each wheel. I guess they were having a shortage that week. That's what you get for $250 I guess. My fault for not checking first though...
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozen E
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
8
Jun 12, 2022 09:23 PM
chopzticks123
Acura Integra
9
Apr 22, 2009 06:38 AM
hardparked_ehtwo
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
6
Dec 3, 2007 10:44 PM
Vtakkk
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
2
Feb 2, 2006 02:27 PM
Accord_Kid
Tech / Misc
8
Aug 25, 2003 10:45 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:38 PM.