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2008 Type S 6MT 120,374. On Tein Flex Z's. Modest drop, not slammed by any means.
While accelerating from a stop and going from 1st to 2nd gear, 2nd gear will produce a vibration/shudder. It's very short and I wanna say in the 20-30 mph range. I do not seem to have this going from 2nd to 3rd. Down shifting to 2nd does not produce this either, or does any other gear. I have read some other threads on this very topic and the general consensus is either axles or engine mounts. With that mileage is that typical? And if so what (if you had to guess) would likely be the first culprit? Alignment is fine, tires are fine as well. Clutch feels fine. I eyeballed the passenger side mount and quite frankly it looks pretty damn good. Heard it could be the rear though. Any info/tips would be great. Or is this just a reflection of being "lowered"
Also if it happens to be an axle I'd just replace both of them. Are -
I have 44306-SEP-A02 on the shelf, however 44305-SEP-A02 is currently backordered with no available ETA. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.
Tim
Acura of Peoria www.oemacuraparts.com
I don't know what to do really...I do know I don't wanna raise the car. It's not a daily driver and honestly it maybe gets out once every few weeks during nice weather. But everyone has said replacing the axles is fine, but it's just going to happen again. In what kind of time frame I don't know. So I have been thinking of different scenarios...
1. Just live with it, it's not horrible by any means. But everyone is saying it'll get worse. Again in what kinda time frame I don't know.
2. Replace the axles with something off Rockauto. Cheaper route obviously. Read on here guys like the APW and GSP. If ANY decent kind of new axles would get rid of this little vibration, for say like 40-50,000 miles I'd be on board.
3. Replace with OEM. I'm a big OEM guy. The left drivers shaft is available now and ready to ship, the right passenger side is on back order with no ETA listed. So there's that. How hokey would it be to replace the drivers left with the OEM, and the passenger right with aftermarket? Or is that just dumb?
4. Go back to the stock struts (which I kept) but then that defeats the purpose of buying the Tein's that honestly don't have 1,000 miles on them.
5. Insane shafts?
6. Someone on Facebook said a "roll center kit" which as I understand it are really just extended ball joints. I just replaced the ball joints with OEM 500 miles ago.
I just don't want to cause any major damage? Like the axles snapping apart etc. I just don't know what to expect time wise on how long until it gets worse. Or how long it'll happen again with NEW axles. I'm outta my depth here as you can tell.
I wanted to take the car home to St Louis over the 4th (about 250 miles one way from me) and now I'm all freaked out about it lol.
I'll post a picture just to show the "drop" which as can be seen far from slammed to the ground...
And my apologies, I should have posted this thread under the suspension tab...my bad fellas.
It's not a daily driver and honestly it maybe gets out once every few weeks during nice weather.
If this is the car's reality...
Originally Posted by jeffstlnote
2. Replace the axles with something off Rockauto. Cheaper route obviously. Read on here guys like the APW and GSP. If ANY decent kind of new axles would get rid of this little vibration, for say like 40-50,000 miles I'd be on board.
then this is what I would do as an low dollar experiment, as a result, then monitor how long the axles (whichever you decide) last before the vibes comeback.
Sound advice honestly @zeta Rain no, snow hell no. It's a summer Friday car if it's a nice day. And this certainly would be a safer (money wise) option to do just as you mention...experiment and see.
So after searching countless threads here, looking on Rockauto and a bunch of other part sites (Heeltoe, Napa, etc) I think I have this correct. The odd thing is www.oemacuraparts.com does indeed list 2 different part numbers for the right passenger axle for a MT or AT, but I believe the parts are the same.
What I'm fairly sure is correct....
The driver side left axle is in fact different for a MT or AT.
The passenger side right axle is in fact the same for a MT or AT
I'm gathering this from a few things....
1, Some early threads on this site said otherwise. However more recent threads/comments seem to echo what I mention above.
2. There is a decent amount of aftermarket options on Rockauto. And they all indicate a MT or AT option for the left axle. Nothing is listed as MT or AT for the right axle options. So either Rockauto carries zero right side axle options for MT's (which would be odd to me) or the right side axle is in fact the same for a MT or AT. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...n,cv+axle,2288
Also the fact that Tim at oem acura parts has a drivers side left MT axle on the shelf ready to ship but has told me a passenger right side axle is back ordered with no ETA got me thinking. They obviously would sell more OEM drivers side axles for AT's then MT's so that makes sense that he has a MT one ready to ship. But NO right side axles at all, even for a MT?
post #32 from@horseshoez "I looked up the APWi axles and noticed they, like most other non-OEM options, use the same left side shaft, regardless of whether the transmission is automatic or manual."
Now granted that post was made 2019. But now currently on Rockauto all the left axle options are listed as either MT or AT, and the right axles don't differentiate a transmission type.
I believe this is only an issue for the 6MT cars. I lowered my 05 6MT and the shudder was pretty bad, more so when you accelerate with the steering wheel turned even a little right. I lived with it for a while, like 5 months but then I sold the car. Before I sold the car, I went back to H&R springs on stock shocks and it was completely gone, as expected. I don't believe this is an axle issue, and I had ALL new engine and trans mounts, new lower control arms and bushings/compliance bushings, and new lower ball joints. My axles seemed perfectly tight and no slop. The MT cars just don't like being lowered past a certain point. FWIW, my car had about 100k miles when I installed my coils.
Well I have both new OEM axles coming my way, Tim at oemacuraparts.com shot me a e-mail yesterday letting me know the passenger right MT axle was now available so I ordered it and the drivers left. I think I'll raise the car and see what the results are. Probably a raise/drive rinse repeat and so on. And I'll have the 2 new OEM axles if ever needed.
I remember watching this...with a mention of @truonghthe !
Now Brian's car was/is very similar to mine, in that we are both on Teins, with 15mm spacers. New oem ball joints and frankly it looks to be a very very close identical "drop" and he had the vibration. As the video shows they decided to put in the new OEM axles. But never really followed up with it. Maybe @rockstar143 knows how that went since he knows those guys. I've thought about messaging Brian on Facebook but I don't want to bother him.
If putting in the new OEM axles takes away the slight vibration well then great. I'm sure it does. But I wonder what the time frame would be until it comes back.. 10,000 miles? 25,000? 50,000? Drove the car today, and can confirm it's only between say 20-35 mph under acceleration. Nothing at highway speeds. Tires are what were on the car when I bought it. Not horrible tread life wise, but if I recall 2 have been repaired. Alignment feels fine. The lower control arm bushings are probably not good however. I bought the bushings and the only place I could find to do them was the Acura dealer for something like $600. It's just not something I want or feel comfortable doing myself, and I don't know how much of the vibration would be because of that.
I guess I'll just do the slight raise and see the results. In which case I may not of needed these 2 new axles, but I'll just be like @truonghthe and hoard parts lol.
@jeffstlnote hey man, I actually drove it a few weeks back and I'm in charge of selling the damn thing for him so I'm pretty sure about it...
it won't come back. My blue TL got axles when I FIRST got the car and aside from a busted boot on a raxle that Austin replaced...those are still
going strong. New OEM axles fixed my last black TL...and my FIRST black TL that went from 34K to 112K when I sold it without vibration and
she was maxed out low. Problem is that the oem axles get a groove at the stock height and that translates into a little weird shimmy when accelerating.
You won't have that issue after doing that swap.
^ This is incredible news to hear. Man I was hoping to hear from you, and the fact that you have driven his AND have your own experiences with yours is tremendous news. I don't really want to raise it, like I said my drop is just like Brian's (based on the videos of the build and my pictures above and below) and I wouldn't say our two cars are slammed so that's encouraging news.
(ignore the calipers, they're red now and in better shape lol)
But that's a 1 finger gap roughly. And I never rub.
Sounding like these OEM axles are the way to go then. $588.30 shipped geesh! But I feel a lot better now Jeremy, glad I bought them.
Last edited by jeffstlnote; 07-06-2023 at 05:51 PM.
Listen, when they are on backorder...you'll be HAPPY to overpay for them.
LOL. You'll be happy...you're far from slammed...I was literally maxed out on my original black TL
and it drove great.
This whole thing was driving me crazy. Raise the car? Go APW axles? Say F it and go back to the stock shocks? Just deal with the vibration?
Then the left oem axle is on the shelf ready to be shipped, but the right is back ordered with no eta. Then 2 days later Tim at Acura of Peoria says they now are available (wonder what that was all about or entails)
Meanwhile the guy I got my front Aspec lip from who works the parts department at Acura of St. Louis says he has one (right side) and I can see it next day (I'm only 200 miles away) for $380.52. Acura of Peoria aka www.oemacuraparts.com is at $273.97.
But low and behold...they are on their way from Peoria, Arizona. Tracking numbers and all. Might end up being the best $588.30 ever spent. And I think it will be, heard from a lot of guys whose opinions I really respect. So thanks. I'll keep updating -
Acura has plagued with part supply shortage, every time when I placed a big part order Tim called me and let me know some part either discontinued or back order with no ETA. Hell at one point I have to wait 2 months for OEM cabin air filter.
I am glad that you are in possession of 2 right side axle. I rarely put mileage on my KBP TL since I got a newer car, Its been so bad that I have to do an oil change from the car sitting in the garage too long.
Yea when Tim told me the left side was in stock and ready to ship but the right side was back ordered with no eta I was worried it would take forever for a right side to become available.
Needless to say I was ecstatic when he told me 2 days later the right side was now available (still don't know how that all went down) I don't know if it was just bizarre luck for me, or if Tim sourced a right side axle from somewhere...
But I don't care lol, the brand new oem left axle and right axle should be here Tuesday!
Dropping the car off Monday late afternoon at the shop I always use, so hopefully by mid week should have it back. They know this is a 2nd car since I have the daily serviced there as well. But they usually get it in and out reasonably quick. Gonna get the axles, evap purge, alignment, and oil/filter changed.
LOL, okay thank you.
I get a smell of gas but might be the lack of cats.
Although I get a stumble on the engine if I pull the gas cap when the car is running.
Do you have a part number?
Well I just got it back today after dropping it off yesterday around 4pm. And...
WOW!
Night and day difference. Zero shimmy/vibration. The car indeed did have the original OEM axles in it still (wasn't sure to be honest if they were oem or not, I don't remember really paying attention when I've had the wheels off) So Jeremy @rockstar143 was pretty much 100% correct in what he said. They looked in decent shape for a 120,550 mile car. Boots were good, it was a Texas car so rust seemed very minimal.
But man what a huge difference. It was one of those things that wasn't horrible...but insanely annoying if that makes sense.
If you guys hadn't taken the time to reply to this thread I don't know what course of action I would of taken or where I would be with that issue. So thank you! But my goodness, it drives smooth as can be now!
But one problem. I got the axles done obviously, the purge control valve (better not tell me to tighten my gas cap anymore lol) and oil/filter. But....they couldn't align it. Said it was to low to get on their machine. Now the alignment seems pretty solid honestly, but I'd still like it done. And will need to/want to have it done in the future. So any ideas? Acura dealer? Honda dealer? The Honda dealer here is so incredibly better then the snooty Acura dealer. And I don't really want to go thru the whole up sell situation (but that's probably gonna happen at any "dealer')
Maybe if I contact a shop and explain look - this car is on coilovers etc can you get it on your machine? I can't be the only low car in Springfield Missouri lol. The last time I took this car to the Acura dealer they wanted to buy it (I'm sure because of the 6 speed) and tried to get me into a new Type S...I mean I "get it" but it's still annoying.
So any alignment idea or pointers holler!
By the way if anyone is curious - axles installation, purge control valve installation (which even with my limited garage talent I could have done, since I did my own on my daily Type S but said screw it it's already at a shop) and oil and filter change ran me -----> $355.00 even.
That's a deal.
Last time I did the halfshaft on the passenger side I pretty much gave up, borrowed a buddy's lift and FINALLY got it after thinking it wasn't gonna go.
Don't even think twice, that's a great labor rate.
NOW, you can bring your own wood to get on the lift and see if they'll let you, tell them you understand they can't guarantee to not scrape.
Other than that, look for any shop meant for performance, they will all have an in ground alignment rack.
Glad to hear it and appreciate the kudos and you chiming in.
ALSO...BIG also...go back to the shop tomorrow and get your old shafts back. Trust me...if you can't find shafts in the future, you'll be glad
to have OEM ones to barter with with Marty at Raxles. Although I guess you'll have your new ones to use if you needed...but still.
He will only take OEM as a core return.
Happy for you, man. Very much so. I remember that feeling.
Also my shop gave me everything back, both shafts..even the old purge valve lol. So I do indeed have a back up set of axles if need be.
Boy the anticipation of that first drive home and that acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear was nerve racking. But man you weren't kidding...what a massive difference.
Sent an email to both the Acura dealer and Honda dealer in town just to see what they could do. Shocker - Acura hasn't replied. While the Honda dealer literally replied within 5 minutes but said no can do. However they did recommend a place. And after talking with some work buddies ironically they recommended the same place. So I called them and they said come on by and let us take a look. So fingers crossed.
But that's really great info about an in ground rack. I think I will be searching for that in town as well just to have in my back pocket if need be.
alright I see you went with OEM, imagine the ordeal if you went aftermarket? As far as dealer couldn't do alignment because of low car is a complete BS, any good business practice dealer would notifying their customer there only so much adjustment they could adjusted before bottom out. on my KBP a Honda dealer in Independence MO did the alignment and on the work order they clearly stated "customer was advise alignment will not be at factory spec due to lowered on aftermarket coil".
My local Acura dealer does the same after I had my axles replaced, I told them "as long as I am not going side way or steering wheel noticeably crooked" I am ok with it, also to be fair I didn't have to pay for the alignment tho. Once I mount new tires and wheels along replace Tein SA with BC racing, I had a performance shop dial the alignment to my desire spec since they did the all the work.
Well I'll just copy and paste the response that I got back from the Honda deal, (excuse the caps)
JEFF I'M SORRY TO SAY BUT WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IT ON OUR MACHINE EITHER. THE ALIGNMENT RACKS HAVE TO BE DRIVEN ONTO AND THERE IS RAMPS THAT HAVE TO BE DRIVEN UP TO GET ONTO THE RACK. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT ON A LOWERED VEHICLE YOU MIGHT CHECK WITH MITCHEM TIRE. 417-882-3100
THANK YOU
DARREN BREWER
So....is what it is. Never really went much further. I suppose I could of said as Jeremy stated - "hey it's fine if you scrap some" or "I can bring some wood" etc...
But evidently the Mitchem place is known for being able to align all kind of vehicles as this. I've been there before and actually bought tires there years ago on my 05 TL that got hit so I am familiar with them. They have a great reputation in town. I'll maybe just buy 4 new tires at the same time.
This was the alignment sheet when it was last done in 2021. This was right after the Tein Flex Z's were installed and SPC rear uppers, and honestly about 800 miles ago. But since then the front aspec lip has been put on, a S~Factor front splitter, 15mm H&R spacers, and now the new axles.
So I'll head on over to Mitchem here in a week and at the very least get a new alignment just for piece of mind.
you got me confuse for a second there, I was like the car is 07 how the hell it got alignment in 2001? But yeah its all good to do them once you get new tires mounted.
Thea was confused on the reason why they couldn't align.
They can't guarantee camber on our cars, because it'll be off but toe is all that matters anyway.
Yeah, used to be an annoying big deal but most places in Sofla have lowered car friendly alignment racks now.
Yea it certainly doesn't drive as if I need one. And it's probably not far off from what the sheet says back in 2021. But just for piece of mind I wanna get it done. And mostly so I'll know where to go from now on for one and they'll do it lol.
Thea was confused on the reason why they couldn't align.
They can't guarantee camber on our cars, because it'll be off but toe is all that matters anyway.
Yeah, used to be an annoying big deal but most places in Sofla have lowered car friendly alignment racks now.
my camber wasn't a big deal because some knuckle head decided to cut and reweld the camber arm. I was in disbelief when looking at the car while on the dealer lift, so i had order a set of rear adjustable camber arm. All Toe is zero and so far within the past 12k miles no abnormal tires wear so far.
06-24-2023, 01:01 AM
