HST-07

Has anyone had issues with rear shock absorbers? I had to have one replaced at about 20,000 miles for a clunk noise and recently drove a low mileage one that also and a similar "clunk" in the rear. I was also getting a rebound or vibration at higher speeds over bumps.

rosen39

Here is a link to a thread started quite a while ago.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-2013-2018-404/clunking-rear-874856/

Bottom line is, the factory shocks are no good, and if you want a quiet shock, go buy some KYB's (part #349095) for a 2012 RDX. They bolt right in.

ezgobob

I have a 2014 RDX with a clunk in the rear, didn't start making noise until 10,000 miles, went to the dealer for service and the dealer is going to replace both shocks under warranty.

2014RDX

So I am currently in a battle with Honda of America over these shocks. With 27,500 miles, the left rear crapped out on us. Honda only authorized the replacement of one shock. If there were less than 10K, I might let that happen, but with that many miles, it's a safety issue to do so. I now have been waiting for 4 days for an answer, and not sure what I'll do if they won't pay for the other shock. The service manager is on my side, but I understand why he doesn't want to eat the cost if Honda won't authorize the repair.

Any advice on where to take it next if needed?

rosen39

2014RDX,
Stop wasting your time with the OEM shocks.............they are junk.
Go to Rock Auto online, and order a set of KYB shocks for $116, and that will be the last time you hear clunking from the back of the car. These are for the first generation RDX, but they fit. The rear suspensions are the same.
KYB Part # 349095 GR-2 / Excel-G
Rear

2014RDX

I'll waste my time with OEM shocks before I spend my own money.....

rosen39

2014RDX, and just what is your time and sanity worth????? (just kidding).
I had them replaced twice.........and all three sets were bad. You can't make a silk purse from a sows ear. Sachs cannot come through with a reliable shock. Just pretend it's another accessory.

2014RDX

I know. It's down to principle now. If we all went and bought KYB's when they went bad, Acura wouldn't know how many problems they're really having. My service manager is shocked (<----haha) that there isn't a service bulletin out yet. We need more cases to make that happen. I just can't believe that Honda of America refuses to acknowledge the safety issue with only replacing one shock at 28000 miles. I have to make a stand on that part!

trcollins59

Yesterday, 10/3, my dealer replaced at 14,025 miles both rear shocks after I complained of the same issues that you posted. My dealer is Southern Motors Acura in Savannah, Georgia. The rattling and vibration sounds were gone after the replacement. I know that they may come back due to faulty design, however, I like you, will continue to get replacements under warranty for as long as I can just to reinforce to Acura that they approved an obvious defective part to be used on RDX's from a supplier that they should no longer do business.

rosen39

"from a supplier that they should no longer do business."
Sachs and ZF are related companies. Sachs make the shocks for the RDX, and ZF is used for transmissions and steering racks on Acura. I am surprised that the manufacturer of the shocks is not embarrassed by the fact there are so many bad units out there.

Minge

Bought the KYB shocks...I am tired of my new truck sounding like a limber wagon. Not sure how big of a job it is to replace them. I wonder if my dealer would install them for free since I am supplying the parts? Seriously doubt it but I guess it will not hurt to ask.

I have had both shocks replaced and I am not doing it again with a part I know is just going to fail again.

rosen39

Not difficult. One bolt on the bottom and one nut on the top. There are two washers. the flat one goes on the bottom and the curved one goes on top with the curve facing down. There are two rubber bumpers. The pointed ends face out. The flat ends sandwich the body panel that holds the upper mount. Then there is a steel sleeve. The order of assembly is:
Flat washer
Rubber bumper
Steel sleeve
Install upper end into car
Rubber bumper
Curved washer facing down
Lock nut

rosen39

Here is a link to show you what to do. it is a first generation RDX, but the install is identical.

https://acurazine.com/forums/diy-faq...sorber-794969/

Minge

Got the KYB's installed no problem. The ride quality is a bit harsh for my taste...Do they break in so to speak or is this what the ride will be ride out of the gate. If this is the ride, I am not sure I will stick with these shocks is there another alternative that will give a softer ride?

rosen39

The only other alternative I think are shocks made by Monroe. If you are in a cold climate, yes they may be firm due to the temperature. Mine are fine around town and very smooth on the highway, and I am in New England. They sure beat listening to the "banging" sound. Just for kicks, check your tire pressure cold. Should be at 33 lbs.

Minge

Not for me I already yanked them out. My tires were at 31-32 for I was good there. I thought the ride was just too stiff for me. I. Will check out the Monroe option. It was a balmy 40 degrees here in Minneapolis so it was not a temp thing. The whole suspension on this truck is enough for me not to buy antother acura product.

rosen39

From the Rock Auto website:

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor...338&cc=1502807

They are for a 2012 RDX, but so were the KYB's. The rear suspensions are the same.

trcollins59

Today, 6,000 miles after having both rear struts replaced due to the much discussed rattle, we had the front passenger strut replaced for developing the same rattling noise. Both were covered under warranty at no charge.
I know that I should expect the other front strut that wasn't replaced to develop the same rattling noise. I have decided to continue to get them replaced without any additional cost until the new model comes out that will impress me enough to trade my 2014.

Minge

The shocks are super easy to replace so I am willing to try the Monroe shocks if the ride quality is a bit softer then the kyb.

Has anyone heard of someone using the Monroe replacements or any specs between the kyb and Monroe that would suggest a softer ride from the Monroe shocks?

I really need to get this fixed it just drives me nuts that a 40K truck sound like a 1975 f150 when driven over bumps.

rosen39

Just one more thing to check......is the spare tire tightened down and nothing else loose in that compartment? The only noise that I ever had was from the OEM shock absorber. Other than that, the car was tight.

Minge

Yep pulled everything apart and checked under the tire as well. Had one of my coworkers even ride in the cargo area to see if we could isolate things better with no luck. Even had for of us violently shake the car and could not reproduce.

Of course my coworker had to throw in beautiful car but how do you put up with the creeks and groans. Another suggested I just turn the stereo up and forget about it.

rosen39

"just turn the stereo up and forget about it"

Ha, ha. My father once told me a service manager at a dealership suggested that to a customer that had noise complaints. Needless to say, that guy was history.

carreracup03

KYBs solved my problem. Took 45 mins to install. Completely cured.

Colebob

Hi all,

Just have a 2016 now for a week. I was wondering if I am hearing something in the back before reading this thread? My guess before was that perhaps one of the rear shocks (or both) weren't tightened down properly. The springs (slow bumps, general changes of direction) don't have any issues or noises, but sharp impacts (pot holes, speedbumps, even manhole covers) seen to emit a "loose" feeling clunk sound. Is this the same thing you all are experiencing?

Thanks very much for your help!

Colebob

rosen39

Colebob, that is not good news for the 2016's. That was supposed to have a revised shock from the 2013-2015 models. Some of us have replaced the stock units with a KYB from the first generation RDX. The KYB website says they are going to produce a unit made for the 2013-2015 RDX's. With our units, it was a clunking sound. I had three different sets of Acura shocks, and all made the noise. Bring it back in and let us know what they do for you.

hand-filer

Sorry to here about that Colebob. I was hoping Acura would have had their shit together by now with regard to this issue which has plagued the model since 2013.
If the sound you are experiencing is similar to a load of loose lumber, you would be experiencing what they refer to as shock chuckle.
I had mine replaced 3 times as well to no avail. The only solution was to install the 2007 - 2012 RDX aftermarket shocks from KYB. That cured the noise but at some expense to the ride quality.
Ultimately the issue was more than I could tolerate and I moved on.
If you have the time you can check out this thread. It chronicles some of the experimentation that ultimately lead some of us to go with the KYB install.
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-.../#post14186451
The first thing to do would be to take it back to the dealership and have them check it out. With some luck it's unrelated to the 2013 - 2015 issue and can be resolved. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Colebob

Thanks Rosen and hand-filer. Thanks for the link to the other thread as well. Wow...had no idea this was such an issue. it's hard to describe perfectly...but it sure does seem like the same thing to me. Like I had mentioned, my first thought was "they didn't fully tighten the strut top bolt (I see now the rears are shocks). But...same feeling over abrupt bumps (driveway curb, speedbump, manhole cover, etc.). The rears just feel "loose" and make a clunk/rattle sound (just one sound...trying to identify it...not really a clunk...more of a loose component that hits something. Again...sounds like the same thing. I am tied up for a few days but will take it back in as soon as I can. I will post the results here as soon as I do.

Thanks again for all the help.

Colebob

Colebob

HI all. Sorry for the late follow up, but I did want to share the experience. I took the RDX back to the dealership and told them my thoughts. They confirmed right away the rear driver side shock was out. They said it was leaking badly. That I didn't know...just knew it wasn't working. They replaced it and all seems to be great now.

As a side note, I am absolutely loving the car.

Thanks for all the help and support.

Colebob

Sim28

Delivery date on my FWD '14 RDX was April 2014, brought into dealer August '15 with 7,150 miles for what I felt was a rough/firm ride. So, replaced was one part #52610-TX5-A02 shock absorber. It seemed to have helped at first, but it could've just been placebo effect. This ride comfort issue just keeps me second guessing the purchase vs. X3 & Q5 & then NX200t. Has anyone have a solid proven solution? I know I've read some folks replacing with KYB and Monroe shocks, but read mixed vibes on that, too. Bottom line is that a vehicle costing upwards of $40K should ride pretty smooth.

mdfree

KYB now has a part specifically for the 2013-2015. I've got a separate post for this part and I'm waiting to see how folks like it

2014RDX

Can you post the link to the new thread? Can't seem to find it!

2014RDX

Duh....found it.

mdfree

I'm curious to see how the KYB shocks perform

Bob fillare

[QUOTE=rosen39;15178978]2014RDX,
Stop wasting your time with the OEM shocks.............they are junk.
Go to Rock Auto online, and order a set of KYB shocks for $116, and that will be the last time you hear clunking from the back of the car. These are for the first generation RDX, but they fit. The rear suspensions are the same.
KYB Part # 349095 GR-2 / Excel-G

Thank you Rosen
I agree with you, I did this on my Pilot, big difference
I will put the KYB's in asap, does KYB make a front strut that fits. Does the 7-12 model fit??I want to change the whole suspension. I have been looking for a strut bar and replacement sway bars--no luck

Bob fillare

My RDX has 90k on it now, and I just changed the front struts , only Acura available. I read where the 2013 handling was lousy, they were 100% right. The 2016, was the last yr of the design, and that yr the handling was improved, so I assumed the strut was improved, and it was. Bottom line, new Acura front struts and the KYB in the back are much better than the 2013 stock parts

rshibles

Bob fillare

Bob fillare

Bob fillare

jimbo1763

New owner/member here. Bought a used 2018 RDX with 11K miles and CPO from a dealer. Drove it home a couple of hundred miles via interstate. Going over bumps, railroad tracks, potholes, etc, it feels almost like the rear end goes airborne for just a second and I get that "I am losing control of the car" feeling momentarily. Will take the car in to the local dealer to have it checked.

Good to know it's not my imagination. Long time Mercedes sedan owner here, and I expected the ride to be different, but not like this!

Jim