I have a 2011 Mdx base. Recently, it started to shudder a bit when backing out of the driveway especially as the stealing wheel was turned. The same issue occurs when pull out and turning. Then I noticed it happened if I turned the steering wheel while the car is still. I seems like a power steering issue but Acura says they can't find a problem. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

 

It may just be that you're putting too much load onto your power steering. It puts a lot of strain on the pump to turn the wheel while you are stationary and even more so if you turn the wheel all the way (stationary or rolling). Doing this often will cause your power steering pump to wear quicker. Although it isn't anything to worry about now (until a few years down the line), you probably shouldn't turn the wheel until it locks and while stationary. Get a slow rolling start and then turn your wheel.

 

The shuddering happens while rolling out of the driveway so the car isn't stationary, but it's the same shudder that happens if you turn the wheel when stationary. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid? I've had this issue in my Mercedes before and the fluid was slightly below the MAX line, which can cause this shutter. Add some power steering fluid, turn your wheels left and right 5 times to remove any trapped air, and add enough fluid to reach the MAX line.

 

Domm, Thanks for your responses. I haven't checked the level yet. The car is at Acura right now and they just left me a message saying it's a normal phenomenon with that car. I'm not sure that I believe them and will ask to check some other MDXs to compare. I'll check the fluid once I get the car home.

 

Based on the number of threads on this topic and the fact that mine does the same thing I'd agree with the dealers assessment. Some people are really bothered by the noise, but once you understand what is going on, it's just part of the car for less the .1% of the driving time. These threads are more common in the summer when you have an AC load on the engine, then add the power steering pump load, all at idle.

 

Thanks.. Yes, this all occurs during idle after releasing the break to start moving. We have a short driveway so we need to start turning as soon as we start moving.

I haven't seen any other threads on this topic so I wasn't sure that it was normal, especially since my 2012 tl doesn't have the same issue.

 

Reported this same issue to my dealer when we first bought our MDX Tech/Ent new in 2010. They recorded the issue and said it was normal for this car.

 

I guess I'll have to live with it. It seems unacceptable for a "luxury" SUV.

 

Has anyone come to a real solution other than to live with it. Thats crap! I just spend 40k+ and it shutters - thats not acceptable. I only have 3,500 miles on it so far. When I take it in for service, I will be complaining about this issue. I'll let the forum know what they say.

If anyone has any new information - please pass it on before I take it in for service

Thanks - Jim

 

Increase the revs when turning. 600 to 700 rpm's does not allow the pump to work adequately.
Or

Turn the wheel slower when the revs are at idle.

 

Just to revive an older thread, I am driving a loaner 2012 MDX Tech and it has a mild shudder under slow speed turns. My 2010 has more of a shudder - not nice but not horrible either. Unless I hear of some widely applied fix for this, I guess I will live with it.

 

My 07 is doing this now and the dealer keeps resetting the ecu. Problem comes back once it warms up.

 

I have MDX Tech 2010 has a same issue brought to dealer multiple times no solution????????? Acura should do better to solve this problem