Diggs

I have recently returned to the Acura family when I purchased a 2000 TL that is in very reasonable shape given its high mileage (200k kms or 120k miles).

The tranny was replaced on the recall at 166k kms. The tranny seems to be functioning well.

One thing that I noticed when first test driving the car is a bit of a "clunk" when I hit larger bumps/holes. The clunk seems to vary from the left or right depending on the side of the bump. From searching the forum, I note this clunk could be suspension components or engine mounts. I do not get any engine hesitation or clunking when starting or engaging gears or braking. The sound only happens when moving and only when I hit medium and bigger bumps. From what I can tell, the suspension does not seem to "bounce". Although I have never driven or rode in a TL before, I was expecting a plusher ride. There is no squeaking when turning the wheels.

The excellent service records indicate no replacement of any suspension components or motor mounts.

I am expect that at the mileage a suspension renewal is needed. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Diggs

Bareback

Sounds like the engine mounts - common for them to mess up.

acurabum

Check and test your lower front ball joints ** Or bring to a alignment shop
to check the shock or suspension ......

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

It's suspension not motor mounts. Motor mounts don't "clunk" you just get more engine movement when gunning it.

At that mileage with no record of replacement sounds like blown shocks. Jack up the car and look for leaks/oil on the shock tower.

Diggs

Yeah...I will get it up and get a look at the suspension real good. I will get my atv mechanic employee to give it a quick look too.

Anything specific to check for motor mounts as there is no record of their replacement either and with everyone else's apparent problems, I cannot see how my high mileage TL would avoid the motor mount problems.

I suppose I will have to start considering suspension parts...oem, aftermarket, coil overs, etc.

Diggs

@cUr@-TL

from your description it sounds like a bad upper ball joint...

MrAlex

Jack the car and check if your able to shake the wheel .. if yes , you have to check for suspension components.. at 200 000km ill be great to check the motor mount too.. front is the first one to bust.. i changed the 5 mounts at 195 000km, 4 of the 5 where busted.. i changed 1 bal joint, 2 tabs, 2 tie-rod, 1 berring.. maybe i drive too hard..

Diggs

Thanks for the info.

MrAlex, what do you mean by tabs? (stupid question of the day...lol)

Also, what can I do to inspect the motor mounts myself.

I live way up in the NWT and good service at a reasonable prices can be hard to find. The closest Acura dealership is 1100kms away. So, I am looking to rely on the advice of experienced TL owners and my own abilities.

Thanks again.

Diggs

MrAlex

You can go to the honda dealer (like i do frequently) , av6 and tl share a lot of things... the tabs are a part of the front suspension .. its on the top .. its like an Y arm ..

@cUr@-TL

he's talking about the upper control arm...


alex: une tab c pas mal quebecois comme mot

fsttyms1

i would most likely say suspension related as well. withthat many miles it could very easily be a bad strut, or even the rubber isolaters on the top of the strut. I would also lok at teh ball joints.

As for the motor mounts, start the car put it in gear, have some one look at the motor and while firmly holding the brake give it gas and have the other person watch to see if the motor moves around. or raises up at all. If there is much movement 1 or more of the mounts may be bad. typically the passenger side mount gets worn out and the front one which is a fluid filled vacum assisted mout wear out. also look to see if the front one has leaked any fluid out