I have 3 problems with my 2004 TL with an automatic transmission
1. The OE tires (P235/45R17 93W Bridgestone Turanza All-Season) have not lasted 22k miles. Since I have the tires rotated every 5000 miles, it appears all of them are almost bald uniformly.
2. Brakes make a squeaking noise.
3. Annoying rattling noise from the steering column

NOTE: I change the oil 7 rotate the tires every 5000 miles. The vehicle has only 22K miles in 46 months from the date of purchase.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

1. I believe that there is a TSB out on the '04 TL's and their tendency to make tires wear prematurely and unevenly.
2. Maybe your brakes are worn? I don't know what else would cause a squeak?
3. There might be a TSB on the steering column as well, if not, take it to the stealership. You're still under warranty.

 

I have an 04 AT with considerably higher mileage. There's a service bulletin about abnormal wear to the rear tires, but I imagine that most of the 04s out there have had the fix by now. princelybug is absolutely right about that steering column rattle. There are good threads on how to kill most of the rattles in the 04s, but killing the steering column rattle requires dealing with the airbag, pulling the steering wheel, and so forth. Take it to the dealer. It's a known issue and you should have it, and any other rattles and squeaks, taken care of under warranty. I wish I had, but mine didn't develop the steering column rattle until after the warranty ran out.

 

shftl & princelybug: Thanks for your feedback and support. I also found another area that has ALL the possible TSB for 3Gs – https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154245

Any suggestions for
1. Replacement tires for this 2004 TL with A/T. What make / spec. are the best for this vehicle?
2. Extended warranty? I was planning to purchase an extended warranty – my thought is to get the extended warranty (by phone) right away before the original warranty runs out in 2 weeks – from the dealer where I purchased the vehicle. Thoughts?

 

1. The OE tires (P235/45R17 93W Bridgestone Turanza All-Season) have not lasted 22k miles. Since I have the tires rotated every 5000 miles, it appears all of them are almost bald uniformly.
Finally out of frustration, I replaced the OE Tires with Michelin - Pilot Sport A/S Plus. Purchased these from Costco for $180 each. Can not believe the difference in noise and performance! It is like driving a new car

2. Brakes make a squeaking noise.
Just went away

3. Annoying rattling noise from the steering column
After 5 visits to the dealership ( including 3 Instrumentation Panel repairs), I was finally able to get the rattling noise fixed (so it appears). It was from the centre console speaker – evidently there is a Technical Bulletin on it but the dealer ship would not fix it till it was out of warranty.

They wanted to charge me $100 just to inspect it for the 6th time. I took shftl & princelybug’s advice and made a big stink at the dealership and demanded to see the Service Manager. He relented and gave a free inspection and fix.

4. Extended Warranty
Got the PO TL - 60 months - 84k miles - No Deductible - Plan for $1,305 from Bernardi Warranty. 2 weeks later we got the paper work from Acura stating that it was NOT ‘No Deductible” since it was no longer available. The only option was to get the same terms but with $100 Deductible.

No regrets because last week, a noise from the engine compartment turned out to be $430 charge – the belt had to be replaced! With less than 24K miles on it, this replacement came as a surprise but the warranty came in handy!