I have a 2005 5-Speed Honda Element with 220,000 kms. There is a noticeable vibration on acceleration in 1st through 3rd gears (most noticeable in first gear at 3/4 to full throttle). More noticable when turning left or right. All motor and transmission mounts are good, as are the ball joints, tie rod ends and struts. Right axle/jack shaft bearing is good with no crack in the housing. No noises such as popping or clicking on turning either way. New tires are balanced on the aluminum OEM 5-spoke rims. Its had this problem since I bought the car in the summer on a private sale. I replaced the right CV axle (which was an old aftermarket unit) with a good OEM Honda Element axle from a scrap yard. Both inboard and outbard joints worked smoothly. No improvement after instaling. I then replaced the left CV axle with a new GSP aftermarket axle since left OEM Element CV axles are much harder to find. No improvement and in fact it seemed to make matters worse so I put my old one back in which is a remanufactured OEM Honda CV axle. While I had the old axle out I tested both inboard and outboard joints.The inboard joint seemed good with no slop but the outboard joint had stiff and loose positions. I regreased the outboard cv joint and reinstalled. Minor improvement but vibraton issue is still there. What is wrong? Inbord or outboard cv joints? New OEM Honda cv axles here in Canada are horrendously expensive. Raxles has a good product but but over $600CDN. Looking for an affordable solution.
I know the other events more often such vibration problems are related to Worn motor and or transmission mounts
Would you know if aftermarket cv axles are the cause of vibrations when accelerating? What are your thoughts on the Cardone brand? Thanks.
Cardone used to be good years ago but these days they have a poor reputation. If Raxles makes axles for your car those are top shelf.
I have loads of experience with the Awesome Element! I have been through it all with my 2003 EX Fwd Automatic. I had a vibration under acceleration mostly felt in second gear around 20 mph. I too checked the mounts and they were fine. I then looked into the axles, and found a whole bunch of complaints about every aftermarket axle except Raxles. I even contacted them about pricing. Here is their response, “
Thank you for your inquiry Andrew! The axles for your 2003 Element are $299.95 (W/OEM trade-ins) $379.95 (No/OEM trade-ins)per side. We have them in stock. Please keep in mind when comparing prices that at Raxles we use NEW joints on all of our axles. (An industry exclusive)(See our website https://www.raxles.com/noregrind.aspx for further elaboration on this important fact). We build these out of HD NEW components using Amsoil synthetic grease, new nuts, Harmonic Vibration Dampeners!, and the BEST CV boots. We charge no core charge "up front" and we include a UPS ARS pre-paid return label with your order. Let me know if I can be of help!
Marty”
I then checked out OEM axles and found a cheap place to buy them. The website is https://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/v-2003-honda-element-5-door--ex-2wd--4-speed-automatic/chassis--driveshaft-half-shaft.
I recommend buying from here. I bought both the passenger and driver side with OEM axles, and no more vibration!
I hope this helps!
Hey thanks for your response from Raxles - it reads nearly identical to the response I got when I asked them myself. Shipping and duty just add to an overly expensive option. That website link to Honda Automotive Parts does not work. Currently I have a collection of used OEM axles from both eBay and local scrap yards. Seems to be a solution but not an easy one. I'm located in Canada so lots of rust and unfortunately, it happens under the harmonic balancer which eventually erodes away too much of the axle shaft and causes failure.