I have a 2003 TL with 92,000 km on it. With the temperature falling below freezing, I am experiencing grinding (sounds more like a rubbing) noises from underneath when I either spin the wheels, or when I turn a corner. If I turn off the traction control, everything is fine.
Anyone else experience this problem?

Is it possible that this problem can be a symptom of the tranny failures on 2nd generation TL's ????

 

Doesn't the Traction Control apply brakes to the wheels to prevent them from spinning out and gain traction?

 

Everyone wants to find a problem with their tranny...

'When traction control kicks in I hear a noise' does not lead to 'My tranny has a problem'.

When you spin your wheels, your brake on that wheel is applied. So you're hearing the brake rubbing the rotor. You don't normally hear it because when the wheel is spinning 30mph you've got wind noise - but in a spin you're standing still or near it.

Ignore it, and be ligher on the gas.

We really got to start asking the right questions. In this situation I would have asked 'What causes a grinding noise when my TCS kicks in?'

 

I live in winter 6 months of the year. I know what ABS and Traction Control does.
The noise I am getting in not normal by any means.
Before I go to the Acura dealer, I would appreciate some feedback as to what may be happening.
Thanks

 

If it was a TCS issue, you'd have an ABS issue as well. The two use the same wheel unit. Neither of your symptoms point to tranny, TCS and turning aren't tranny failure warning signs. So that's good news.

Our 04 TSX made a grinding/rubbing noise when TCS kicked in. It did it right off the lot on a sunny day, no snow required. Dealer instructed us on my test drive when I commented on the noise that it was normal and would be there every time the system prevented a spin.

I lived for 20 years with snow as well. Makes us both experts I guess. I wonder what I could be employed at with that knowledge of the white fluffy stuff? I digress. If you believe its a problem a visit is in order.

Report back when the dealer tells you whats wrong. I'd love to be wrong

 

BTW do you need to brakes? When was the last time they were serviced?

 

Does the noise occur when turning in both directions? My TLS made funky noise when I drove off this morning. Ended up being some snow caked in the wheel well that got shaved off with the drive.

Does TLP and TLS have same TCS? I thought TLP had generic kind with ABS helping to slow down the spin of the wheel and TLS had TLP system plus engine management system where the power was reduced with wheel spin.

 

Yea 02-03 has VSA instead of TCS I think

 

It (TLS) still uses the brakes to control/limit wheel spin. Only difference is the TL-P TCS only works up to 20mph which is completely pointless.

 

So whats the update?

 

I took my TL into a private mechanic today. He checked and could not find anything that is rubbing when the wheels are turned. He is a very good mechanic, but he is at a loss on this one. Whatever the noise is, it is internal, and only happens when the outside temperature is below the freezing mark. He is thinking that it could possibly be an axle that is going. His advise however is to take it into the dealer first and see what they think.

I have an appointment this Friday at the Acura dealer. Will see what they say.

 

I doubt its the axle. It has noting to do with the TCS and isnt controlled any different. If it was it would make noise even with the TCS off

 

If a cv axle bearing was failing and you are wailing on the gas pedal in turns with the traction system madly applying and releasing the brake on the faster side...
I could imagine a noise or 2

Do the cv test: from stopped- turn stering wheel full left and hold it-- as you begin to creep forward very slowly- any click click click?
now turn the wheel all the way right and repeat- very slowly starting to move forward
Click would be axle cv bearing imminent failure

Do that test on a flat street- have your guy do it on the rack too, you dont need acura for this
you need driving skills modification and a good read of the owner manual~
Quit doing ice burnouts with the wheels turned on the new cv assembly
Buy as a new unit from parts store, usa its $75

 

cold weather = cold grease in the cv axle bearings....

 

Had the car to the Acura Dealership today.
Round 1 goes to the car.
The mechanic spent almost two hours on the vehicle and could not locate the source of the noise. This is a new one for them.
The noise only occurs when the wheel is turned half way or more, and when under acceleration (not spinning the tires, just normal acceleration). Once they had the car in the shop for twenty minutes, the noise vanished. It appeared again once the car was outside for a short time.
This is a definite metal scraping or grinding noise. I was hoping that perhaps some part of the drive train was rubbing against a dust shield or something similiar.
The dealer was very good about not charging anything for their time (did not fix anything).

Note: the temperature here is -25C. The noise now occurs with or without the traction control engaged. No ABS lights or such appearing. The dealer does not think that it is a fault with the traction control.
Back to the dealer again right after Christmas.

 

Sounds like a CV joint issue. Half turned or more and you get the problem? Only under acceleration? Thats when the stress is greatest on the CV joint - turned and putting power down.

 

If its doing it without the TCS now i would start to look at the axle

 

i had the same problem as you and trust me i went to the dealership couldnt find anything. but the service tech told me its the TCS no biggie so its no big deal and i have currently 81,000 kms.

 

true i heard the same noise this week when it snoweed and i tried to accelerate...all you hae to do is turn off the tcs system if you dont want to hear the noise

 

It has been -35 here lately. The noise still happens when I accelerate while turning (and no, I do not gun it... car has always been treated with kindness).
I have had two mechanics look at the car. Both have admitted that this is the first time they have run across this.
The Acura dealer thinks that I may have a bad knuckle in the right axle. They have been great about working on the problem. They have ordered a new axle. If it fixes the problem.. great. I will pay them for the service and drive away happy.
If the axle replacement does not help, they will put the old one back in and not charge anything. I can't ask for any more than that.
Really hoping this works.

 

Knuckle in axle- you must mean the CV joint. Knuckle is diff. part.

 

Yes, you are correct.
The axle and CV joint comes as one unit.
Thanks Acura

 

Its good to see that they are working with you. Hopefully it gets solved.

 

Cv Joints! Very difficult to tell which side because it is the inner side. i.e.because they are so close. Have to play a game like changing one side, noise still there change the other. Had the same problem on my 2003 TL-p.Only did it at -20 degrees and for the first 2-3 turns then it will go away .