Hi, a few days back my 96 accord started to sound more like Tatatatata...... (less soft and smooth)and a bit more shaky while at the lights. Has anything gone wrong with the engine? My friend has the same model but his is standard trans, he claimed the car has the same type of sound. Do I need a tune up? timing belt? blown head gasket? Please help me out, I am planning a 3000 km trip in a month.

Another thing, I did feel the steering wheel shaky when driving around 100 kms/hr. Probably need wheels and front brakes balanced?

Thanks in Advance!

 

Wheel balance for the shaking, unless it happens mostly under braking.

The sound could be valve lifters or leaking exhaust manifold gasket. Either of those is much less $eriou$ than a headgasket, so check them out. Have someone start the car while you listen up front to pinpoint the location of the sound.