2003 Honda Pilot bouncing vibration

2003 HONDA PILOT
157,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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RONMAYS
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  • 1 POST
My Pilot has developed a vibration in the front end. This has gradually gotten worse over the last two years. It doesn't occur every time we drive it but often; about 1/3 of the time. It begins as the vehicle accelerates normally from a standstill up to cruise. It starts about 25-35 mph and lasts about 4-5 seconds. It feels and sounds exactly like the front tires are rolling over rumble strips in the road. The front tires bob up and down and the steering wheel shakes up and down. It stops if I let up on the gas.

What could this be?
Jul 6, 2009 at 10:44 AM
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RACEFAN966
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok I would be doing some checking to see what is loose. I would check the front drive axles and front drive line ujoints. I would check the tires them selves have them rotated if needed to see if it moves to the rear if so it is a bad tire. I would check ball joints and front struts and front end bushing too. Can you tell what side it is coming from? I would first have the front tires checked and ballanced then rotate them see if moves this will eliminate it being a tire issure. Let me know how it goes.
Jul 7, 2009 at 2:39 AM
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JILL6624
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  • 1 POST
Have you figured it out yet, mine does the same exact thing?
Sep 21, 2009 at 2:17 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi jill6624,

If you have not done anything yet, I would suggest checking the drive trains.

The symptoms seems to indicate imbalance in the drive axles. Check the propeller shaft U joints and CV shaft inboard joints. Lack of lubrication and wear would cause the problem described.
Sep 21, 2009 at 4:42 PM
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HONDA TECH 1818
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 536 POSTS
Maybe engine hesitation or surging under light acceleration, the engine will hesitates or surging around 30-60mph if you have a faulty EGR valve.
Oct 29, 2009 at 11:38 AM
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OLIVEHEADS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
[quote:00447ae1bc="jill6624"]Have you figured it out yet, mine does the same exact thing?[/quote:00447ae1bc]

Ours is too. 2004 Pilot..... anyone having any luck out there with some shudder type jerking or wind sounds coming from the engine? Sounds very simliar to the April 04 recall, but I can't find any help?

Thanks,
Oliveheads
Nov 3, 2009 at 12:41 PM
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