So I had my friend with lots of axle experience replace both front axles with new Napa abs 5 speed for my 94 Accord wagon EX. It has been lowered for about 2 years and always ran smooth and straight on the original axles. Now there is heavy vibration at 25-40 mph and at higher rpms.

I have read through all the posts I could find on here and see lots of people have had issues with non-Honda axles. My car is very low, but as I said handled great. Was it just smooth because everything was so worn out it didn't complain? I really don't want to raise my car. Should I expect different results having him exchange the axles and try again?

 

You'll be hard pressed to find parts store axles that work well at that height. Honda axles work better. Try to find a used set on eBay in good condition. Or buy performance aftermarket.

Did the shaking start after replacing JUST the axles? Why'd you change them?

Any chance your buddy damaged a ball joint/tie rod, or bushing or some other suspension part....? Did you clock all your bushings to that ride height, or just let them tear apart?

 

It handled great before the old-broken axles were replaced. They basically fell out and fell apart when the were removed. One was visibly worn out from under the car, but they were both obviously shot when taken off the vehicle. The power steering pump was replaced at the same time.

My buddy said everything else looked good, not sure what clocking the bushings means, though.

 

It means that the bushing bolts need to be loosened and then re-tightened at the new ride height.

If that wasn't done...with how low that car is....ouch. RIP your bushings.

I think your vibration issue *for now* is more likely because you're using parts store axles on a car that's very low.

 

The car has been lowered for 2 years on axles that were old and worn out. Ran so smooth. I had a local shop do it and I am guessing they adjusted everything right because how nice it handled. Recently, my friend replaced the axles and we did not lower the car any more. He re-installed and checked his work. Exchanged the axles and had him do it again. Shake is still there but not as disgusting as with previous axles. It just bothers me because how smooth it was. I would drive my Integra (with a tiny dent in one wheel) and then get into my wagon and think, yeah this is nice. Now, just getting enough RPM's to shift into second gear in my wagon, I wish I was driving my Integra.

 

Also check ball joints that may have been damaged during the install. Or bushings that have been torn...but are now acting up from all the disassembly and re-assembly. Or maybe the axles were pulled on during the install and were temporarily seperated or damaged.

The fact that it only shakes on acceleration points to an axle issue. Maybe a motor mount.

And...as I've said....you might want to try a set of used OEM axles.

 

After driving it a couple more times before hiding it in the garage so I don't have to look at it....... I am reminded of my 88 Prelude I had in high school. My dad loaned me money to get it and was pissed because it seemed fine test driving and then we noticed a vibration at around 25 and then at 45 mph driving it home. A shop diagnosed it as a CV joint and replaced it. They did not charge us for labor because it did not fix the problem and they were stumped. Drove for a year or two. Took it to another shop for different reasons and they diagnosed it as cv joints also. They replaced them and it seemed like it was fairly cheap (I could afford it with my part time job in high school). Totally fixed the problem. The Prelude was totally stock other than 17" wheels but felt very similar to what my wagon is doing. Maybe OEM cv joints is the solution?

My friend who was with me when I got the second set of new "Napa upgraded" axles swear they are great axles and couldn't be the problem. He's not the guy who did the work for me and has no reason for bias. He thinks it could be steering rack or wheel bearings or a couple other things. I am just stuck on the fact that it didn't do it with broken axles. Problem was not there. Axles were replaced. Problem. Put in different heavier duty axles. Problem still there, but only half as bad. Has to be the axles. Would I be stupid to keep these axles? (got a really good deal cause friend used to work at Napa and also uses a dealership he used to work at's account to get parts super cheap). I think I got them for near half price. Would it make sense to keep the new axles and replace cv's with Honda oem?

I wonder if I should take it to an alignment shop and if they can give me advice. I know its not alignment because everything seems fine in neutral.

 

Don't forget where you's heard it first.

 

Thanks man. You seem to be the only person who wants me to go about this logically. Appreciated.

 

Post back on how it worked out if you decided to give it a shot, bud!

 

Haven't had any luck searching. Found one side on ebay from a smashed Accord EX ABS Manual with unknown mileage. Most wrecked cars are damaged in the front and have lotsa miles. Wouldn't seem like good odds considering mine needed replacement without major front end damage. I guess I just need to find a nice Accord in a parking lot and say "Hey I have some brand new axles that run like **** in my car but should be fine in yours. Wanna trade?"

I shouldn't have any trouble exchanging the axles as long as I find another set soon, but I have a hard time pulling the trigger buying something used that commonly wears out. I could take a set from an Accord with 95,000 miles that had the axles replaced with NAPA axles for all I know. I guess my lack of knowledge and time is the real problem.

Really appreciate your help B serious. Hopefully after Christmas chaos is all over I will have some more time to look. Its funny rather than driving my Integra and thinking, man I should just always drive this its so much nicer, I get in and think, man I wish I had the time and resources to make the wagon this nice.

 

no problem, man.

Do Prelude axles work? Or any JDM model accord axles?