Hey guys,

First a tl;dr:
05 TL base model: Suspension is rattling (loose) possible to DIY fix? If not how much/how long to fix if anyones had this problem before.


Now, if you're interested in the whole story...
I have an 05 TL base model and I noticed recently that when my car starts moving cold (as in having been parked for a few hours or more) there's a clunk when I turn at low speeds like say to get out of a parking lot. Just today I noticed a metallic rattling in the front left of my vehicle whenever I go over a bump or reach significant speeds that cause my car to vibrate somewhat.

I took it into my acura dealership and they told me it was something in the suspension that was loosening. I had pretty much figured on this so they pretty much just confirmed my suspicions. They further told me that it's probably something to do with the A-arm and that I shouldn't drive the car "A lot". However currently that's not an option. It's a weekend so their maintenance crews aren't in and my only option would be to drop the car off sunday evening.

If it's possible I want to fix this myself. I don't have a LOT of knowledge about cars but I've modded suspensions with friends before so I have a little experience. I also have access to a garage with a lift and all the parts I'd need (thank you military). If anyone has had this issue before and would be kind enough to post a step by step to fixing it myself or; if not, could tell me the cost of having this fixed and how long it's going to take I'd appreciate it.

Also, I'm new here so I apologize ahead of time if I'm retarded.

 

Naturally you would need to isolate the offending part before an educated estimate can be made. Get the car up in the air loaded, meaning all the wheels are on the lift, not unloaded (hanging free). Start at each corner to try and find the problem. Start with the sway bar end links, then on to the rest of the suspension, each corner at a time. Look at the heat shield for the half shaft bearing as that has been a complaint along with converter shield(s).

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/clicking-noise-when-accelerating-780626/

 

Look through the 3G Service Center/Garage for DIY's that may help.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-garage-faq-3g-tl-newbies-553554/


For instance:

D-058: DIY: Self installed A-Spec suspension
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108545
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113935

And:

D-091: DIY:Front and read damper/shock spring replacement
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/fm-modulators-group-purchase-173827/


Look at those for Service Manaul Scans. The last link I know for sure has some.

If you need a particular page or part of the SM, PM me and I'll see what I can do, or post back in this thread.

 

Ok so I got it up on the lift and took a look around. I couldn't find anything wrong with the suspension myself, nothing loose or moving free which was odd. I had a few mechanics take a look and they couldn't find a suspension issue either. One of the mechs asked if he could drive the car and listen to what I'd heard. As soon as we started driving he told me that the car's steering was heavier than it should be and that the problem was probably with the steering assembly. This would make sense as the initial issue (A "clunk" sound as I start turning from a cold start or at low speeds within ten minutes of driving after letting the car sit for a few hours) was with the steering. Does anyone have experience with this sort of issue? I know I'm being far to vague but I'm hoping someone's had a similar issue and can help. I'm trolling through "problems and fixes" as well as the 3g page bearcat posted. Thanks to both of you guys btw for the advice.

On a side note. I took my car in to pepboys to see if they could help me and I ran into a TL-S running 10 lbs of boost. I talked to the owner and he said he was going to up it to 15. I know putting a tuning a TL after putting in a turbo is a hot issue around here so I got the guys phone number and I'm going to find out what he had done and how much it cost. If I can I'll get a DIY or at least a sequerntial list of mods he had to have done to allow for a 15lb boost to his engine. I'll do what I can to get pics for you guys as well. thanks again.

 

What year, what color and did you see a turbo because not many people are running around like that. Most likely BS unless its an earlier gen TL.