Alignment or Motor/Trans Mounts?

[tahoe9813]

I just got my 2005 EX-L RES a few weeks ago. I immediately had the tires rotated and balanced, which took care (mostly) of an annoying vibration around 60-75 MPH.

Notice that I said 'mostly.'

I still have some vibration at those speeds, which is what I'm troubleshooting now.

I have seen the other posts (including images) regarding the worn motor mounts. I have looked at those and from what I can see they look good. The tires (GY Infinity) look good with normal wear (and a good bit of tread left).

The only thing I can think of at this point is that the vehicle needs an alignment. The previous owner, I suspect, never had this done (63,500 mi on it now) and there's a slight pull to the left (mild, though).

Any thoughts from anyone?

Thanks,
Ben

[belundy]

Check inner and outer tie rod ends and ball joints.

Inner tie rod ends especially seem prone to cause high speed wheel vibration. They are difficult to diagnose unless the boot is pulled back and the joint can be viewed and felt directly.

Also, as the front end parts wear, if the alignment errs towards toed out, it will cause wheel vibration and wander.

[tahoe9813]

Well, I took my car to the dealer (Honda Carland in Roswell, GA) on Friday. I had them troubleshoot a brake light problem (turned out it was both bulbs--that's another story, though), and also the vibration.

At first, they thought it was a bent rim; however, after a balance run, the rims were fine. However, the wheels were out of balance.

They also did an alignment, which solved my very slight pull to the left. Tie rod ends, etc. were all fine.

At any rate, the lesson learned here is to never--ever--have your car serviced at Wal-Mart. They did a rotate and balance; however, they're obviously clueless since Honda had to do the same thing again.

Ben