Acura Rear Suspension Troubleshooting

Is your Acura rear suspension hard or noisy? Do you need help troubleshooting the problem? Diagnosing rear suspension issues can be difficult as many different problems could have the same symptoms. The insights of verified mechanical Experts will help you to be sure of what is wrong so can have the right repairs done.

Read below to see some questions Experts have answered.

What could cause an intermittent clunking sound to come from the rear suspension of a 2005 Acura that seems to be louder in cold weather?

A clunking sound of this kind from the suspension is generally caused by a worn or damaged rubber bushing that is no longer able to prevent metal components from coming into contact with each other. When they do, a clunking noise results. Have the rear suspension bushings checked and replace any that are worn. The fact that the noise is louder in cold weather points to a control arm bushing.

Is a thumping sound from the rear suspension of an Acura TL Type S that appears to be coming from the passenger side strut a serious matter?

Any sound of this nature from the rear suspension is not normal. Check the bushings for wear and/or damage and replace any that require it. The strut should not make any sound when it is compressed or released. It has a piston and pressurized fluid inside that work to dampen suspension rebound, so there is nothing that should be noisy. Lift the side of the vehicle where the sound seems to be coming from with a jack so that the suspension hangs free. Lift the tire and let it go. If there is a sound when the tire drops, the struts probably has an internal issue and will have to be replaced.

What causes a thumping sound to be heard from the rear suspension of a 1999 Acura?

Case Details: The bushings have been checked and no problems found. The noise is less when the back seat is occupied.

If the bushing are okay and there is no visual sign of any damage to the suspension, the noise is probably from one of the rear shocks. With wear they come apart inside and this results in the noise that is heard. The fact that the sound drops when there is more of a load confirms this as the shock will be slightly more compressed and this will muffle the sound. Replacing the shocks should fix the problem. The new shock design reduces the chances of the problem occurring. The part number is 52610-STK-A03.

What is the procedure for replacing the worn springs on the rear suspension of a 2007 Acura RL?

The procedure is as follows.

Removal:

• A 32mm ball joint remover will be required. 
• Raise the rear of the vehicle and place safety stands at the correct locations to secure it in this position.
• Remove the rear wheel.
• Remove the self-locking nut and the washer, while holding the joint pin in place with a hex wrench.
• Disconnect the stabilizer link from the lower arm.
• Place a floor jack under the connecting point of the lower arm and the stabilizer link.
• Use the jack to relieve the pressure on the joint.
• The cotter pin can now be removed from the lower arm ball joint and the nut loosened.
• Use the ball joint removing tool to free the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle.
• Slowly lower the floor jack till the suspension hangs free.
• The spring, spring mounting cushion and lower spring seat can now be taken off.

Installation:

• Install the spring mounting cushion and the spring.
• Align the spring with the stepped part of the lower spring seat and the lower arm.
• Place the floor jack under the connecting point of the lower arm and the stabilizer link.
• Raise the jack slowly until the bolt hole of the lower arm and the knuckle ball joint pin are aligned.
• Loosely install the castle nut.
• Install the stabilizer link on the lower arm with the washer and the new self-locking nut and partially tighten them.
• Use the floor jack to raise the rear suspension until the full vehicle weight is loaded.
• Tighten the castle and self-locking nuts to the specified torque values. Note- torque the castle nut to the lower torque value and then tighten it only enough to align the slot with the ball joint hole. Do not loosen the nut to align it.
• Insert the new cotter pin. Ensure that it is inserted into the ball joint pin hole from the rear side of the vehicle so that the ends can be bent at the front.
• Connect the lower arm to the stabilizer link.
• Replace the wheel.

Repeat this procedure for the other wheel. Check the wheel alignment when the job is finished.

If a strut in the rear suspension of a 2004 Acura is leaking fluid, is replacement the only option?

A leaking strut must be replaced. There is no other option.

Whether you plan to deal with your Acura rear suspension problems yourself or take the vehicle to a shop, being sure of what is wrong means that you can get the correct repairs carried out. The recommendations of verified mechanical Experts will give you the guidance you need. Going to a shop for a diagnosis involves time and money. You can contact Experts online, when you want to, and get clear, customized and economical answer to your questions in real time.