CL SLeePeR

I have an '03 TLS and about 4 months ago I literally ate a double dip. Meaning I was doing about 45-50mph and ate a dip followed by about 10-15ft of road then another dip. To make a long story short I bent the subframe crossmembers and put a dent in the oil pan along with some cosmetic damages to the front factory lip.


The car is lowered, I'd say about 2 inches. Here's the problem, I notice that the whole car sometimes vibrates, stopped at idle and there's this very lite raspy feeling on the throttle at cruising speeds almost un-noticeable, but I know I feel it and not my imagination. When I took it to fountain acura in orlando FL (where it was purchased) I asked them to see what damage I had caused and they said that visually the sub-frame crossmembers looked bent but they couldnt do anything because the car specs weren't factory settings. I didnt want them to do anything to the car, I just wanted to know what damage had been done. They replied with what I stated in the previous sentence. I went ahead and replaced the crossmembers anyways. But Im experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier.

I would have to say that the vibration justed started within the last month or so. I dont know if the temperature has anything to do with it, as its been cold here the last month and a half (low 40's to 50's) I'd really appreciate your imputs and suggestions as to what the problem might be.

Also I noticed that the front bumper saggs a little. There's 1/4in gap between both front fenders and the front bumper as well as the headlamps. Anyway to adjust the bumper or do I need a new one?

Thank You, for your replies..

SpeedyV6

My '01 CL-S was declared a TOTAL LOSS by my insurance company - mostly because the subframes were so badly bent that they needed to be replaced.

scalbert

If the oil pan is dented it could disupt oil flow or if bent in enough, contact the crank. Either way you should fix that imediately as engine damage could occur(ed).

With the subframe bent you could be running into other problems. The suspension could be out of wack which could cause vibration when driving. Also, the engine mounts could be shifted some which again could cause vibration.

1killercls

Take it to a body shop and put it on a frame machine to check subframe geometry and any other suspension issues.

bigman

get rid of it, once you do sub frame damage the car will never be the same again.

acura_service

do you have the a/c on or off when the vibration occurs, cycleing of the a/c compressor may be doing it, you may have a line grounded out against the frame or something

astro

do you have headers? they could be loose as well.

CLpower

yea, I would think exhaust leak to, if you hit the bumps that hard it's very likely you may of loosened up something.

quikcls

it could be a trans mount/ motor mount/ bent rim..if its just the crossmember thats bent its easily replaced, but if its the actual frame then thats a diff story. i would check that oil pan prob like scalbert mentioned

CL SLeePeR

1st of all thanks for all the replies, but how do I get the dealer to check whats damaged if they said they couldnt do anything because the car is not at factory specs?? Scalbert, they said the sub-frame crossmembers were bent, they didnt specify just the subframe. I've already replaced the crossmembers.

The AC is not on when I feel the vibration/shaking, I've noticed it when Im stopped at a light. The raspy throttle feeling is present when your foot is on the throttle at cruising speeds. I dont have Aftmrkt Headers. I took a look underneath the car just now, (been a while) the oil pan just has scrapes not a dent.



The car is lowered..
Can you recommend a shop? A repuitable one?



Thanks for your replies....

1killercls

I haven't lived in Cali for years...ask CLPower (Scott) he can help you out on that.

CL SLeePeR

Im currently in Orlando FL..

CL SLeePeR

^

davykim7

which person did you talk to at the fountain automall acura?

car_lost

just take it to a body shop or mechanic or w/e and have them check it out. oh and the bumper being a 1/4 inch away from the fender is not normal, something is obviously bent or out of whack.

Ogolden1

I think you are getting that "raspy vibration" from a BLOWN front motor mount! I'm on my second one, and it's starting to get that slight raspy vibration thru the unibody framework. I'll bet that the forceful impact caused the front lower motor mount to blow. They're only ~$90 amd easy to replace - you'll notice a big difference!

CL SLeePeR

Dont remember the ladies name, but she's the one in charge over there.





I thought that I might have damaged one of the motor mounts but as previously stated the dealer didnt really help me out. I did by the way change the rotors tonight and found one of the wheels to be bent. I know I was getting vibration from the bent rim but the shaking is while the car is idle. How do I determine the mount is to blame? Thanks for you info..

Any other info will be greatly appreciated..

CL SLeePeR

^

CL SLeePeR

How can I tell if its one of the engine mounts? What do I look for?

CL SLeePeR

Ok now Im having another problem with the car... Tonight I stood next to the car while it was at idle, I hear a thumping sound in the driver's side rear. I followed the noise and found a pulsating/thump located in a black box located on the underside of the car, right underneath the rear left passenger seat. Does anybody know what this box is? I assumed it was the fuel pump. Its a black box with 2 lines going to it. Can anybody tell me whats going on here? Also, how can I tell if one of the engine mounts are bad, what do I look for? Thanks..

scalbert

I'll have to look in the manual (too wet out right now to climb under the car) but that is not the fuel pump. The pump is located in the tank.

astro

catalytic converter problems?

CL SLeePeR

I'd greatly appreciate it. Its not the cat..

scalbert

Most likely this is the EVAP cannister related; possibly the two way valve, bypass valve or the vent valve. I can't say which one unless under the vehicle. But that is abotu the only items I could see being related in that region.