Hope someone can help...

I have a 2005 Automatic with Navi. A-Spec Kit only, no suspension (no shocks or springs upgrade). 18x8 Enkei EKM3. Powerslot and Hawks Pads

1.) I recently got new rims and tires. When I first had them on, two problems existed. The steering wheel was shaking once I reach 60mph/100km and above. I soon found out that it was wheel balance and had the garage balanced again and it was fixed since. Second problem after the new rims/tires is that there is a "woowoowoo" sound in medium frequency whenever the car accelerates at slow speed. The sound doesn't increase as the car moves faster, brake, or cruising. I've read the forums, and answers are all across the board from "some tires are like that (Falken 912)", "could be wheel bearing", "CV joints or Axies" etc. Can anyone here narrow it down? If you have anything else to suspect, do ask.

2.) Second problem I have, not sure if it is related to the first one, is that whenever I turn my steering wheel at really slow speeds (ie: parking lots), I get a very light "pop/knock" sound. Aside from the sound, the steering seems to be perfectly fine.

3.) I couldn't find any help on this...but how can I replace the compartment light (glove box) and also the light in the compartment underneath the console?

Thanks!

 

I can help you with number 1.

If your car is making a certain sound while accelerating, it can't be your tires/wheels, as those aren't effected by acceleration forces. Some noisy tires make these sounds as they age, but they make them ALL the time, whether you are accelerating or not.

I would look into CV joints/wheel bearing, etc.

 

Your problems 1 and 2 might actually be one and the same. Normally when you get a popping or clicking sound when turning the wheel on a front drive car its CV joints. If you can get up under the car, or at least poke your head under it, I'd check the CV boots for rips. The CV boots are the black rubber coverings over the axle right behind the brake rotors. If they're ripped there's a good chance the grease that's packed into the CV joint has been slung out and there's no lubrication. This would cause the noise you're reporting in problem 1. The clicking noise reported in problem 2 is caused by the joints wearing down over time. This is accelerated when the grease is gone.

I don't know if this is still true or not, but Hondas used to be notorious for having weak CV joints. I had them replaced in my Accord once soon after I got it (it was old, but it only had 100k miles) and they were clicking again when I gave it to my Dad 76k miles later. And my experience was pretty typical.

 

I heard about a reputation of weak CV joints as well. For a while there, I thought I needed them in my old Prelude. The dealer tried to convince me I needed it (even though I had no symptoms), and they were never able to. I didn't replace them, and the car was fine.

I agree with litesout. Your problem 1 and 2 are most likely related. The CV boots are prone to failure, and a failure would produce the issues you are seeing. Get that checked out, driving on it will only make it worse.