As some of you know, I recently got my tires changed.

One thing that's bothering me, and I can't tell if I'm imagining this or not, is that ever since the tires were changed, the suspension movement over rough roads has been noticeably worse. Almost like a lowered sports car with low, low profile tires. It's not bone jarring, but to me, it's noticeably different. Rougher is the only word that comes to mind.

It's smooth as butter over small bumps/undulations, in fact much smoother, so I kind of discounted the tires.

The car has almost 90k miles with oem struts/shocks.

The only thing I can think of is maybe when the car was lifted for the new tires, the suspension fully extended and something happened?

Anyone know what the issue may be? Do I need new struts/shocks? Is this common and/or a known problem? How much will this cost me?

Thanks in advance.

 

Any change in the air pressure from your previous set?

 

Check tire pressure first. We have heard multiple instances where a lift blows the shocks, so check those next.

 

Just rechecked the tire pressure and they are at 32 PSI all the way around after sitting in the garage overnight.

What really confirmed, or at least reinforced, the changes I'm feeling is that I took my car in yesterday to get the brakes done and they gave me a brand new 2014 MDX as a loaner. I couldn't believe how much smoother that thing was over the same roads I normally drive. Very, very nice SUV btw.

Do we have struts or shocks? If the recent lift did break something because it fully extended, what will have to get replaced?

 

Struts and shocks are interchangeable words. Both are dampeners. However, the catalog says we have struts up front and shocks in rear. (Or visa versa; it really doesn't matter.) You only need to change the dampeners.

Usually the ride isn't terrible until the shocks are completely gone. At that point, you will get loud clunking sounds over bumps and may experience continued bouncing after bumps. The dampeners are intended to stop the springs from oscillating.

 

Thanks.

I just found out that there's a known issue, or at least a bulletin was distributed by Acura describing the very problem I'm experiencing.

My advisor told me that in hot climates, the dampeners can slightly break while the car is on a lift, with some plastic pieces dislodging and getting stuck somewhere inside the dampeners.

As a results it will give your car a "4x4" feel, and I'm quoting exactly what he said and that is exactly what it feels like.

He said it would cost almost $1200 to change the two front struts. Is that right? Man, that sounds abnormally expensive.

 

at the rate of dealership costs and labor 1200 sounds right.

is it to high? yes.

 

That's a ridiculous amount for even all 4. The suspension is nothing special on the RL. Take it to a trusted Honda mechanic or Honda dealer and have them do it. I paid $400 parts and labor for rear struts on Legend #1. The parts here are a little more, but $500 should be doable.

 

Mr. RL, how many hours does strut/shock and alignment pay?

 

Yeah, it sounds expensive.

I've always trusted my car with my local dealership. They've always done a fine job and it runs perfect other than the aforementioned, but maybe I'll shop around for the struts.

Thanks again.