Just wondering what you expected and what you got from your RL. I expected a real smooth ride, but for some reason it's a bit more sporty/bumpy.

It could also be my car. I just don't know .. I'm taking it in for an independent inspection. My dealership has put new tires on it, balanced, aligned, and fixed an inner tie rod issue, but my ride is still vibrating when I hit around 75-80. On lower speeds I seem to feel every bump on the road, so I'm leaning toward a suspension problem .. but the whole thing is just kinda bumming me out at this point.

I drove a TSX as a loaner and that thing felt smoother at high speeds than the RL .. I don't think that's right!

So .. fill me in on what my expectations should be. For a luxury car, I want to float on air.

 

Are you referring to two different items? Vibration and the lack of floating?
If you wanted something to float on air, you should bypass every modern car available and instead focus on a 1970's Lincoln or Cadillac. Now those floated on air and the handling or lack of to prove it. Very exciting at 130.

Whether an LS460, 750, 550, etc. you are going to feel the road to some degree. I would further venture that a vast majority here would prefer the RL to have an stiffer suspension, myself included. The RL being a very heavy car I would still say the ride is very good and every bit as good if not better than any Lexus I have owned (6).

Does you car have the A-Spec suspension which is a bit harsher than stock?

Surely you drove more than one RL before making a purchase. Did the other(s) display the same symptoms your describing? Let us know, not sure based on your post if it is is vibration or just a stiffer suspension you have issue with. Also, cv (half) shafts have been known to cause some vibration in the drivetrain, but that will do nothing for the floating feel your expecting.

 

I think it's the vibration that is getting to me when I get up to higher speeds. From 60 to 80 I should not expect to feel the car vibrate. On the contrary I would think that it would smooth out a bit at higher speeds.

So my issue really isn't the stiff suspension, it's more of the vibration I am feeling and that the dealer hasn't been able to fix yet. Am I supposed to feel the car shake at 80 MPH? is what I am really trying to ask.

When I purchased my car, I guess I assumed that the ride would be a little smoother than the TL. Should I keep trying to get it fixed, or should I accept it as the RL "ride"?

 

no i have two RL's and there both smoooooth keep the car they maybe put used tires on or bad balance, drive shafts don't think so takes a long time for that. Make sure it has not been in an accedent.

 

Once you rule out the obvious such as tires,wheels,etc. then the drive axle and cv shafts need to be looked at. I did drive a RL once which exhibited what you may be describing at 80 or so. It certainly was not coming from the wheels and I suspected something deeper, perhaps you are experiencing the same. I believe another member here just posted the same and had to replace the front CV shafts which corrected the issue.

 

my car is lowered and still runs smooth as hell.

 

I would check your tire pressures. They should be around 33psi or so. Make sure you check them when the tires are cold.

Chris

 

I'll check it out .. the sensors say they're 33 all around, but that may not be true. I'm having an independent inspection done today (non acura dealer). We'll see if they find anything.
It's just very strange, sometimes it'll just start vibrating between 70-80 .. I'm beginning to think it's a CV problem .. glad I have a warranty

 

Cars these days are very 'finicky' about wheel balancing.

Find a shop that has a GSP9700 and your vibration problems will be solved (if they are related to wheel balancing, which I'm guessing it is)

www.gsp9700.com

You want to ask for a shop to "Road Force Balance" all four tires. It's about $100 if I remember...try and find an Acura dealer that has one (if you can).

 

Harsh ride? I have A-Spec (e.g. car is lowered) and my ride is smooooooooth other than on the worst potholes.)

Good advice above!

 

welp .. I had the car inspected. The guy said "no problems" everything looks great but the shocks are a little rough compared to the other Acura's he's checked.
He also balanced two tires .. my father took it for a ride and said it was much better. I'll check it out when I get home.

If the shocks are rough, how should I approach the dealership .. tell them to replace? that should have been done on the Certification.

I don't know .. am I being too picky.. what do you think?