Recently my 05 base Tl with 114k miles developed a knock/clunk from front end. It usually occurs when driving in a parking lot at low speed and hitting bumps on uneven pavement. It's not very loud most of the time but I can feel it in the steering wheel and certain times, but particularly if I hit a bump while the wheels are turned (such as entering a driveway) it is louder. I got under the car and checked inner and outer tie rod joints, upper/lower joints on steering knuckles, sway bar end links, motor mounts all bushings and axle joints. Everything checked out fine to me except the following.

Below are photos of the problems I found. The control arm bushings have tears on both sides which I know is typical of these cars but it doesn't look nearly bad enough to cause metal on metal contact, the passenger side motor mount under the hood has a torn rubber boot but I don't see why that matters as the metal brace itself is solid. By far the biggest issue is my front passenger side strut is completely shot. Strut fluid is running down backside and onto control arm and axle. It's completely soaked but I've never heard of this causing a clunking noise. Obviously these all need to be addressed but I'm hoping you guys can help me narrow down the clunk.

 

I should add: another sign pointing to strut is the handling seems slightly off lately. More wobbly and loose. Also I don't know where to locate any other engine/ transmission mounts other than the one I posted in the pic, so I overlooked those

 

It could be any of the 3 items you show- they can all make a bang or thump. Definitely need to replace the control arm compiance bushings and the struts. The side engine mount is probably also broken. That is easy to replace. The struts can be purchased as a whole assembly (including coils) and replaced. Check on acura Oem parts website or with Acura of Augusta

 

bad front compliance bushings cause loose steering feeling, bad shock will cause that clunking noise. The side mount is easy to replace, acuraoemparts.com and use acurazine for 5% off.

The front compliance bushings can be changed at home or you can pay the dealer/independent shop to do them.

I'd honestly buy 2 new shocks and replace both the front shocks. That way you won't run into issues and you can do everything at once. I'd highly recommend Koni Yellows as they have a lifetime warranty. A member was selling 4 used ones here for around 300 in the black market section.

 

I'm planning on doing all 4 struts and bushings soon. Is there a way to verify that the motor mount is bad because I don't understand how cracked plastic cover makes it unstable? When I removed it to do 105k maintenence it seemed fine. Also I haven't been able to find complete strut/coil assembly ANYWHERE!!! Not on acuraoemparts.com that I could find and my local dealer can't even get them. Because of this I'm considering doing aftermarket performance coilovers because I'm not equipped to remove the coil from strut. I'm OK with stiffening the ride a little but I don't want it to drive like a rice racer... Does anyone have any recommendations for coilovers that won't completely sacrifice ride quality?

 

tiens flex

 

Looks like they updated their website...but here are the fronts for an 05 base auto:

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER for 2005 Acura TL

 

And rear which seem rather expensive.
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER for 2005 Acura TL

 

expensive? you won't say that once drove a lexus lol.

 

Yeah haha..for sure. But I'd have to look back at when I bought new typeS strut assemblies from AofA about a year ago. The rears were about the same price as the front I believe.

 

I appreciate pointing me in the right direction but the price on those rear ones confirmed that I may be better off with aftermarket coilovers. What's an average price for decent coilovers because I'm seeing sets of 4 ranging anywhere fromm 500-$3000 and I don't know what I'm buying. Maybe there's a thread on this... I'll do my research

 

The only thing I hate about coilover is once its installed you will need a pro to dial as to your personal reference.

 

Strange thing is why are the type S shock assemblies so much less?:

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER for 2007 Acura TL
Even the 2007 base assemblies are less.
Maybe you can use the type S ones on the base?

 

Check the front sway bar linkage also , that resolved my clunky and some what unstable steering when going over uneven roads.
U can get a set of Tein coilvers from heeltoe automotive he is a vendor on the forum with great price and advice .