Has anyone here installed the A-spec suspension themselves? One of the eBay ads I have seen implies that the springs are pre-installed on the shocks & struts (sounds a bit like coilovers), but I assume that a spring compressor would still be needed to get the old ones off. OF course, the downside is that the new parts would not be covered with the same length of warranty (just the parts, not the install), and I have not yet priced the installl at the local dealers to be able to do the cost/benefit trade. Anyone?

 

Me...personally...and keep in mind I do a lot of wrenching on my other cars, I would have it done either buy the dealer or a suspension shop. The RL is a complex car with sensors and whatnot all over the place. The cost savings by doing yourself may be significant, but I'd much rather have the pros do it.

 

I agree with DCD,

While I am very capable of most any modification to my cars, I prefer to keep Acura on the hook for the longevity of their parts (especially those with a high potential to wear). Having the dealer do the installations might cost a bit more, but at least you can get them to fix any issues under Warranty.

Just my $0.02.

 

Forum member Jeff Sloan has purchased, installed and chronicled his resultz.
Here are a few threadz to review:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=556
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=610

 

Save yourself the headache and let the dealer do it.

 

My Local Dealer wanted $770 just for installation!! That's why I did it myself. The suspension itself is no harder than a Civic or Integra suspension installation. The A Spec susp. does come pre-assembled and no spring compressor is needed.

The HARD part is getting the interior apart and back together correctly. Lots of expensive interior parts to break.

I would NOT reccomend this as a do it yourself project unless you have the factory service manual and are comfortable with the process it outlines. You will have to remove the rear side trim, rear upper trim, rear seat back, rear seat bottom and rear deck to get the the top bolts on the rear struts. There are a couple clips that you literally have to break to remove (as per the Helms) so make sure you get those ahead of time.

It took me about 4-5 hours from wheels off to wheels on - Granted I did engine swaps for a living for 3 years.

 

$770? That should be the price for the FULL a-spec, not only suspension. The dealer charged me $200 something for the suspension on the TL. They said it would not be much more for the RL.

 

Jeff, did you need a spring compressor to get the stock springs off? Also, where did you get the part numbers for the clips you had to break and replace? BTW, I am also planning to install the rear park sensor the same weekend (specific date to be determined), and I will be happpy to post pics of the install-I just got a new Canon Digital Rebel XT and I am itching to try it out on some shots of my RL. Now for the DIY supercharger install....

 

You can find the part numbers at acuraparts247.com But I think he meant it is hard to put it together as there are lots of things you CAN break, not what you MUST break.

Nice camera

 

Actually the Helms manual instructs you to BREAK the rear clips which hold the cover for the side curtian air bags. You literally bang on a specific spot with your fist until it gives. A wierd thing to do on a brand new $50k car, but it worked. It is the only way to remove them. You have to install new ones or your side curtian air bags may not deploy properly.

I don't know the part #, I took the helms manual to the dealer and showed them the picture.

 

Really? Sorry - I didn't realize you are actually supposed to break something.

 

Jeff, I noticed a mention of a"KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014", referenced in the service manual (page 20-79) when removing the rear shelf. Did you buy this tool set, or did you use generic trim tools to remove the trim? Also, what page discusses the intentional breakage of the clips you mentioned? TIA.

 

This may be a strange enquiry

I was wondering if the A Spec struct and shock be fitted with the stock springs, thus NOT reducing ride height.

Reason I ask, is that my driveway is up a steep ramp and the transition from the road to the driveway is at quite a steep angle such that the black front lips sometime scraps the pavement when I approach the ramp (when I am not careful).

I measured the minimum distance from the black front lip to the road at the most acute point and it is about 2 inches clearance.

Any remarks?

Plastics
05 Acura RL silver

 

Did it with a friend and it wasn't bad. Honestly the only thing that was really hard is the end links and we found a workaround for it. As long as you have the right tools you'll be fine. It took us about 6-7 hours for the whole job and there are DIY writeups here in the forum.

Also, there's no need to break anything and you don't need to remove the rear panel.

 

Hey Jeff or any other pros out there. I just ordered my aspec suspension yesterday and I want to have my mechanic install it. The thing is he works on Mercedes and BMWs for a living. I'm worried that he won't have experience with this install since it's a Japanese car, but the suspension was replaced about 15k miles ago. Does this mean that the parts that need to be broken will have already been broken? I also have the Helms manual and I can print out a DIY. The guy is really good, but I want honest opinions about whether or not I should just take it to a stealership. Thanks!

 

When my guy installed my Aspec suspension, the techs did not break any parts, and just reused the old ones. So I have like extra bolts and stuff left over. The techs did not look at the instruction manual for the suspension, but they did look at how to take the rear seat out which I provided instructions for. I think your guy should be fine since he works on MB and BMWs. The stealership is a rip off, wanted like $800 for the install.

 

Thanks! Yeah, I'm not a big fan of taking it to Acura outside of the warranty... They seem to make more mistakes than independents.