1994 Integra RS, I have some vibration from the front end, between 20-40 mph is the worst. I've read up in the suspension forums and here, and have found some good info on what it may be, axle most likely. However I was wondering if different tires can cause this issue? I have different branded tires from left to right, so obviously different tread pattern, same size though. Oh and the wheels have been balanced, that was the first thing I tried.

Thanks for the help!

 

Bushings, wheel balance (load/road force balance instead of the older static balance), wheel/tire out of round, axle balance, bearings, and probably a few other things, can all contribute to vibration.

Why would you ever use 2 different tires on the same axle?

 

I wouldn't use 2 different tires. I just purchased this as my project car, and this is the first project I need to take care of

Thank you for the reply!

 

I would get the same tires on all four corners and see if it goes away. If not, lift the car and jerk the wheel side to side and in and out to see if there is excess play.

When was the last time you had an alignment?

 

Haven't had an alignment done yet, I don't really want to do that until I rule out anything that needs to be repaired first.

I am going to rotate the tires as soon as I can, rears are identical to one another, will update.

More good info, thanks!

 

is it lowered?

 

Nope

 

Possible trouble spots for repairs:

-axles/CV joints -- with the car on jacks, jerk the wheel in several directions, and also grab the CV joints and jerk them around. If one side is noticeably loose then something may be broken

-bushings -- visually inspect bushings, particularly on the rear trailing arm and front and rear lower control arms. If they are badly cracked or if the bolts running through them are compressed far to the bottom of the bushing, they need to be replaced.

-shocks -- look for evidence of leaks in the shocks

Try those things before you do an alignment if you are worried.

 

Thanks for the tips, this is exactly why I joined this forum! You rock!

 

OK, I swapped the rear tire to the front making the fronts the same now. Improved highway speed feel, however still vidbrates while accelerating...I attached some pics of what else I found! Driver lower motor mount is completely shot!! Looks like I'll be making a visit to Energy Suspension next. Which begs the question, does anyone recommend anyone other than Energy?

 

I don't mind a little stiffness in the suspension, but I want my engine to sit nice and loose. So I got an ITR torque mount when mine was shot. But that mount doesn't have much of a role in isolating engine vibrations so you could probably get away with a stiff aftermarket mount and not have terrible vibration. Replacing that wouldn't be a bad idea!

Your RTA bushing also looks completely shot, and your shock bushing is looking worn as well (the sway bar bushing isn't great, either, but that won't be causing your problem). Those are pretty much what my bushing looked like when I replaced them. It's also entirely possible that those are causing your vibration problems, but at the very least they are degrading your handling and probably making noise. I would start with the RTA bushing if your budget is limited, as overhauling the bushings is either very time-intensive or expensive.

 

With an ITR mount, would it be sufficient for a built motor, or would I end up upgrading it?

I'd like to say that I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw all of these bushings...But I knew it wasn't gonna be pretty! Gotta love projects!

 

LOL, I wonder why you have a vibration????

I have Energy bushings all the way around, motor mounts are all stock, [94 Integra RS] but in good shape. I am very happly with the Energy HyperFlex Master Kit I got, seems to be doing the job very well, I will probably get the Motor Mount Inserts Set this winter. 94