Propeller Shaft (drive shaft) problems

[rickinaz]

I have a 2003 Honda Pilot EXL, 2nd one sold in my town. Love it and have never had any problems except for the infamous rear AC that went off some years back, and was fixed for less than $200. About 6 months ago, it began making a whistling type sound, when my wife drove over 45 MPH. Took it to my regular guy, who only works on Hondas, twice, and he never heard the noise. Took it to a very reputable shop, and they looked at it very carefully, and decided that the carrier bearing of the propeller shaft (drive shaft) was making the noise. They sprayed it with WD-40, and the noise went away, (but is now back two weeks later) and quoted me about $1,000 to fix, $800 for part and about $200 in labor, but said it could go for a while before being replaced. I went on-line and I see that I can buy the part for about $400. Has anyone else had this issue, and how was it resolved? My wife is now getting weird thoughts about buying a new vehicle!!!!
Thanks

[rocky]

Not sure whether the $400 is a honda part or an aftermarket, but carrier bearings/pillow bearing is something I'd would replace. It wont cost you any more to replace it now than it will a year down the road and you'll spend the year hearing that noise

I would compare parts and be upfront with your shop on what you have found. If the two parts being quoted are the same ie Honda to Honda or Aftermarket to aftermarket. He might come down on his price or tell you to go get it and he'll fit it.

As for buying a new car, this part like brakes can wear out. Keep the good car

[N_Jay]

I would plan on replacing it, BUT . . . . .

If a shot of WD40 made the noise go away, I would look to see if there is a way to pack it with a proper bearing lubricant like CV Joint grease.
Bet it buys you a few months of no noise.

[krygny]

Sounds like all you need is a new trailer hitch.

[cellmaniac]

I had the same problem about a year ago on my 2003 Pilot. It was a good thing it was covered under my extended warranty. The other thing that went out on my pilot was the head unit for the stereo. Also, covered under warranty. I guess those two items paid for the extended warranty. There were other smaller issues also covered. Funny....Honda's are not as reliable as Toyota.

[markm]

Is there a TSB for this problem??

My 2003 Pilot has low mileage ~ 52k miles. Couple of weeks ago, I noticed a high pitched metalic grinding noise that became audiable at any speed above 25 MPH, and only after the car was warmed up. Noise is fairly constant, and braking, turning, rapid acel/decel did not affect the pitch. After putting it on a lift, it was found to be the propeller shaft bearing. A few squirts of WD40 took care of it for now, but Im sure that will only be a temp fix.

Wondering if ther is a specific Pilot TSB. I found one for the Acura, as its the same drive train, but it would be nice to go to the dealer with a Pilot TSB in hand to see what they can do for me.

[rocky]

list of all tsbs here

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/P...003/tsbs.shtml

[markm]

Since I dont have paid access to open the TSB's, Im trying to guess which one it is. Could it be this one? TSB #04012005 -- HISSING BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MPH. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT (NHTSA ID #10016334, APRIL 01 2005)

Also, while I thought I found a TSB for the Acura, I just checked, and instead its an Acura ServiceNews article from May 2008 that contains troubleshooting information for the center support bearing for the propeller shaft.