Broken vibration damper on right axle

Varak · 08-23-2011, 07:01 PM

Was working on my car today and discovered that the vibration damper has broken off and is simply freely sliding up and down the axle.

I can probably just cut it off (though that will probably be a pain), but I'm wondering if its absence will cause any issues.

Edit: In looking at the diagram, it appears that it is actually a replaceable part (part #14)

Honda Automotive Parts

Does that require removing the axle to install?

Or could it just be the band (#10) has broken and that is what needs replaced?

Eli · 08-23-2011, 07:47 PM

I'd say you probably just need a new #10? Is #10 still present on your car?

Varak · 08-23-2011, 08:12 PM

Not gone back under the car yet, but I'm thinking that the damper itself is broken.

From the diagram, the damper cross-section looks like a T with a smaller diameter rubber piece attached to a larger diameter piece. That larger diameter piece is what is moving up and down while the smaller piece remains on the axle.

I wonder if could JB weld it back into place? Or should I just cut it off?

Eli · 08-23-2011, 08:14 PM

Ahh, yeah. Sounds like it's broken then.

I'd probably replace it? I'm sure it serves some good purpose.

Varak · 08-23-2011, 08:25 PM

Talked to my mechanic and he says that they usually just cut it off. Replacing it requires removing and replacing the axle.

I'm sure it does serve some purpose, but free versus $200 for unknown benefit is a tough one.

gilbertguy · 08-23-2011, 09:06 PM

When I bought my car last year I found the same thing, it was just bouncing around on the axle so I cut it off. And yes it was a pain, make sure you have a sharp hack saw blade as mine was pretty dull. the metal inside is fairly soft. I also took my drill and drilled a bunch of holes in a line across it to make it easier on the second cut.

Edit: Also I can't really feel any ill effects with it not there. If anything with it bouncing around on the drive shaft that would be worse then not being there at all.

MindThoughts · 08-26-2011, 06:29 AM

A Dremmel made removing the Damper quite easy. Vice grips held the damper in place- while the Damper was cut clean through on each side- allowing the damper to be removed quite easily.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varak

Was working on my car today and discovered that the vibration damper has broken off and is simply freely sliding up and down the axle.

I can probably just cut it off (though that will probably be a pain), but I'm wondering if its absence will cause any issues.

Edit: In looking at the diagram, it appears that it is actually a replaceable part (part #14)

Honda Automotive Parts

Does that require removing the axle to install?

Or could it just be the band (#10) has broken and that is what needs replaced?

**Rainsux** · 08-26-2011, 04:53 PM

I bought a replacement axle for a Civic and it did not include a damper at all. The factory one had one. I did not notice any difference.

Sam