Acura Buyback.
#41
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#43
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Got it. On this new one i just got, i put about 200 miles on my drive home from the dealer. I paid very close attention to the suspension noise, and it was whisper quite. This might change the more the car is driven, and i will update as soon as i put a couple of thousand miles more (a month or so).
#44
#46
Senior Moderator
No suspension rattles on my car, yet. Maybe I'm not driving it right.
#48
Grandpa
Join Date: Dec 2003
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You probably didn't break anything, but it's surprisingly noncompliant and gives you a hint at how the lighter P-AWS cars might be having issues.
That we have the same dampers and springs still surprises me.
The Sport Hybrid carries 357 pounds more than the P-AWS cars, and the weight distribution is completely different.
#51
Three Wheelin'
For me it doesnt take quite that much to set off the suspension gremlins.
Usually any normal to larger manhole cover (with a 2-3 inch dip in the pavement), potholes, large dips or uneven junctions between two different pieces of paved road, etc, etc. 95% of the time these conditions set of that "clunk" that makes you feel like you may have broken something in the car. The amount of frustration and distraction it creates in an otherwise great driving experience created by a really nice drivetrain and steering mechanics will forever be the biggest sore spot for me with my RLX.
It is the single biggest issue that continues to tarnish my driving experience just about anytime I take the car for anything other than a super-long road trip where I am on smooth highway pavement for long periods of time.
If I were to sum it all it up: I give the RLX PAWS a rating of 3 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of creating a consistent and repeatable luxury driving experience across a wide variety of road conditions. Consistent being the key word and key missing factor. And it just flat out sucks not being able to enjoy a higher percentage of my driving time with it for what I pay every month.
Usually any normal to larger manhole cover (with a 2-3 inch dip in the pavement), potholes, large dips or uneven junctions between two different pieces of paved road, etc, etc. 95% of the time these conditions set of that "clunk" that makes you feel like you may have broken something in the car. The amount of frustration and distraction it creates in an otherwise great driving experience created by a really nice drivetrain and steering mechanics will forever be the biggest sore spot for me with my RLX.
It is the single biggest issue that continues to tarnish my driving experience just about anytime I take the car for anything other than a super-long road trip where I am on smooth highway pavement for long periods of time.
If I were to sum it all it up: I give the RLX PAWS a rating of 3 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of creating a consistent and repeatable luxury driving experience across a wide variety of road conditions. Consistent being the key word and key missing factor. And it just flat out sucks not being able to enjoy a higher percentage of my driving time with it for what I pay every month.
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bronx1480 (12-30-2015)
#52
Suzuka Master
For me it doesnt take quite that much to set off the suspension gremlins.
Usually any normal to larger manhole cover (with a 2-3 inch dip in the pavement), potholes, large dips or uneven junctions between two different pieces of paved road, etc, etc. 95% of the time these conditions set of that "clunk" that makes you feel like you may have broken something in the car. The amount of frustration and distraction it creates in an otherwise great driving experience created by a really nice drivetrain and steering mechanics will forever be the biggest sore spot for me with my RLX.
It is the single biggest issue that continues to tarnish my driving experience just about anytime I take the car for anything other than a super-long road trip where I am on smooth highway pavement for long periods of time.
If I were to sum it all it up: I give the RLX PAWS a rating of 3 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of creating a consistent and repeatable luxury driving experience across a wide variety of road conditions. Consistent being the key word and key missing factor. And it just flat out sucks not being able to enjoy a higher percentage of my driving time with it for what I pay every month.
Usually any normal to larger manhole cover (with a 2-3 inch dip in the pavement), potholes, large dips or uneven junctions between two different pieces of paved road, etc, etc. 95% of the time these conditions set of that "clunk" that makes you feel like you may have broken something in the car. The amount of frustration and distraction it creates in an otherwise great driving experience created by a really nice drivetrain and steering mechanics will forever be the biggest sore spot for me with my RLX.
It is the single biggest issue that continues to tarnish my driving experience just about anytime I take the car for anything other than a super-long road trip where I am on smooth highway pavement for long periods of time.
If I were to sum it all it up: I give the RLX PAWS a rating of 3 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of creating a consistent and repeatable luxury driving experience across a wide variety of road conditions. Consistent being the key word and key missing factor. And it just flat out sucks not being able to enjoy a higher percentage of my driving time with it for what I pay every month.
After the TLX debacle, I was expecting a much better driving experience in the RLX, especially, as you mentioned, for the amount I am paying each month.
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bronx1480 (03-16-2016)
#53
2016 Acura TLX
Does this clunk sound like the spare tire is not bolted on tightly enough? If so, my 3G TL had the same noise when going over large enough bumps. I checked if everything was tight and even had a shop go through it. Chalked it up to normal characteristic of the car.
The same "thud" sound is present in my parent's new MDX. I think this is just normal design even though none of my previous cars had it.
The same "thud" sound is present in my parent's new MDX. I think this is just normal design even though none of my previous cars had it.
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bronx1480 (12-30-2015)
#55
Three Wheelin'
^ this. And at times can sound like the entire chassis has "loose" parts in it tumbling around. It's not a sharp metal sound either (since you're obviously inside the cabin) but more like a muted tumbling and jostling of parts.
It makes you feel like the car isn't well put together, and immediately creates a sense of "cheap", which IMO is not a feeling you should be having in a car of this class and cost.
As George indicated earlier, I believe wholeheartedly that it has to do with the lighter weight of the PAWS, but still using the suspension design of the Sport-Hybrid, which is almost 1000lbs heavier. As a result, the PAWS chassis jumps and "jiggles" around a lot more than it should since the shocks/suspension design is expecting a heavier chassis. All that movement combined with a lighter weight chassis, gives you a feeling in the steering wheel and in your seat that your driving something almost too light, too brittle, and somewhat plastic. Instead of a solid, well grounded, well-footed mechanical machine.
It makes you feel like the car isn't well put together, and immediately creates a sense of "cheap", which IMO is not a feeling you should be having in a car of this class and cost.
As George indicated earlier, I believe wholeheartedly that it has to do with the lighter weight of the PAWS, but still using the suspension design of the Sport-Hybrid, which is almost 1000lbs heavier. As a result, the PAWS chassis jumps and "jiggles" around a lot more than it should since the shocks/suspension design is expecting a heavier chassis. All that movement combined with a lighter weight chassis, gives you a feeling in the steering wheel and in your seat that your driving something almost too light, too brittle, and somewhat plastic. Instead of a solid, well grounded, well-footed mechanical machine.
Last edited by holografique; 12-29-2015 at 02:56 PM.
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bronx1480 (03-16-2016)
#56
Three Wheelin'
I noticed you have a '16 PAWS. This was supposed to bring in some considerable changes to the suspension design to address the ride comfort issues of the 14'/15' models.
Are you exhibiting what you would call "issues" still with the 16' model?
#57
Suzuka Master
I wouldn't say I am having any real "issues", certainly nothing to report to the service department.
I really do not like the P-AWS though. It just feels strange to have that yaw as I turn a hard corner causing me to over-steer at times. I wish I had been able to get the SH-AWD or Sport Hybrid model.
#58
Does this clunk sound like the spare tire is not bolted on tightly enough? If so, my 3G TL had the same noise when going over large enough bumps. I checked if everything was tight and even had a shop go through it. Chalked it up to normal characteristic of the car.
The same "thud" sound is present in my parent's new MDX. I think this is just normal design even though none of my previous cars had it.
The same "thud" sound is present in my parent's new MDX. I think this is just normal design even though none of my previous cars had it.
#59
^ this. And at times can sound like the entire chassis has "loose" parts in it tumbling around. It's not a sharp metal sound either (since you're obviously inside the cabin) but more like a muted tumbling and jostling of parts.
It makes you feel like the car isn't well put together, and immediately creates a sense of "cheap", which IMO is not a feeling you should be having in a car of this class and cost.
As George indicated earlier, I believe wholeheartedly that it has to do with the lighter weight of the PAWS, but still using the suspension design of the Sport-Hybrid, which is almost 1000lbs heavier. As a result, the PAWS chassis jumps and "jiggles" around a lot more than it should since the shocks/suspension design is expecting a heavier chassis. All that movement combined with a lighter weight chassis, gives you a feeling in the steering wheel and in your seat that your driving something almost too light, too brittle, and somewhat plastic. Instead of a solid, well grounded, well-footed mechanical machine.
It makes you feel like the car isn't well put together, and immediately creates a sense of "cheap", which IMO is not a feeling you should be having in a car of this class and cost.
As George indicated earlier, I believe wholeheartedly that it has to do with the lighter weight of the PAWS, but still using the suspension design of the Sport-Hybrid, which is almost 1000lbs heavier. As a result, the PAWS chassis jumps and "jiggles" around a lot more than it should since the shocks/suspension design is expecting a heavier chassis. All that movement combined with a lighter weight chassis, gives you a feeling in the steering wheel and in your seat that your driving something almost too light, too brittle, and somewhat plastic. Instead of a solid, well grounded, well-footed mechanical machine.
#60
Senior Moderator
I love your new avatar, RLHSH! I think your Blackbird would be proud.
Why do you think Acura made the steering so light? I'd enjoy it a bit heavier as well...but it's certainly not a deal-breaker.
Why do you think Acura made the steering so light? I'd enjoy it a bit heavier as well...but it's certainly not a deal-breaker.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (12-31-2015)
#61
I must have a deadened butt. My 2014 PAWS, while having a somewhat jolty ride over uneven surfaces, is not bothersome to me. Like some others have similarly said, I increasingly enjoy and appreciate the PAWS steering effect. I did not "get it" initially, but with 13,000 miles on this beauty, it is now part of my driving DNA.
#62
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Just some initial observations.....
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (12-31-2015)
#63
Regarding the steering feel, I think because of the EV motor addition, the power steering assist has to be greater to overcome it, like the NSX. Thus to me it seems over boosted. I like the sport setting in the MDX as it is heavier. There is no option in the SH to change that setting. After test driving the "other" car I am debating purchasing which has serious sporting intent, the steering was the best I have ever experienced. In fact the whole driving experience is bad ass. If I end up making that purchase, that will be a thread all to its own. I don't have a three car garage (yet) and keeping one outside all the time is not desired, so that is part of the decision matrix.
#64
Three Wheelin'
I noticed that the steering in the SH is much heavier than in the P-AWS. Also initial turn in is much quicker in the P-AWS, compared to the SH. But keeping the car steady through the turn (holding the line) is much easier in the SH, than the P-AWS.......any small movement of the steering wheel in the P-AWS, and you feel the car move-twitch.....
Just some initial observations.....
Just some initial observations.....
#65
Senior Moderator
Regarding the steering feel, I think because of the EV motor addition, the power steering assist has to be greater to overcome it, like the NSX. Thus to me it seems over boosted. I like the sport setting in the MDX as it is heavier. There is no option in the SH to change that setting. After test driving the "other" car I am debating purchasing which has serious sporting intent, the steering was the best I have ever experienced. In fact the whole driving experience is bad ass. If I end up making that purchase, that will be a thread all to its own. I don't have a three car garage (yet) and keeping one outside all the time is not desired, so that is part of the decision matrix.
#66
Three Wheelin'
A quick note to add to the discussion of the RLX's suspension.
I've been driving the past month or so on my winter tires/rims which are 18 inch compared to my summer tires 19 inch. I've been driving around town a lot this past week and I've notice less of a "thump" when I hit a high or low manhole cover or an annoying pothole when compared to my summer tires.
The point I'm making is that, in my opinion, at least some of the complaints regarding the RLX suspension (I have none myself) may be due to the very short sidewall of the 19 inch tires giving a very different driving experience than some are used to with rims that provide greater sidewall "shock absorption".
Just my two cents based on my experience.
I've been driving the past month or so on my winter tires/rims which are 18 inch compared to my summer tires 19 inch. I've been driving around town a lot this past week and I've notice less of a "thump" when I hit a high or low manhole cover or an annoying pothole when compared to my summer tires.
The point I'm making is that, in my opinion, at least some of the complaints regarding the RLX suspension (I have none myself) may be due to the very short sidewall of the 19 inch tires giving a very different driving experience than some are used to with rims that provide greater sidewall "shock absorption".
Just my two cents based on my experience.
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wstr75 (01-08-2016)
#67
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
A quick note to add to the discussion of the RLX's suspension.
I've been driving the past month or so on my winter tires/rims which are 18 inch compared to my summer tires 19 inch. I've been driving around town a lot this past week and I've notice less of a "thump" when I hit a high or low manhole cover or an annoying pothole when compared to my summer tires.
The point I'm making is that, in my opinion, at least some of the complaints regarding the RLX suspension (I have none myself) may be due to the very short sidewall of the 19 inch tires giving a very different driving experience than some are used to with rims that provide greater sidewall "shock absorption".
Just my two cents based on my experience.
I've been driving the past month or so on my winter tires/rims which are 18 inch compared to my summer tires 19 inch. I've been driving around town a lot this past week and I've notice less of a "thump" when I hit a high or low manhole cover or an annoying pothole when compared to my summer tires.
The point I'm making is that, in my opinion, at least some of the complaints regarding the RLX suspension (I have none myself) may be due to the very short sidewall of the 19 inch tires giving a very different driving experience than some are used to with rims that provide greater sidewall "shock absorption".
Just my two cents based on my experience.
Last, I do not think the struts / shocks are well suited for the expectations of a 'luxury' Acura buyer. I hear issues across models of similar complaints. I think the brand needs to redesign these components or replace the supplier.
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