My 2011 tsx wagon went from hugging the curves to sloppily schlepping along. Dealer has been useless. Lots of bouncing and swaying just isn't handling right. Help!!!!!!

 

Have you made any changes to your wagon recently, or did some event trigger the change in handling?

 

I haven't made any changes. However I did make a quick right exit at speed and its been wobbly ever since. Is it struts? Could be a problem with the dampening system??

 

How many miles are on the car? How is the tire pressure? It's really impossible to make any recommendations with the current info.

Ted

 

And what is meant by the "dealer has been useless"? The dealer is saying nothing is wrong with it, but you feel like it doesn't handle well? It's difficult to fathom that a car can go from turning normally to being absolute crap without something obvious and significant happening like a blown shock, flat/under inflated tires, some other suspension component breaking or coming loose or disconnected, etc.

 

Exactly, there isn't enough information to make a differential diagnosis. Did you hit a curb, pothole, or something out of the ordinary? Did you feel anything unusual when you made that right turn?

 

I can't imagine your dealer hasn't checked this, but it sure sounds like a sway bar end link has gone missing (so to speak), particularly a front one. I'd suggest getting down on your hands and knees and make sure that both look attached, and OK.

 

Well, i went to dealer for routine oil change and tire rotation. After tire rotation I discovered a really bad vibration @50 mph+. 3 visits later vibration disappeared but tire pressure was fluctuating between 37-39 after dealer visit I adjusted it and its now back to normal between 32-34. I mentioned to dealer that car wasn't handling properly even mentioned a possible sway bar issue. Dealer said and I quote "there is no way a sway bar could come loose with out me knowing it because it would be dragging on the ground." The car has 19k. I also noticed liquid under the front end a while ago in my garage and now I'm wondering if that may be key. Yes I have hit potholes, but I noticed a difference after making that sudden right exit off of highway. I drive everyday so I know that there is a definite difference. Bumps are not being absorbed as well as before turns are not as tight and sort of "bounces" along. It's VERY obvious to me. At this point I am wondering should I take it to someone other than the dealer. Was thinking about Camber Toe in Lynbrook NY. Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

At 19k miles you are due for an alignment anyway. Get an alignment and go from there.

 

At 19K the original tires may be pretty shot. Uneven tire wear may play some tricks.

Not sure how alignment would be off unless something is bent, but once you get the car on the rack it will be clear. I love alignments.

If bumps aren't being absorbed the same and car feels less controlled, your shocks may be shot.

Stan

 

I would definitely look for a second opinion. Try to find a shop that specializes in suspension work. I use the Tire Rack installer database as a good first place to look, most will have reviews that you may find useful. The liquid on the floor I think is a clue; any dea what it is? If it in't water, it's most likely coming from a place it shouldn't. You may have a blown shock, and without it's hydraulic fluid to dampen properly, your car will handle differently.

If an end link (sway bar) has loosened, you'll never see it without looking for it. The sway bar has mounts on each side that hold it place (and it needs them to function). I agree it's a long shot, but your car handling the way you describe it is a long shot too, so I wouldn't discount anything.

 

PS... now steering pulls a bit (sometimes) when I accelerate and (sometimes)when I brake. After having an alignment compliments of the dealer after the tire rotation fiasco. Gonna look in to finding a reputable suspension specialist to look in to ALL the issues. Despite it all I still love my wagon! I just want it to be right! Thanks

 

Definitely get a second opinion. Keep careful documentation. Then, bring the bill to the dealer.

 

Pulling to the right under initial acceleration is called torque steer and is normal for all front drive cars.

 

Well 4 months later and an outside mechanic discovers all 4 struts are blown! I'm still under warranty and dealer was In Complete denial until I insisted. Front has been replaced but I still hear a knocking. Back in shop for strut mounts and rear struts. Been in shop a full week. To be continued...

 

A good opportunity to get coilovers?

 

How did you blow 4 struts in under 20k miles? I have 30k+ and everything is just fine.

 

hello, you did mention fluid on the floor. better jack up your car and take a closer look at your dampers. get a light in there so you can better see if there's traces of fluid leak. When my AGX's leaked on my Civic hatch i could immediately tell there's something wrong... night and day difference when you take corners but seems okay when you drive over straight & smooth roads. your steering wheel vibrates like crazy because one of your wheels is bouncing (if you blew any front damper) uncontrollably. But what is weird is that the dealer did not see this. or did they really check? did they just took your tires off, switched them places and did not bother to inspect your suspension? but what you can do is go underneath and see for yourself.

 

the dealer reacted like CEB 'how could you blow 4 struts at 20K" unless it was lowered.


if you bought it use it could have been lowered then raise back up for some reason.

so back to the stealer. ......stealer cant believe it would ever happen and they give him the WALL JOB ....(your car sits over there next to the wall for a few days.

 

Well I purchased it from dealer certified preowned with 12k miles. Been having problem since around 17k. Went to dealer who assured me everything was fine. I have done nothing but drive the car. Haven't modified lowered or anything. Still at dealer for the second time in a month. Outside mechanic says the struts were probably blown or on their way when I purchased it. Called dealer today they say I should hear something by Wednesday.

 

Outside mechanic said struts were blown PERIOD! I haven't done anything that would warrant blowing FOUR struts. He showed me the difference between good struts and blown struts. What is the dealer celebrating??? I have no idea but something is wrong. Just purchased car in September...2011 tech with 12k smh. Is there any recourse this is second visit for problem...

 

Good question beats me I think it was sold to me this way. Mechanic says it has probably been like that for a while. Factory defect maybe? I really don't know.

 

while ideally it's better to bring your car for service to where you bought it, if this dealer is just not cooperating you can look elsewhere. If there's another acura dealer close by you can definitely bring your car there. I'm assuming that the factory warranty is still good. If that is the case you shouldn't have any problem bringing your car to a different Acura dealer.

 

Odd. A factory defect on all four corners is unlikely - especially when there aren't any other reports.

I think Robpp is right. It was lowered, the struts leaked, the owner put the original bits back and traded it. The dealer didn't check and sold it to you.