Acura TL 2004-2008: Suspension Performance Diagnostic Guide
That noise on your suspension may not be as bad as you think. Here is what could be the problem.
This article applies to the Acura TL (2004-2008).
The TL's suspension is very effective in providing a smooth ride. The double wishbone front suspension allows for very nice camber control and tends to keep the tires perpendicular to the road. This provides an excellent ride quality, when everything is in working order. However, when a suspension component fails, it makes it hard for the system to compensate, causing all types of issues. These problems that can occur include knocking, rattling, trouble keeping traction and more. Check out some common problems, along with their solutions, that can occur on your suspension system.
Materials Needed
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet set
- Special tools
Step 1 – Check your struts
You might have a leaky strut.
A leaky strut will make itself known, usually by clunking over each and every knock on the road. The clunking is due to the strut being unable to prevent itself from bottoming out, which causes the chassis to decompress all the way to the bottom of the strut. To inspect the strut do the following:
- Take a picture of the normal ride height of the car.
- Push the car down, and view how it adjusts back to the standard height.
- Jack the car up.
- Inspect the strut with a flashlight; a leaking strut will have a wet residue seeping out.
Step 2 – Check the weather
It might just be too cold.
The trouble with rubber bushings are how they tend to dry out when the weather is just too cold. So if you are experiencing any creaking noise that only occurs during the cold winter months, don't worry about it. Other parts that react to the cold also include your CV axles, which will begin clicking. However, if these sounds occur in any environment, you may have an issue to diagnose.
Step 3 – Check your ball joints
They might have a torn boot.
A usual symptom of a bad ball joint includes highway vibrations or shaking steering wheels. These components are particularly important in keeping the entirety of your hub situated and providing stability on all aspects of the road. When the boot tears, the grease that allows the ball joint to move smoothly begins to drip out. Eventually the ball joint can catch too much debris and pop out, causing extreme damage to your car. The easiest way to check is to jack up the side with the issue and shake the wheel. If it shakes loosely, inspect the ball joint.
Related Discussions
- Cold Weather Suspension Noise - AcuraZine.com
- Clunking Noise in 2008 TL Suspension - AcuraZine.com
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