Rep Power: 0

I've been experiencing intense episodes of vibration in my 2002 Honda Civic LX. Feels like it's coming from under me, in the direction of the front right wheel. My wife feels it's the front left wheel, so who knows, maybe it's just underneath somewhere. Here are my notes about what I've noticed and what's been done so far:

- pretty intense. sounds and feels like a muffled jackhammer, around 10 cycles of vibration per second.
- seems more common on inclines, but can happen on straight smooth roads.
- Most common and violent near 40 mph, but can happen at all speeds. Often happens just coming out of the apt complex at less than 15 mph, coming down a hill.
- Tends to go away if i turn the wheel, accelerate or brake enough.
- Duration of episodes is highly variable. Can last a very short time (like a split second) or very long (I've clocked it at up to 15 seconds if coasting ~40mph without jerking wheel). Longest and most violent at ~40 mph.
- Just came out of a rough winter and I hit some potholes pretty hard, I wouldn't be surprised if there's damage.

What I've done:
- Took in for repairs at top dealership. They replaced struts and shocks ($900) because they were bad, but it didn't fix the problem. They put me in a rental yesterday and haven't said anything all day today about it.
- Read about this on forums, found a crapload of suggestions for what to check (wheel weights, tires, hub assembly, transmission / torque converter lockup, damaged bushings, driveshaft...). Haven't done any of it yet. Haven't checked if it still happens in D3 or neutral.

 
Rep Power: 517

Demonstrate your concerns directly to the technician.

Go for a quick test drive with the tech and make the problem happen.


This is the only way to make certain everyone involved is on the same page.






I'll guess the cat is rattling.

 
Rep Power: 0

We did do a test drive and he said he thought it was something to do with the driveshaft.

 
Rep Power: 0

Mechanic says it's a problem with the torque converter, costs $1700 to repair (not much less than the current value of the car...). Looking around, I see transmission problems are fairly common with the 2002 Honda Civic LX.