2004: Approaching 100K - Advice

[Lord09]

Hello all,

I pretty much take the Pilot to the dealer for all scheduled maintainance, but I'm fast approaching 100K and plan to give the car to my parents. I just want to make sure everything's in tip top shape and wanted to get some opinion on things to change and what to look for at 100K.

With different drivers and driving conditions, I'm sure no Pilot will be the same in terms of wear and tear, but here's some issues I was hoping to get some feedback on.

1. Odd Vibration - I've balanced my tires twice just to be sure and it's still there. It's not horrible, but it's starting to get very annoying. If you drive the car and take your hands off the steering well, the steering will vibrate/shake. I also noticed my car pulls slightly to the right, so I plan to get the car aligned soon. The dealer did mention my lower compliance bushings need to be replaced.

2. I've never replaced my struts/shocks. I noticed the rear "squeaks" a bit when I go over speed bumps. In addition, the overall drive/comfort of the vehicle seems a bit rough. I'm not sure if this is mostly due to the vibration I described above or just general wear & tear.

Other then that, the car has been great. Just ride quality has suffered over the last year.

So far the plan is to align the car, do the timing belt and hopefully take care of the poor ride quality and especially the odd vibration.

Any other items I should look at? Spark plugs?

Thanks all.

[94eg!]

At 105, the timing belt, spark plugs, coolant, and valve adjustment are due. Most people replace the water pump while they are in there. Some still recommend replacing the timing belt tensioner and pulleys too.

You should also think about replacing all your fluids of course (trans, brake, rear-diff, power steering). It's the most expensive maintence period for the pilot. Going with Honda fluids is always the easiest and most recommended. Brake fluid is supposed to be replaced EVERY 3 years no matter the mileage.

1- Your front compliance bushings can cause this for sure.

2- Squeaks are fine. The pilot is know to be rough too. Usually blown shocks result in a bouncy ride because the dampers can no longer control the spring motion. If your car bouncy for a while after hitting bumps or sways back &forth a lot after you turn, then look into replacing the shocks. Since you think ride has suffered recently, get the shocks checked out, and check the air pressure in your tires. Shot bushings will contribute to this as well. It's kinda hard to track down though.

[Lord09]

Still trying to take care of this odd vibration.

Since then I've replaced the tires since they're quite worn.

Does anyone else have any feedback regarding my original post? I'd appreciate any and all responses.

Also, could this vibration be caused by a bad alignment? Or something in the power steering system?

Thanks all.

[N_Jay]

Sounds like off balance or slightly out-of-round tires and possibly an alignment issue.
Could also be a very slightly bent wheel.

[rocky]

There is a long thread on vibrations at speed . Mine was cured when I replaced the tires with Michelins.

[94eg!]

First thing you do is jack up the car and wiggle the tires up-down and left-right to look for loose ball joints or loose parts. If you don't find anything, rotate your tires front to back. If the vibrations moves to a different place after that, then you know the problem is the wheels or tires.

From there you can always get a lifetime balance from Walmart for pretty cheap. That's a good place to start if you know the tires look to be in good condition.