'04 to '08 front lower control arm bushing failure - please read and look
04-27-2012, 09:27 AM
#722
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
It's not the ripping that's keeping me from filling it. It's the fact I don't want that any more rigid then it already is. Hell I almost went with the softer type-s bushings in the first place. It seems to me that is one area where it's OK for it to be a little...softer.
I'll be spraying them down with some 303 like EG said.
I'll be spraying them down with some 303 like EG said.
05-01-2012, 01:38 PM
#724
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
I get these put on tonight! Woot! I can't wait to feel the car after.
05-02-2012, 07:47 AM
#726
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
Well, I dropped the car off at Honda at 5:30 along with the bushings and the endlinks. My hookup came out, I explained everything to him (bushing orientation, tighten when the suspension has load, these nuts go on the upper half of the endlinks, these go on the bottom, etc). Anyways, $150 and he said it'd take 3 hours. I told him I'd give him an extra $20 if he 1) took care of my wheels 2) got the toe on the alignment as close to 0 as possible. Not within spec, I mean zero. He said cool.
Then he asked me if I wanted a loaner. Now, this was an under the table deal so I was a bit surprised. Well, got an '11 Accord i4. Damn things rides like a Buick compared to the TL. But the i4 was more peppy then I thought it would be. So I went to a bar and had a few drinks.
He called me two hours later. He was already gone when I picked it up.
WOW. Feels like a new car again! I'm not sure how to quantify the difference really. And I always fear it's just in my head but...
1) The car stays straight. It doesn't veer left or right when I hit bumps or undulations in the road anymore.
2) I lost that slight vibration around 70MPH.
3) Am I dreaming or is my steering wheel more "solid"?
4) Am I dreaming or is my torque steer actually a bit better?
5) Am I dreaming or is my car braking a bit "straighter"?
Anyways, considering I didn't have to do any work and it was only $150 I can't complain one bit!
Then he asked me if I wanted a loaner. Now, this was an under the table deal so I was a bit surprised. Well, got an '11 Accord i4. Damn things rides like a Buick compared to the TL. But the i4 was more peppy then I thought it would be. So I went to a bar and had a few drinks.
He called me two hours later. He was already gone when I picked it up.
WOW. Feels like a new car again! I'm not sure how to quantify the difference really. And I always fear it's just in my head but...
1) The car stays straight. It doesn't veer left or right when I hit bumps or undulations in the road anymore.
2) I lost that slight vibration around 70MPH.
3) Am I dreaming or is my steering wheel more "solid"?
4) Am I dreaming or is my torque steer actually a bit better?
5) Am I dreaming or is my car braking a bit "straighter"?
Anyways, considering I didn't have to do any work and it was only $150 I can't complain one bit!
05-02-2012, 08:19 AM
#727
Nice. If you think about what compliance bushings do, everything you said makes perfect sense. Their job is to limit the movement of the wheel fore & aft relative to the chassis. When you brake, the wheels pull rearward and slow the car. When you throttle, the wheels pull forward and accelerate the car. If these two bushings aren't in proper condition (or the same condition left to right), this wheel movement will be uneven causing all the conditions you described.
05-02-2012, 08:26 AM
#728
Race Director
iTrader: (1)
Cool. It's not all in my head then. 
One thing I forgot to tell him, I wanted the old bushings back! I wanted to see how bad they were and post pictures! Oh well.
I think this is another one of those services that probably gets ignored often. IMO, if you are '06 or before, take a look at these the next time you have your wheels off. It's worth it. Seriously, my wifes new Civic drives straight and solid. My TL felt sloppy compared. I actually thought my steering rack was questionable. Not anymore.
One thing I forgot to tell him, I wanted the old bushings back! I wanted to see how bad they were and post pictures! Oh well.
I think this is another one of those services that probably gets ignored often. IMO, if you are '06 or before, take a look at these the next time you have your wheels off. It's worth it. Seriously, my wifes new Civic drives straight and solid. My TL felt sloppy compared. I actually thought my steering rack was questionable. Not anymore.
Last edited by maharajamd; 05-02-2012 at 08:37 AM.
06-03-2012, 08:51 AM
#729
I am planning on asking Acura if they can cover these under warranty being that I am sitting at 95k right now and I bought the car a while back as a certified used. All of my lower control arm bushings are cracked including all motor and tranny mounts being weak. Hopefully, they can work something out at least cover it or give me a massive discount.
06-15-2012, 06:14 PM
#730
I am posting this here first, because I want people who have been active on this issue to see it first and get the first chance to take us up on it.
THESE PARTS ARE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS NOW. They WILL be made. This is your chance to get a deal on them.
Originally Posted by MrHeeltoe
Hi there, who has compliance bushing issues? *raises own hand*
We have have been working closely with a local manufacturer, Pro Car Innovations, to get some replacement parts for these compliance bushings. The new part will have a spherical bearing design.
Overall benefits:
Reduced torque steer
Better power delivery to the ground
Improved high-speed stability
DURABILITY
The design will be very similar to other PCI parts for cars such as the RSX/DC5 from PCI/PWJDM although made to fit TSX and TL models. This kit will not offer the additional caster but we will be addressing this in a later new product.
Here is a rendering of the actual kit for the TSX/TL.
The production timing has already been reserved, and the process of making these in motion now. They are expected to ship by the 3rd week of July, or sooner possibly. Once shipping commences, we will no longer be offering this special promotion.
The retail price of our kit is $299. We are offering a special introductory offer on these which will be 15% off. This offer will be extended to 10 people ONLY.
Order link: http://www.heeltoeauto.com/product.p...68&cat=&page=1
Coupon to use in checkout: flppci15
We have have been working closely with a local manufacturer, Pro Car Innovations, to get some replacement parts for these compliance bushings. The new part will have a spherical bearing design.
Overall benefits:
Reduced torque steer
Better power delivery to the ground
Improved high-speed stability
DURABILITY
The design will be very similar to other PCI parts for cars such as the RSX/DC5 from PCI/PWJDM although made to fit TSX and TL models. This kit will not offer the additional caster but we will be addressing this in a later new product.
Here is a rendering of the actual kit for the TSX/TL.
The production timing has already been reserved, and the process of making these in motion now. They are expected to ship by the 3rd week of July, or sooner possibly. Once shipping commences, we will no longer be offering this special promotion.
The retail price of our kit is $299. We are offering a special introductory offer on these which will be 15% off. This offer will be extended to 10 people ONLY.
Order link: http://www.heeltoeauto.com/product.p...68&cat=&page=1
Coupon to use in checkout: flppci15
THESE PARTS ARE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS NOW. They WILL be made. This is your chance to get a deal on them.
06-15-2012, 09:00 PM
#731
What kind of durability will these spherical bearings have on a daily-driver that is subjected to adverse weather conditions? Do these spherical bearings have dust caps/boots?
Also, if these are being made to TSX spec, they will also fit the LCAs of 03-07 Accords.
Also, if these are being made to TSX spec, they will also fit the LCAs of 03-07 Accords.
06-16-2012, 10:01 PM
#736
That is a pretty broad statement there. Yea, a car where you replace all links with bearings is going to fell hard as a rock. But you need to keep in perspective of where these are being located in the suspension. First off they are in the front meaning they will have dramatically less impact on the ride than if they were in the rear. Secondly, these are not located linearly with the damper where road inputs will be directly transmitted. There will be a more direct road feel but we are not anticipating a severe ride impact at all. If anything, things should be sharpened up quite a bit.
See this brief review:
http://forums..com/showthread.php?t=575415
See this brief review:
http://forums..com/showthread.php?t=575415
Originally Posted by KazeSpec
Alright guys, me and my buddy over at PCI Engineering just installed the spherical bushing today. This replaces the front bushing on the front LCA. First off, lets start off with the impressions before and after install. Here is a pic of what they look like:
Before:
With the stock rubber bushings, there was alot of room for the LCA to flex. Also, the car did not feel responsive enough on the road. To let you guys know what I am running before the install, I had Buddy Club N+, Akom Racing inverted tie rod ends, and PS delete. At the track, the car felt good but it felt like I was missing something. It was a little sluggish even with running 1/8" toe out.
After:
The LCA does not flex at all. With these bushings, you feel everything on the road. The response achieved cannot be explained. Steering is now very sensitive and a lot lighter. I have not had a chance to take it to the track yet (duh), but i've taken a few onramps and steering is effortless, even at 80+mph. Here is a huge note: those of you who keep opting for caster enhancing bushings, there is no need. Caster will not increase significantly enough during turn in. With these bushings, when you release the steering wheel, it will return back in an instant. No need to produce caster increasing bushings. Another huge note, these are perfect for the street and track. They are not uncomfortable at all, and very bearable. If I had to compare these to some material, it would be comparable to polyurethane. Well that concludes my review, and I encourage you guys to get this mod because it is one of the single best suspension mods you can do.
Before:
With the stock rubber bushings, there was alot of room for the LCA to flex. Also, the car did not feel responsive enough on the road. To let you guys know what I am running before the install, I had Buddy Club N+, Akom Racing inverted tie rod ends, and PS delete. At the track, the car felt good but it felt like I was missing something. It was a little sluggish even with running 1/8" toe out.
After:
The LCA does not flex at all. With these bushings, you feel everything on the road. The response achieved cannot be explained. Steering is now very sensitive and a lot lighter. I have not had a chance to take it to the track yet (duh), but i've taken a few onramps and steering is effortless, even at 80+mph. Here is a huge note: those of you who keep opting for caster enhancing bushings, there is no need. Caster will not increase significantly enough during turn in. With these bushings, when you release the steering wheel, it will return back in an instant. No need to produce caster increasing bushings. Another huge note, these are perfect for the street and track. They are not uncomfortable at all, and very bearable. If I had to compare these to some material, it would be comparable to polyurethane. Well that concludes my review, and I encourage you guys to get this mod because it is one of the single best suspension mods you can do.
The following users liked this post:
jhumbo (06-18-2012)
06-18-2012, 01:13 PM
#738
A J35A8 EG civic is in
What are the down sides, list as many as you can think of if possible.
I replaced my bushings about 5 months ago and one is already going bad once again. I will most likely order these when I get home tonight. I just want to know any down sides so I know what to expect and don't want to be shocked and say that it sucks lol. I understand a harsher ride, but slammed and on stretched 19s that doesn't even matter anymore. I'd take the harsh ride than the slight uncontrollable feeling I get sometimes.
Also, Marcus your link was blocked so it's not clickable.
I replaced my bushings about 5 months ago and one is already going bad once again. I will most likely order these when I get home tonight. I just want to know any down sides so I know what to expect and don't want to be shocked and say that it sucks lol. I understand a harsher ride, but slammed and on stretched 19s that doesn't even matter anymore. I'd take the harsh ride than the slight uncontrollable feeling I get sometimes.
Also, Marcus your link was blocked so it's not clickable.
06-18-2012, 05:14 PM
#739
Downsides:
*Cost more than regular replacement bushings.
*You will get more road feel...some might call this a downside, but most enthusiasts won't.
*If you already replaced your bushings, you will need to do it again.
I think the upsides out-weigh the downsides myself. I am not sure where you guys are getting "harsher ride" from. The first respondent was speaking in generalities, and you sound like you are assuming it will be harsher. We have posted up a reviewer who said the ride really was not impacted. Don't confuse "you can feel everything on the road" with "the car bounces and hops all over and feels harsher than before." Road feel is a good thing.
Thanks for the heads up on the link...that's why I did post the quote.
*Cost more than regular replacement bushings.
*You will get more road feel...some might call this a downside, but most enthusiasts won't.
*If you already replaced your bushings, you will need to do it again.
I think the upsides out-weigh the downsides myself. I am not sure where you guys are getting "harsher ride" from. The first respondent was speaking in generalities, and you sound like you are assuming it will be harsher. We have posted up a reviewer who said the ride really was not impacted. Don't confuse "you can feel everything on the road" with "the car bounces and hops all over and feels harsher than before." Road feel is a good thing.
Thanks for the heads up on the link...that's why I did post the quote.
08-09-2012, 12:22 PM
#744
Three Wheelin'
Cool. It's not all in my head then.
One thing I forgot to tell him, I wanted the old bushings back! I wanted to see how bad they were and post pictures! Oh well.
I think this is another one of those services that probably gets ignored often. IMO, if you are '06 or before, take a look at these the next time you have your wheels off. It's worth it. Seriously, my wifes new Civic drives straight and solid. My TL felt sloppy compared. I actually thought my steering rack was questionable. Not anymore.
One thing I forgot to tell him, I wanted the old bushings back! I wanted to see how bad they were and post pictures! Oh well.
I think this is another one of those services that probably gets ignored often. IMO, if you are '06 or before, take a look at these the next time you have your wheels off. It's worth it. Seriously, my wifes new Civic drives straight and solid. My TL felt sloppy compared. I actually thought my steering rack was questionable. Not anymore.
which compli. bushings did you purchase?
08-10-2012, 02:18 PM
#745
HI Did you ever Replace your bushings?
I checked out some guys in Hamilton NJ, some Cyprian guys who have a garage, and they told me they could do the work,
I am wondering how did you car feel?
my TL does not feel horrible but if the road is bumpy I feel the grooves on the Road,
Talk to you soon.
oh Where Are YOu from in GReece.
I checked out some guys in Hamilton NJ, some Cyprian guys who have a garage, and they told me they could do the work,
I am wondering how did you car feel?
my TL does not feel horrible but if the road is bumpy I feel the grooves on the Road,
Talk to you soon.
oh Where Are YOu from in GReece.
08-14-2012, 07:14 PM
#750
How many of the 10 spots are filled?
Can I get a spot saved, I will have a better idea after my bushings get looked at tomorrow.
08-17-2012, 05:55 PM
#751
I know for a fact that lot of the VW guys upgrade their failing control arm bushings for solid ones from Audi TT/Golf R32. Wonder if anyone knows diameter of VW's control arm bushing. The Acura uses 75mm across, 60mm high and 14mm opening for bolt. If VW/Audi solid bushing is the same size that would be the best and cheapest upgrade for Honda/Acura.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ushing-upgrade
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ol-arm-bushing
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/suspe...hing_rear.html
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ushing-upgrade
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ol-arm-bushing
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/suspe...hing_rear.html
08-17-2012, 10:08 PM
#752
I hava a feeling VW bushings are around 55mm, which is substantially smaller than Honda's (75mm). Anyway, that was just my idea, it appears it won't work for our cars.
Bad bushings:
Replacement:
http://vimeo.com/35783863
Bad bushings:
Replacement:
http://vimeo.com/35783863
08-18-2012, 07:11 AM
#753
08-23-2012, 09:46 AM
#754
www.colradodetail.com
08-24-2012, 06:43 PM
#756
Three Wheelin'
so i've been experiencing an issue with feeling all road imperfections. BAsically the symptoms of this bad comp. bushing.
While my car was on level ground, I turned the wheel and stuck a pry bar under the control arm and was able to move it up and down about .5 of an inch.
I took a video but after seeing it, you might not be able to see its movement.
Although you can see the tear on the side. This vid is of the left side.
Tear and movement is identical on the right side.
I might just end up buying two control arms and changing it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-qr...ature=youtu.be
just need someones opinion if this looks bad.
thanks
While my car was on level ground, I turned the wheel and stuck a pry bar under the control arm and was able to move it up and down about .5 of an inch.
I took a video but after seeing it, you might not be able to see its movement.
Although you can see the tear on the side. This vid is of the left side.
Tear and movement is identical on the right side.
I might just end up buying two control arms and changing it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-qr...ature=youtu.be
just need someones opinion if this looks bad.
thanks
08-24-2012, 07:48 PM
#757
Three Wheelin'
so i've been experiencing an issue with feeling all road imperfections. BAsically the symptoms of this bad comp. bushing.
While my car was on level ground, I turned the wheel and stuck a pry bar under the control arm and was able to move it up and down about .5 of an inch.
I took a video but after seeing it, you might not be able to see its movement.
Although you can see the tear on the side. This vid is of the left side.
Tear and movement is identical on the right side.
I might just end up buying two control arms and changing it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-qr...ature=youtu.be
just need someones opinion if this looks bad.
thanks
While my car was on level ground, I turned the wheel and stuck a pry bar under the control arm and was able to move it up and down about .5 of an inch.
I took a video but after seeing it, you might not be able to see its movement.
Although you can see the tear on the side. This vid is of the left side.
Tear and movement is identical on the right side.
I might just end up buying two control arms and changing it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-qr...ature=youtu.be
just need someones opinion if this looks bad.
thanks
08-24-2012, 08:17 PM
#758
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toms River, NJ
Age: 43
Posts: 118
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Would this bushing cause a shimmy in the steering wheel at high speeds? I bought my TL in May '07 with 24k miles on it and somewhere around the mid 40k area I started getting high speed vibrations above 75MPH. I took it to the dealer and they said I had a bent wheel so I eventually picked up some 18" Axis wheels with brand new tires, vibration still there. Took it back to the dealer and they insisted nothing was wrong. That was years ago and I've just been dealing with it ever since.
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!
08-25-2012, 11:12 AM
#759
08-26-2012, 12:10 PM
#760
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toms River, NJ
Age: 43
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
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0 Posts
Would this bushing cause a shimmy in the steering wheel at high speeds? I bought my TL in May '07 with 24k miles on it and somewhere around the mid 40k area I started getting high speed vibrations above 75MPH. I took it to the dealer and they said I had a bent wheel so I eventually picked up some 18" Axis wheels with brand new tires, vibration still there. Took it back to the dealer and they insisted nothing was wrong. That was years ago and I've just been dealing with it ever since.
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!