Hey guys, I was curious if the adaptive dampers looked different than the normal ones. So i got underneath an advance then next to it was a A-spec. There’s no difference in the look of the front struts.
So i got on an Acura OEM parts website and looked up front struts, expecting to see 2 different parts/part numbers. This was not found. There is only one part for the front struts ($300 each!). Now for the rear shocks, there are 2 different parts, with different numbers and different prices.
I thought an adaptive damper would be different than a regular strut. I was imagining those adaptive dampers that change their dampening in milliseconds. Everything I read says that the adaptive dampers are only available on the Advance model, not on anything else, including A-spec. Why i am not finding different part numbers? Am I not understanding how these adaptive dampers actually work?

 

Great question, and I am waiting to see what comes up in response!

 

Was gonna delete this thread, but I will wait. I did a search & found a lot of info on the dampers, but not about the actual parts. I will wait a bit, see what others say.

 

I'd be interested in learning more about this, if anyone here knows. I'd think that active dampers are not just dumb struts. There would have to be sensors / transducers with feedback signals and flow metering on the strut itself.

And expensive as hell to replace. What was the difference in price of the parts?

Is it possible that active dampers are only used in the rear? Even on an Advance that is only FWD?

 

I'm curious too. Your question inspired me to go online and educate myself about adaptive dampers. Always to read a thread posing a question we can learn something about, as opposed to reading a gripe thread about why the RDX doesn't have automatic folding mirrors (although it can be fun...)

 

On the rear, one shock is $173, while the other is side specific and says “(Ads)” in the product name. These are $273 each.
The fronts are listed the same way but the price is the same $302 each.
From what i have read the adaptive dampers have special valving inside them that is constantly adjusted to control rebound and ride quality. The valving controls a fluid.
So wouldn’t these shocks have to have wiring harnesses connected to them?
Theory. Since the driving modes adjust the ride quality of the vehicle, and all trim levels have this, what if the adaptive dampers is something not in the shocks. Like a separate module/chip. That all trim levels have the feature because of driving mode function, but only the advance has the special controller to make it adaptive.

 

Acura’s description of active dampers shows them on all 4 wheels.

https://www.acura.com/rdx/modals/adaptive-damper-system

I'm curious as to what controls are present on the Advance that's not included in the other trims. When you change driving modes on the lower trims, does the ride change at all? I guess not.

When I go from Comfort to Sport, I notice very little change in the ride but I think there's a little less lean around turns. Going from Sport to Sport+, there's a very noticeable difference. Much firmer.

Of course, even in Comfort, the ride is pretty firm.I would prefer a softer ride more like a true "luxury" car.

 

My understanding is that the only thing that changes on non-Advance models is the engine response and the steering. I have sometimes wondered if I missed out by not getting the Advance, but this thread has laid that to rest I think. I’m sure the active suspension makes a difference for some, but it sounds like I’m my driving I’d barely notice it.

 

I've read similar things concerning the TLX Advance vs the A-Spec. Basically that the default suspension for the A-Spec trim and below is already well-tuned and not to buy the Advance just for the adaptive dampers.

 

The dampers are different. Acura sticks to precision crafted engineering (TM), so everything that should not be there, is not there. For example, Acura tend to not leave any cables/plugs un-used for a specific trim, so when retrofitting one would need to replace the cables/plugs as well.

The adative dampers have a bulge near the bottom. That is the motor that changes the valving. You will not see the motors on non-ADV dampers, at least I just checked my A-spec front dampers. The adaptive dampers are controlled by 39381-TJB-A01. I don't have the wire diagrams, but I assume one will need a few cables to hook up the unit to CAN or MOST bus, and of course to the dampers individually.

There are more than a few obstacles to retrofit adaptive dampers. First, the major cables are sold as a bundle at $700+, then one would need to identify for example which cables in the engine room harness go to the dampers/control unit, then try to replace only those cables. The labor cost itself will dissuade anyone.

 

I agree. In fact, when I drive my wife's 2020 CR-V Touring on occasional weekends, I admire the smoother ride, but do miss some of the RDX's upscale features.

 

From Press Kit:"Amplitude Reactive Dampers (RDX, Technology Package and A-Spec)

Proven Amplitude Reactive Dampers are used on the RDX, Technology Package and A- Spec. Amplitude Reactive Dampers contribute to outstanding ride comfort together with crisp, precise handling. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters, including a Ride Zone and a Handling Zone. Each zone has a unique set of compression and rebound damping forces tailored to provide the desired ride and handling attributes. In essence, the amplitude reactive dampers operate like two separate suspension systems combined in one. The dampers function reactively or “passively,” and are entirely mechanical/hydraulic in operation with no electronics required.

Active Damper System (ADS) (Advance Package)

New to the 2019 RDX in the Advance Package, the Active Damper System is part of the vehicle’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that also controls the Electric Power Steering (EPS), Drive-by-WireTM throttle system, Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) and traction control. Controlled by a microprocessor using information from the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system’s wheel sensors, yaw/G sensor, engine rpm and torque, and steering angle, the Active Damper System can adjust every 0.002 seconds to adapt individual wheels to road surfaces."

As I understand it reactive dampers have valves limiting flow of fluid that are controlled by excursion of the damper, while active damper (in addition?) has stiffness controlled by computer. I believe they change stiffness by use of ferrofluid and magnetic coil controlled by computer.

 

Agreed the comfort mode could be a little more comfortable. Smoother than 2018 RDX advanced but not at luxury levels.

 

What I'd like to know is if we purchase the dampers and the required harness will the vehicle recognize what's now available and make the proper changes, or will it require some alteration at the dealer level or beyond to enable them. Looked into this shortly after getting my A-spec as it seems baffling they would leave these off the trim. Somewhere in the neighborhood of ~$1200 is what the parts came up to if I remember properly. Would be a nice addition.

 

Just reviewed parts and pricing again. Would be closer to $1500+ tax for this endeavor. Not sure I'd like to be the tester.

 

And this is one reason I chose the Advance...besides I don't care for the red gauges or the suede seating...And REALLY enjoy the "other" Advance features.

With this said, it really is a shame that Acura didn't include the adaptive dampers on the A-Spec trim, but they must have had their reasons.

 

The A-Spec is largely a cosmetic package and not a "sport" one along the lines of say an RDX Type-S. The TLX Type-S definitely has the adaptive dampers as standard equipment.

 

Yes, this much is clear unfortunately. But then again, the Advance is not as you say a "sport" package and does have them which makes their omission unfortunate as at least one of the trims looks the part.

 

The right one is adaptive. It has this electronic part.