After many hours of research, I decided the new TL was THE car to replace my Audi. And, I set out today to buy one.

However, on the test drive, there was a nasty vibration. It was noticable at all speeds, but especially between 55-65 mph. The salesman said the wheel had been curbed and it had a shimmy. It was very obvious. I told the salesman that if my car did this, it WOULD be back.

Still, I almost bought the car. But, before signing on the dotted line, I asked to drive another TL. Much to my surprise it had the exact same vibration.

Then someone from the dealership appeared and told me not to worry about it. It was just flat spots on the tires.

I have the same tire (Bridgestone Turanza) on my Audi. They do thump for the 1st 1/2 mile in the morning. But our test drive was 10 miles long and the vibration showed no signs of letting up.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

TLTireKickr,

You'd find tons of threads talking about this topic. I'm not sure what aspect of your Turanza is in your Audi. But TL's should be different. Bridgestone called it's the special design for Acura TL... bad... :wow:

That tire and early-engagement of 5th gear are possible the main factors for the whole vibration. We should do some statistics to find out the distribution of EL42 flatspot issues. Maybe ppl living in southside would have less vibration than those living in north. ...

 

rets,

Thanks for the info. I'll do a little more research.

My Audi has 16's. The TL has 18's.

Temp outside today was 32 degrees.

Thanks again,

 

Call Acura Client Services (800) 382-2238 and tell them about this.

This seems to be a common problem that affects, ugh, my guess is about 95% of all 2004 TLs that I've heard of (including mine) that came with the stock Turanza EL42 tires. My dealer also said that it's "normal"
:bigun2:

Call Acura Client Services (800) 382-2238 and tell them about how you "almost bought the car".

 

I have a new 5AT and I live in Toronto where it get's quite cold and snows. I have not experienced any of the vibration problems referred to in this forum, even after 2,000 kms of driving. One thing; at about 53 mph, the automatic shifts into 5th and lugs a little so it may be the sensation that some people are referring to. For that matter, maybe Canadian spec'd cars are different. I don't know of any Canadian 5AT's with the problem.

 

TLTireKickr,

Hi, you may use Search feature to get "flatspot", "comprehensive list of known early issues", or "EL42", etc. Also, TL is 17" for the basic...