SurfingScotty

Another unhappy suspension victim here. I get the rumbling sound when I drive over rough roads or concrete streets. Only hear it below say, 50 mph. Doesn't happen very often on asphalt (if it's smooth). Is mine the same issue? Been doing it since I bought the car 3 years ago with 63,000 miles (2007 Type-S).

jon2000

Yep that sounds like the problem all of us have had or are having. You're right - it's only heard at lower speeds.

Just an update ...I had the rear left a-spec shock swapped out with my original Type S shock and that really annoying rattling sound is gone. I just hear the normal thumping on rough roads. Now that the rear left is quieter I can hear the rear right squeaking over bumps. I'm having both a-spec rear shocks replaced under warranty now since I've had them for 8 months / ~5500 miles. I'm looking forward to getting this resolved and getting my rear seat back in.

ideraid

I agree with Jon, sounds like you're having the same issue. I just swapped out my rear shock assemblies (original SEP-A17 with 97k miles) with the new SEP-A18 model and I'm happy to say that the problem is fixed, hopefully it doesn't come back!

Jon, I take it you didn't have the rattling when you first had the A-Spec suspension installed? And now they're rattling ~5500 miles later?

When I get some time I'm going to disassemble my old shock assemblies to see if I can pinpoint the cause of the rattle, might be able to save someone the cost of buying entirely new assemblies.

jon2000

Yes that's correct. The shocks started off with the usual thump over larger bumps at low speeds. The rear left developed the nasty rattle and the rear right sounds like a squeaky mattress. I'm pretty disappointed I had issues with the a-spec so soon after installing. I hope the replacements are improved.

dj5

I'm having this same noise in my '08 TL-S with 44k miles. Going over any bumps, I get a clunk in the rear shock area. I need to take it into the dealer. Anyone with an '08 having the rear suspension noise?

jon2000

Just an update ...I had my rear a-spec shocks replaced (parts were warrantied) and the rattling sound is 100% gone. I added some insulation for sound deadening to the tops of the shocks (under the rear deck) as well.

Jon

ideraid

Thanks for the update Jon, I added insulation to the top of the strut towers as well. I've put on around 700 miles since I replaced my struts, so far so good. I haven't gotten around to taking my old ones apart yet, hopefully I'll find time to do that soon.

ken953

Just read the thread. Took my '08 TLS in this morning. I know exactly where my noise is coming from. I pulled the rear seat and can see and hear the top of the strut rattle. It is not the mount. Since I know I suck at rebuilding struts and am still looking for something my extended car warranty will cover I made the appointment. Any guesses on the warranty? I'll let you know.

SurfingScotty

Can you take pictures and/or video of where the noise is coming from?

ken953

Sorry I didn't check the thread while I was driving around with the seat out. To late now since threading one of those seat bolts back was kind of a b. Would have been a pretty poor video but the rattle would be distinctive. As you watch the top of the strut you could tell that the first movement either way made a little knock. Most annoying on slow relatively smooth roads but some real noise on rougher highways. The Acura Certified warranty came through though. They replaced both rear strut assemblies no charge!