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Honda CR-V Handling and Alignment

101 messages,  Last post on Jan 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 10

#1 of 101 Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV by plane

Jul 19, 2007 (6:35 am)

Bought a new CRV EXL on July 1st. I have noticed that the car "shimmies" while driving (i.e., shifts right and left, especially on the freeway at higher speeds (approx. 70 mph). I feel the ride is unstable. Is anyone else experiencing this problem? I have brought it to the dealer once and they couldn't find any problem. Very disappointed as I am a new Honda owner after being a GM owner for years. What are my options if I am unhappy with what I feel is an unsafe ride? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

#2 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [plane] by crvme3

Jul 19, 2007 (6:55 am)

Replying to: plane (Jul 19, 2007 6:35 am)
Two things come to mind of your concern "(i.e., shifts right and left, especially on the freeway at higher speeds (approx. 70 mph)."they are both related... #1. Are the tires on your new CRV Bridgestones?. #2. Do you live in a state that incorporates the "rain grooves" (deep cuts in each lane approximately 3 inches apart) in the freeway lanes?. This is common freeway construction here in California and I have found with our '07 CRV with the Bridgestone tires that they tend to follow the "grooves" & what is felt to the driver is a constant annoying "hunting/searching" feeling almost as if you were jumping/dancing around & rapid side to side movement while in the lane. If this is what is happening to you it is not that uncommon... I can tell you that in time/miles this will lessen as the tires wear some. We have just about 6000 miles on our '07 & this annoying phenomenon is virtually gone now. Tires with straight cut tread (ie. factory Bridgestones) tend to do this on roads with the rain grooves. Over the years I have learned when I purchase replacement tires I look for tires that are cross-cut in tread design just because of this issue. Hope this is of some help.

#3 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [crvme3] by plane

Jul 19, 2007 (7:21 am)

Replying to: crvme3 (Jul 19, 2007 6:55 am)
First of all, thank you for your response. I will have to check my tires (at work currently). I do live in Southern California -- so maybe the rain groove theory is viable. Your description of the "hunting/searching" was very accurate. I don't know about you, but it feels very unsafe to me. I will bring your response to the dealer today as I have an appointment for an unrelated issue. What are the chances of them changing out the tires for me? I currently have 1000 miles and don't think I can handle it for another 5000 miles.

#4 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [plane] by crvme3

Jul 19, 2007 (7:42 am)

Replying to: plane (Jul 19, 2007 7:21 am)
You can certainly inquire at the dealer, but I don't know what if anything they will do!, if I am correct on this this is not a mechanical issue with the vehicle but a tire issue & the most they will probably due is refer you to the tire manufacturer. I feel your pain, Let me guess it is really bad on the "405"... When we first got on the freeway with ours (2-3 days after purchase) I was like you it virtually felt un-drivable & I felt like I could not keep it in the lane. Trust me on this if this is what is happening to you it will get better with each mile... There is an easy test you can do for my therory (this is how I determined it was the tires). Find a stretch of road that is asphalt with no grooves & not concrete, drive 60-70mph & you will find it will track straight & smooth, then get on the freeway & you will see/feel the differance. Honda's are probably the most reliable trouble free vehicles made... You made a good choice buying one, but like anything nothing is perfect.Hang in there & good luck... let us know how you make out.

#5 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [crvme3] by plane

Jul 19, 2007 (7:54 am)

Replying to: crvme3 (Jul 19, 2007 7:42 am)
Actually, it is the 91 Freeway and the 15 Freeway. But the 91 is worse. I am so glad there is someone out there who doesn't think I'm crazy.

#6 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [plane] by crvme3

Jul 19, 2007 (8:16 am)

Replying to: plane (Jul 19, 2007 7:54 am)
We are with you... You are not alone on this, the fact that it is worse on differant freeways just adds strength to my theory (a few of my neighbors have bought '07 CRV'S & have experienced this as well - we have all discussed it in length). A little known fact here in SoCal. is that Caltrans is accutely aware of this phenonmenon & continually experiments on new construction on the spacing of the grooves to diminish or illiminate the "hunting" effect,hence the feel is differant depending on which freeway your on. As I recall on ours it was about 3K on the miles before it began to feel tolerable, as I said before now at 6K it's gone!!!

#7 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [plane] by penguin59

Jul 20, 2007 (5:42 am)

Replying to: plane (Jul 19, 2007 6:35 am)
I have similar experience with my CRV 2 WD here in AZ and on non-grooved Interstates. Its a disturbing phenomenon that occurs at the high speed you mentioned. I've also had it in for "pulls to right" problems on three occasions so far and am scheduling a fourth. Dealer has been good about not charging for their efforts to correct, but it still pulls to right. They've "road force aligned" it twice and replaced right front tire so far, but if anything its worse. Now I note steering wheel isn't centered when I try to go straight down the road... its like fighting a yaw force in an airplane. Tires are Bridgestone Duelers which is pretty appropriate since the front ones seem to be doing that with each other over which direction they are going at high speed.

#8 of 101 Re: Handling Problem with NEW 2007 CRV [penguin59] by plane

Jul 20, 2007 (9:26 am)

Replying to: penguin59 (Jul 20, 2007 5:42 am)
yeah, sounds like my problem. had it into the dealer yesterday and showed them the responses i received on this internet site. they only thing they could think of was lowering the tire pressure. we'll see how that works, although i have my doubts. thanks for your input.

#9 of 101 Air Pressure by blueiedgod

Jul 20, 2007 (10:21 am)

Check the tire air pressure. They are shipped filled to 45 psi, which will make it a little unstable on the road. Bring it down to whatever the doorjamb says.

#10 of 101 Re: Air Pressure [blueiedgod] by crvme3

Jul 20, 2007 (2:58 pm)

Replying to: blueiedgod (Jul 20, 2007 10:21 am)
"Check the tire air pressure. They are shipped filled to 45 psi, which will make it a little unstable on the road. Bring it down to whatever the door jam says."
 
Would not this have been addressed during the "new car prep"? as well as checked off & corrected to proper PSI from the check list in the owners manual...

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