2006 Honda Accord SE 5 speed 120,000+ miles

In the last few months I've noticed a vibration in 2nd gear once I get to about 3,000 RPM. The vibration DOES NOT seem to happen in neutral, and I mostly notice it in 2nd gear. After some reading, I've come across other people with similar problems, some of the possible causes could be: bad center bearing, engine mounts, transmission fluid...

Anybody have suggestions on where to start? If the mounts are bad, should the whole engine shake if i gun it in neutral? Or does it need to be in gear? Should I change the transmission fluid? (I assume this is the cheapest procedure out of the three above, so maybe a good place to start?) Even though I have a trustworthy mechanic, I'm worried about taking it in without knowing what is wrong. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!

 

Also, when I got the alignment done after a new set of tires, I was told I need a camber kit to completely finish the alignment, but they acted like it shouldn't be a huge deal. I'm assuming this isn't causing such a significant vibration, but I guess I shouldn't rule it out

Also, the car came with a cold air intake which I have never touched. Should I be cleaning/ replacing this?

 

unlikely it's the mounts, trans fluid or alignment issues...more than likely it is related to your axle(s) the inner joints are known to have issues. could also be other worn out suspension components, but have the axles checked...and if somebody says, "the C.V. boots aren't split so they're ok" it doesn't matter, the joints can still go bad.

 

Thanks so much. When it's freezing outside I hear a loud clicking noise when turning, especially before my car warms up. I've ignored it lately as it hasn't been cold out and isn't Making that noise, but that seems to support the bad axle claim. If this does end up being the problem, should I replace the whole axle rather thank just the joint?

 

yes, figure out which axle and replace the whole assembly. you'll get as many opinions on which kind and where to get them from many members. Cardone makes a new axle for about 50 bucks.

 

Something tells me there is a TSB about a bearing in the trans on these manuals???? Wish I had a better memory.

Start with the CV Shaft. I think the bearing issue might have been under a recall. Need to do some searching.

 

Had my friend's dad check it out, he agrees its the CV joint, just isnt sure which side without getting it on the lift. Called a local shop, and they want $250 for one side, seems a little high doesn't it? I guess I should convince my friends dad to help me do it for $60

 

Update: the problem was the right axle. My mechanic had a hard time figuring out which side, so he order both parts. He decided to try the right side first and lucked out. $200 including labor