Strange vibration when holding at 50 MPH?

2003 HONDA CRV
136,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
When holding at 50mph in top gear, 2k rpms, there is a shudder as if you're driving over a washboard road. I think it's up front but can't be sure. Inspected all 4-wheel bearings and suspension and steering components. Driveshaft U joints are okay. Right side CV axle has very slight play. In all other gears holding at 2k there is no vibration. If you accelerate quickly from a stop the transmission shifts fine, albeit high rpms, 7k-8k well into redline, and the engine sounds strong with no loss of power or vibration. When it occurs if you let off or accelerate slightly it goes away. I had another 2003 CRV that had a similar issue, but the left side inner CV boot was torn, and grease had leaked out. Never repaired it. I've heard this is usually the right CV axle and a common problem with aftermarket axles. The only suspension components in question are the rear end links but I don't believe they're the cause.
Jul 2, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Hey Jeff,

How are you doing? Yes, the CV axle might cause this, but I would service the transmission and rotate the tires front to rear. Usually when the CV axles go bad, they will cause a vibration when accelerating only. The shutter sounds like the TCC is not holding like it should so fluid dump and fill should help it.

Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Here is how the job is done for your car. Always use Honda ATF DW-1 (ATF-Z1 has been replaced with ATF DW-1, Honda Service News Nov 2010) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Jul 2, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Thank you. So, this transmission has no filter. Simple drain and refill. In the photo what is bolt B just out of curiosity?
Jul 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Has anyone ever used ShudderStop in one of these transmissions?
Jul 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Changed fluid, rotated tires and still have the same vibration at 50 MPH, 2,000 RPMs when holding steady. 100 RPMs either direction and it disappears.
Jul 3, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Okay, let's run the codes to see if any are stored?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Jul 4, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
No codes present, it had several O2 codes, cat code before repairing a severely torn intake hose. Codes were cleared and remain clear. I was thinking of disconnecting the driveshaft just to isolate the problem.
Jul 5, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
It can be the transfer case that is having an issue. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Jul 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
I disconnected the driveshaft, and the same vibration occurred at 50mph ,2k rpms, except it was worse. Rechecked rear end. Minimal movement in transfer case mount. At a complete loss?
Jul 9, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Did you try rotating the tires front to rear? Also, I have seem worn out lower ball joints cause this as well, I would check them.
Jul 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
I did rotate the tires and ball joints seemed fine. Only vibrates at specific speed and rpm.
Jul 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Okay, when the car is vibrating put the car in neutral and see if the vibration is still there?
Jul 10, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Shifting into neutral or 2 the vibration disappears. Are we suspecting the transmission or something else?
Jul 15, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
I have seen a bent piston rod cause a vibration at a particular RPM, while in neutral can you rev the engine to the RPM that it vibrates at on the road to see if it will do it while not moving?
Jul 16, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
It only does it in high gear at 2k rpm @50mph. 2k rpm any other gear it's fine. Next time I'm by the vehicle I can try but the engine sounds very good. Just to be clear 2k in neutral?
Jul 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Yes, rev the engine is see if you can feel the vibration.
Jul 17, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Avatar
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Funny thing, I have a friend with another 2003 CRV with 328k miles on it and he was mentioning a similar issue. I drove the car and the same vibration at 50mph and 2k rpm happens. I checked the car in park and no vibration at all. Reved to 4500 rpms. Is there a difference checking it in neutral? I can ask the other owner to do that.
Jul 19, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,189 POSTS
Yes, this can help isolate the engine from the vibration problem.
Jul 20, 2025 at 10:11 AM