Hi guys- I have a problem with my 1998 Civic LX 5 speed manual that I wanted to get your opinion on.

So I use 3rd gear in the mountains a lot and I notice when I am in 3rd gear at about 2500-2700 rpm and about 35mph, the car bucks back and forth but only at that speed/rpm combination in 3rd gear only. I can't get it to do it at any other speed.

It happens especially if I'm doing about 40 in 3rd gear, let off the gas and as the rpm needle drops to about 2500rpm and 35mph, it will jerk back and forth a couple times until the RPM needle falls to about 2000.

This car has been serviced by a Honda Dealership and the timing belt and tune up have been done.

I've read a few places to look at engine mounts or CV axle joints. Any ideas? Anyone else experience this?

Thank you so much for any input you have.

 

I am pretty sure that this is not the result of either engine mounts nor cv joints. They both would have noise related symptoms.

I'd think it could your clutch/transmission system not working properly to do this. Would downshifting first to 2nd gear prevent this? Perhaps you are slowing down too much on a hill in 3rd gear causing the car to struggle to get back up to speed.