So, the thing in the center console where you rest your arm. You know the two leather padded doors that open up, one swings towards you, the other towards the passenger.

The passenger side rest is still cushy, but the driver side all the cush is gone.

Anyone else experience this?

Any ideas? Replacement part?

Car is under warranty but I'm not sure cushiness is covered. Seems kind of weak though for it to be smashed like that.

If you look at the diagram here:

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal

It's the thing in the upper left hand corner.

 

I had mine replaced under warranty. The drivers side became loose and had a bubble in it. I am told they have replaced many.

 

Mine was also replaced under warranty when it bubbled.

You cannot buy the padded piece alone. The entire upper folding potion of the armrest must be ordered. It is over $500 for just that component.

The 09+ RLs have deeper padding on these armrests.

For the price to replace that component, it is likely more cost effective, and a better end product to have an interior upholsterer refabricate the armrest with better grade foam and real leather covering.

 

I like to think of the center armrest padding as "memory foam" -- it remembers where I rested my arm and the foam that used to be there is just a memory.

Maybe I'll mention it when I go in for the next oil change. I've got no obvious bubble or anything, just dimpled foam.

Tampa -- did they replace it with the better unit from the 2009+?

Rob144

 

Rob,

Mine was replaced before the 2009 model was introduced. The replacement, though apparentlly the same as the orignal, has yet to dimple or bubble. But I also have 27K miles on my RL...so we will see.

I had a similar issue with the padded armrest on the driver's door. My dealer replaced both for me without my asking, under warranty.

 

Well, glad (not glad) others seem to have the issue as well.

I'll say something when I take it in and see if they do anything or just nod their heads.

 

Bubble here as well. Not the best materials.

 

I do not have a "bubble" on mine but the padding is completely gone. Car has 42k miles, still under warranty.

I took it to the Acura dealer and he said that Acura can NOT cover this under warranty because it is considered normal wear!!! I was shocked! "Nomal wear" in a $50k car
?
I was not happy about it and the service adviser said that he will try to "work with the district manager" to escalate the issue. NO luck!!! I got denied again.

What do i do to fight this?!?!
Anyone wants to share the name of their dealer where the armrest was replaced so i can use it as reference when i call Acura customer care?
Any other ideas?

I am not sure if it's my local dealer who does not know how to get warranty work approved OR Acura HQ is being difficult to work with.

 

Normal wear hell. I have never had a car have the interior come apart as I have on this RL and I am not alone on this. Already replaced both armrest and now the center console plus other items. That is not normal wear, that is a defect. Print up this thread and all related threads on the same matter and fax it to the person in charge. Do not let up a single second. Do not be rude, but let them know that you are not going away until satisfied. Best of luck.

 

is this the bubble you guys are referring to? and was it was covered under warranty? cause i have the same problem as of the past 1.5 months

 

fredren,

That is for certain the issue. It is MUCH more severe on your RL than what I had in my RL. I had a single bubble, where my elbow rested. My dealer replaced mine without me asking. He just said: 'That is not acceptable'.

I have noticed, that when I clean the pleather I do not rub harshly as it seemed to separate the pleather from the foam and adhesive underneath, which I believe contributed to the bubbling.

Also, FYI, my dealer replaced the padded armrest on the driver door for similar issues.

I now drive with elbow pads.

 

I did not have the bubble until I read this thread last week/ although padding has been nonexistent for a while. Then, over the weekend 2 small circular bubbles appeared and then split. I'm way out of warranty (just turned 100K), so will have to live with it.

 

what a waste of money to fix "bubbles"

warranty muy importante on 50k+ car

 

I had custom jell inserts put in the arm rest and real leather that looks just like the stock stuff.

 

pictures!

 

I fixed my bubble by placing a towel on the armrest and using an iron at medium setting. It reheated the adhesive and good as new.
Be very careful, too hot and you may get the rest of the material to lift.

 

i would take a pic but it looks the same as the stock.

 

If you can't give us pictures, can you at least provide sketches of the process?

Just kidding -- but we're probably wondering how you got everything taken apart and then put back together. Not to mention how the gel pads got in in there and the new covers attached.

 

Me too. I need to take mine apart and replace the foam.

 

and how did u manage to find leather thats exactly the same. I could never find stuff to match factory.. or vice versa.

 

so i got this replaced from My local dealer (acura of valley stream) and im loving it. i definitely would recommend that dealer for us local guys

 

I got the center armrest replaced under warranty and the padding appears to be the 2009 style -- firmer stuff (no more memory foam). Much better. It's a brand new console bin, by the way.

 

i used a used seat cover and i also got them to make me a extra arm rest with the perferated leather to!

 

[quote=fredren;11372334]is this the bubble you guys are referring to? and was it was covered under warranty? cause i have the same problem as of the past 1.5 months[/quote
mine actually split. have anyone tried the "recovers" that I see on ebay?

 

Holy thread bump... .go get new ones made at a stereo shop noob.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/f-015-heavy-vs-arm-rest-781944/

 

Heavy's being too modest here. His thread (which he's linked here) is a classic.

 

Great post on the step-by-step removal and installation. Took 3 minutes to remove. I dropped them off at my local car upholstrey shop today (Covina Upholstry) and will have them by Tuesday ($50). New foam and stronger color-matched vinyl.

They also just repaird my torn passenger leather seat bottom. The perforated seats may look more luxurious but actually help the leather to tear like paper from a pad. They did a great job. Sorry I don't have before and after pics. Highly reccommend the shop.

 

Congrats

 

hi to all,
i have read the posts and complained to acura that i felt this should be a warranty issue, even when mileage/time has expired. I said i see web posts and this is a chronic issue, and on your flagship car. I was told by Acura "this is not an issue, i don't see new consoles being ordered". i eplied, 'no one is going to spend 4500+ for a new console".
here is the number to call, let acura know this is an issue
800-382-2238 x115188 ask for anthony
This is acura customer care and he responded finally to me, "sorry, can't help yopu and this is not our problem."
Thanks

 

If any one is interested, I have a set of 2010+ thicker material ebony OEM center console armrest flaps at: https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/new-used-2007-acura-rl-oem-parts-867904/ Normally you'll have to buy the entire console piece ($500+) to get them since they are not sold individually.

 

wrong color for me

 

Does anyone know where I can find some gel inserts that is compatible size wise with the arm rest. I like the idea of a gel padded armrest kinda like the seat on my motorcycle.

 

Did anyone every use the armrest cover on Ebay.

 

I'm going through it now. Should have results for you in a week or two.
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...rmrest-927515/