Steering Wheel vibration - 2005 CR-V LX 4WD

We just got the 2005 CR-V LX 4WD. First day in it was back in the shop
-- for tire balancing and alignment (steering wheel was shaking at
55+mph and the car had a strong pull to the right).

This was addressed, so there is no pull...

Vibration, however, persists -- this one is not due tires being out of
balance. It seems to be coming from the road feedback. It is most
noticeable at 60+ mph (highway driving), to the point where ones hands
get tired of feeling this constant hum.. The car also feels very
jittery on the road -- almost to the point where it is too much work...

We took an EX out for a test drive -- granted, it has leather steering
wheels, different disks (alloy) and different tires. It holds the road
a bit better (less "agitation"), but the humming from the steering
wheel is still there.

I am used to driving bigger SUVs and never had a problem with this much
road noise. To me, a brand new car should be smooth... Tire pressure
verified -- 32 psi on all tires. No dirt, fairly smooth pavements
(figure, at 100 miles round trip per day, we cover all highway types).

Is this something other people experienced? Is this worth investigating
further with the dealer or is this just "the way it is?" Almost at the
point of just returning the car and getting an Accord with traction
control......

Thank you in advance!!!

 

I think it's someting you are going to have to get used too.

What were you doing when you test drove the car,( EX).. why did you not
drive the model you bought?

I think alot of people that test drive don't pay attention, there excited
about the new ride, there fiddleing with the sound system, talking to there
passengers.

Let a couple of lbs of air out of the tires and see if there's a difference.

Last option upgrade tires and steering wheel,some tire stores will sell you
tires, if your not satified exchange them, if you go that route let some one
at the tire store drive your car before buying a different set of tires. I
think that after a month you won't notice the hum.

Tom

 

Tom,

The test drive of the EX came after the test drive of the LX And the
purchase of the LX -- to see if this is a problem inherent to the car
line rather than to the specific vehicle.

Since it persisted, this is when we came to the conclusion that it is
something more globally spread.

As for fiddling with the controls, we test drove the LX twice, for
about 10 miles each time. Stereo was the last of our concerns, so no
comment there...

This is NOT something we are going to have to get used to, as it is
clearly a problem, and getting used to is settling, which is not a
solution.

While underinflating the tires might help some with the problem, the
question is whether it is in the design of the vehicle, engine mount
and the suspension that causes this to happen.

 

No, this is not something you should 'get used to.' The dealer may have
balanced the wheels/tires but that doesn't mean they're correct. Have them
rotate them according to the owners manual and test drive. If problem goes
away there is something with the previously front wheels at fault, if not,
each wheel/tire assembly needs to be checked for lateral (side-to-side) and
radial (egg-shaped) runout. If they pass that test, the hubs, driveshafts,
and other steering/suspension parts need inspected. If the problem isn't
fixed or the dealer is blowing you off, contact your state Attorney General,
that will get a rapid response from Honda.

 

I agree with the people that told you that this is a problem that you will
have to get used to if you plan to keep the vehicle. If you place
different tires on the car--after the tires on it are worn and need to be
replaced--with tires that are NOT designed for off road use or as "snow
tires"--the problem that you are having might go away or at least be
reduced. I once lived in Virginia. During one winter, I placed snow tires
on my my Chevy Nova. The tires made a loud buzzing noise and caused
steering wheel vibration during high speeds. When the winter was over, I
replaced the tires with regular tires and the buzzing noise and steering
wheel vibration problems went away. Needless to say, I don't like snow
tires.

 

I just bought a 2005 Honda Accord LX and it has the very same problem.
Steering wheel vibrates at 2000 rpm or about 60 mph. Brought it back to
dealer and they said it had 2 bad tires. They replaced the 2 and balanced
all tires. It still vibrates. Brought it back a 3rd time and was told the
car runs exactly the same as other new 4-cyl Accords on their lot. Dealer
agrees it vibrates; but says there is nothing 'wrong' with it, as it runs
just like the others. Service manager at first blamed tires flat spotting
due to cold weather, now blames the 4 cyl engine. I think it is a problem
that Honda needs to address.
I saw something on the internet about a service bulletin and will pursue
Honda for resolution.
Let me know how you make out. I've only had the car for a month, it has
2500 miles or so.

 

Likewise, if you discover anything in your communications with the
dealer or in the service bulletins, please let me know as well.

I will keep my eyes open as well...

It should not be like that

 

Yet another example of poor Honda workmanship. The quality that Honda
once had is gone now that they have to produce quantity. General
Motors on the other hand is able to produce very high quality cars.
Well, at least you don't have the trannie problem. I would NEVER BUY
ANOTHER HONDA!!