Rear strut thumping noise FIXED!!
#1
Rear strut thumping noise FIXED!!
My wife's 2015 RDX started developing rear strut noises (thumps) when the weather got colder. Just replaced the rear struts with KYB part #554406 and the noise is totally gone! My mechanic showed me the original struts and both of them had a lot of "play" in them that made a slight thumping noise when the he shook the strut up and down.
New KYB struts came from Rock Auto for $64.00/each.
New KYB struts came from Rock Auto for $64.00/each.
#4
Decided to spend money out of pocket instead of using Acura replacement
I have been hearing on this forum that the Acura replacement shocks develop the same issues after a while. Therefore, I decided to spend some money out of pocket to hopefully get a longer term solution with a better quality shock.
#6
Advanced
Replaced mine 2 weeks ago with the KYB's, and what a difference. This is the 3rd set or replacement shocks, and I was really tired of dealing with it. If you're a DIYer, and you haven't invested in a set of pass through sockets, now is a good time. There's only about 3 inches of travel to move a box end wrench on the top nut. Stuck the allen wrench through the socket, and it made everything way easier.
#7
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#8
I just got a pair to replace mine. What was the procedure you used? Looks like remove bottom bolt, remove top nut and drop the shock down & out. Did you raise the car & remove the wheel? Except for the tight clearance on the top, any other things to look out for? I'm not a newbie at wrenching, just always open to tips from people who have already done it. Thanks...
#9
Easier if the tire is off. There was a link that showed pictures on 1st generation shock replacement (same as second generation) but the pictures don't show up. It is not hard. There is a way the washers and bushings are installed. Please note that I (and many others) used the 1st generation shock replacement. I don't know what parts are included in the new KYB replacement shock for second generation RDX's. Here is a previous post of mine::
KeithL, they are KYB Excel-G part #349095. Just look up a 2012 RDX rear shock. You have your choice of a Munroe, or a KYB. The instructions that are in the box are poor. I had to call tech support and they got back to me right away. The shock has the jounce bumper and dust boot installed on the shock. The next thing to put on is the "flat" washer, then the steel sleeve, and one of the rubber mounts. The "narrow" end of each rubber mount goes against each washer, and the wide end goes against the body mount of the car. Install the shock on the car. From the inside of the car, install the other rubber mount, then the "cupped" washer with the cupped side facing down against the rubber mount. Then the nut goes on last. You will need a 5mm allen wrench to hold the shaft while you tighten the nut. When both washers are tightened against the sleeve you put on, then the upper mount is tight. From another web sight, they said to torque the lower shock bolt to 76 foot pounds with the weight of the car resting on the suspension arm (put a jack stand under the lower arm, and then lower the car). It is not like replacing a "strut", it's just a plain old shock absorber.
KeithL, they are KYB Excel-G part #349095. Just look up a 2012 RDX rear shock. You have your choice of a Munroe, or a KYB. The instructions that are in the box are poor. I had to call tech support and they got back to me right away. The shock has the jounce bumper and dust boot installed on the shock. The next thing to put on is the "flat" washer, then the steel sleeve, and one of the rubber mounts. The "narrow" end of each rubber mount goes against each washer, and the wide end goes against the body mount of the car. Install the shock on the car. From the inside of the car, install the other rubber mount, then the "cupped" washer with the cupped side facing down against the rubber mount. Then the nut goes on last. You will need a 5mm allen wrench to hold the shaft while you tighten the nut. When both washers are tightened against the sleeve you put on, then the upper mount is tight. From another web sight, they said to torque the lower shock bolt to 76 foot pounds with the weight of the car resting on the suspension arm (put a jack stand under the lower arm, and then lower the car). It is not like replacing a "strut", it's just a plain old shock absorber.
Last edited by rosen39; 01-16-2016 at 12:10 PM.
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markAZ (01-17-2016)
#10
Burning Brakes
I thought that folks were wacked out about this rear-end thump, since I hadn't heard it in my (at the time) 10 months of ownership. Now that the cold weather has hit, I now know what everyone is talking about. Lovely sound and sensation from the rear (not). It likely will get better when we hit spring, but will keep an eye on it. Tempted not to do anything since it's a lease, but if it annoys me enough I may do a weekend activity to swap them out. If I end up buying this they'll definitely be changed, but not sure if sooner.....
andy
andy
#11
Really Andy..........could all of those people be wrong?? It was 6 degrees this morning, and my KYB's were "thump-free". Yes, if it is a lease they will replace them, but don't bet your paycheck on a cure. I brought mine in to have the rear hatch struts replaced. They were leaking oil and lost their ability to assist the opening of the hatch. New ones are much better. At the same time, the dealer replaced my battery under warranty.
#14
Instructor
Happy to have a dealer who will help and appreciate your posting this so I could help diagnose it!
#15
My wife's 2015 RDX started developing rear strut noises (thumps) when the weather got colder. Just replaced the rear struts with KYB part #554406 and the noise is totally gone! My mechanic showed me the original struts and both of them had a lot of "play" in them that made a slight thumping noise when the he shook the strut up and down.
New KYB struts came from Rock Auto for $64.00/each.
New KYB struts came from Rock Auto for $64.00/each.
#17
Mine too. Altho, they're shock absorbers, not struts. RDX have struts in front, shocks in rear.
#18
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
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#19
Thanks everyone, I still have some warranty left so I'm going to take it in to the dealership this week and see if they can diagnose the issue. My noise is not really a thump but a subtle rapid fire rattle or clicking noise that seems to come from the back and happens when I go over rough/uneven roads. Am pretty sure it's related shocks.