2004 Honda Accord Car Vibration

Hi gaussian528,

Problem most likely to be caused by unbalanced CV inner joints. Check inner joints for excessive side play.

Check for torn rubber boots and lack of lubrication.

I noticed that the passenger side axle (inner) has a little play in it. I compared the amount of play from the driver to the passenger. The driver side has no play while the passenger side has movement. Does that mean I just need to replace the axle or remove the axle and try to reseat? My thinking is that if I try to reseat it, I will have problems again....Am I right?

If the inner joints are worn, reseating would not help. A replacement is required but if the joint is stiff due to lack of lubricants, servicing it might work, provided the inner walls of the joints are not worn..

A slight amount of play where the joint plugs into the trans is acceptable but there must be no play between the shaft and inner joint.

Ok. I can literally shake the entire shaft and get movement. When I do the same on the driver side...no movement at all.

You must note if it is from within the shaft or between the shaft and trans.

If it is between shaft and trans, you could have a bad differential

I wish I could visually see what you're explaining. How does the differential go bad? Could it be from replacing the drive axle? When I got underneath the car, I placed my hand on the CV joint, wiggled it to see if there was any play and noticed there was play in it. On a scale of 0 - 5 (0 being no play at all), it is between 1 - 1.5. I placed my hand on the same component on the driver side and there was no play at all. Is there a better way to test or should I just take it in to get a better diagnosis. Are there any other signs of the differential going bad?

With onehand holding the joint, use the other hand to shake the shaft. Do you have any movement?

Minimal movement of the CV joint within the differential is acceptable.

Differentials do not go bad when replacing the CV joints. It is due to wear and tear or manufacturing.