Acura Front Suspension Troubleshooting

Does your Acura vibrate excessively while driving? Is there an unusual noise from the front end? These could be due to front suspension issues, but there could be other causes. The guidance of verified mechanical Experts will help you to locate where the problem lies so you can be sure that the right repairs are done.

Read below to see some questions Experts have answered.

What causes the front suspension on a 1990 Acura Integra to make the wheel move backwards under braking and pulls to the right?

Case Details: The brakes have been checked and there is no problem with them.

The problem could be due to a radius rod issue. If it gets loose where it attaches to the front beam, the front knuckle and/or wheel may move out of position under load as when the brakes are applied. Check the nut that fastens the rod to the front beam and tighten it if loose.

What could cause the left side front suspension on a 2007 Acura MDX with active damping to seize up although the struts have been replaced?

Case Details: All the electrical connections have been checked and no problems found.

Since the struts are new and there are no electrical issues, what remains is a possible fault with the active damper control unit itself. Have this checked and replace it if found to be faulty.

What is the reason for the steering on a 2003 Acura TL to remain hard, especially when parking and reversing, after the power steering pump and rack were changed?

Case Details: The parts replacement has improved the situation but not completely fixed it.

It is possible that there were two issues involved in the original problem and replacing the steering component only gave a partial solution. There could a problem with the front suspension which will need to be checked. Have the alignment done and caster and camber checked. Also have an examination of the front suspension done and replace any parts that are bent or damaged.

What could cause a grinding noise to come from the front suspension of an Acura MD when turning left or right under acceleration and is it safe to drive the vehicle 100 miles to get to a dealer?

There are a number of possible reasons for this kind of sound. These include:

• Worn axles.
• Worn brakes that are making a noise even when the brake pedal is not being pressed.
• A backing plate rubbing on the rotors the body flexes under acceleration and while turning.

If the vehicle is running normally with no vibrations and a visual inspection reveals no damage, it should be okay to drive it slowly to a mechanic or shop. That being said, the problem should be looked at as soon as possible.

What does it mean if an Acura dealer sends a “Requires Attention” letter saying that 'Front Compliance Bushing replacement is required' and is this an urgent matter?

This usually happens when a vehicle goes in for regular servicing and an incipient problem is noticed. In this case, an issue with the bushings was probably spotted. Contact the dealer and ask about how bad the bushing is. If a crack is just developing, the replacement can wait. If it is completely cracked or collapsed, then the replacement should be done quickly. In either case, it is a routine front suspension matter.

If the front of a 1999 Acura TL was driven over a low concrete parking barrier, what basics checks should be done to see if any damage was done?

Case Details: The vehicle appears to be running fine.

If the vehicle is running without a problem, there may not be any damage. There are a few things that can be done to confirm this.

• Listen carefully for any sounds of rattling or looseness from the front suspension.
• Check to see if an equal amount of force is required to turn the vehicle to the left and right.
• Does it track the same in both directions?
• Inspect the upper mounting surface of the struts and check to see if the sheet metal is bowed or wrinkled.

If any issues are found, have the vehicle’s front suspension checked.

What could be the reason for the front tires on an Acura to wear more on the inside than the out?

This is typical of a front suspension issue. In most cases it is caused by either worn tie rods or upper and/or lower ball joint wear. Have these checked and replace as required.

Why does a 1997 Acura RL with 133,000 miles vibrate on acceleration, especially between 40-60 MPH?

The most likely cause is worn or damaged bushings or other components in the front suspension. Have a complete suspension check done. If no problems are found, then have the axles checked for excess play, binding of any sort  and torn boots that are leaking grease. A worn inner CV joint is a common cause of vibrations. If the axles are okay, then the cause could be worn wheel bearing that needs to be replaced.

What could cause a squeak to be heard from the front suspension of a 2003 Acura TL with 110,000 miles when turning at slow speed and when people sit in it?

These symptoms, coupled with the vehicle’s mileage, point to a bad upper control arm. This is a common issue at this mileage. A bad strut could also be the cause, but at this mileage, under normal driving conditions, it is unlikely. Worn lower ball joints and tie rods are another possibility. Put the vehicle on a lift and have all these possibilities checked. Replace the parts that are worn.

As this article shows, the symptoms and causes of Acura front suspension issues are many and varied. Diagnosing the problem accurately is essential in ensuring that the required repairs or parts replacement is done. The opinions of verified mechanical Experts will tell you what you need to know. Instead of going to a shop, you can get the help you need from home. Experts are available online, at times convenient to you, to give you guided solutions to your problems.