legionofdoom

I've had a little extra time these past few days so I've been going through some of the older posts on here. Gotta say - there are some really good threads here with valuable info. Anyhow, here's my question -

I just read the service bulletin B05-050 regarding rear tire wear and am going to check my tire wear and tire construction code after work. My VIN # falls within the range of 05's affected. However, I have the a-spec suspension on its way and am planning on having that installed within the next 1-2 weeks. Should I get the bump stops and alignment done before installing the new suspension? I'm thinking yes in case I ever put back the stock suspension. Plus depending on how good my dealership is, maybe I can get a good deal on non EL-42 tires or at least get brand new EL-42s at little cost. I currently have about 12K miles on the car. (I'm leaning towards getting RJ wheels with new tires, too, but not sure when).

Also, once I do get the a-spec suspension installed, does anyone know the latest and greatest specs to have the car aligned to? Should my dealership have the right info at this point?

Thanks for any thoughts/advice.

gqchicago

You need to have the alignment done ideally 2 weeks after you install the a-spec suspension so it has time to settle before you do it.


Why bother putting on the bump stops and aligning the existing one when you will need it done again after installation anyhow? Seems like a waste of $$ to me...

As far as the specs go... I am trying to find out the latest a-spec alignment specs and called Acura yesterday.

They said I need to talk to Acura Techline, but the only people who can speak to Techline are Dealers.

gqchicago

Look at this thread here:


https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136560

legionofdoom

Thanks for the reply, gq. I was thinking about getting the bump stops (and alignment) done if I ever put the stock suspension back on (like when I trade/sell it). Am I correct in that the bump stops are part of the suspension so when I replace the stock suspension with the a-spec, the point is moot? Also, as far as a waste of $, it should be covered under the service bulletin so I shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket unless I opt for new tires as well (for which I may have to pay 25%).

Thanks for letting me know about any progress on the a-spec specs. Once I decide what to do about the service bulletin, I'm going to ask my dealer how much they'd charge for an alignment after the a-spec install and whether or not they can get the latest specs for the a-spec.

K-Shawn

Before you install your Aspec suspension invest in a pair of Ingalls rear adjustable camber kit. This product will save you from abnormal wear and tear on your rear tires.

legionofdoom

I've read several times that there's no need for a camber kit with the minimal drop of the a-spec suspension. Is that incorrect? Thanks.

gqchicago

I have read that too, that it only matters if you go with a larger drop provided by aftermarket kits such as Tein, Koni, etc.

I guess you could ask them to replace the bump stops or tires....but not much point in doing the alignment then having it re-done in 2 weeks when you install the a-spec anyhow.

Since the bump stops are part of the strut they're going to have to remove all of your existing struts anyhow (I think..not 100% sure on thsi) ...to replace the bumps....so why not do that at the same time as the a-spec install?

My dealer has a special for a $90 alignment right now.

legionofdoom

I'd love to do that but my dealer quoted me around $500 for the a-spec install and I doubt they'd drop it down as part of the warranty work but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask... I got a quote from a couple of other shops for $300.

Rapid1

do you actually have a problem? this bulletin applies to TL's that are frequently operated under heavier than normal conditions. the new bumpstops simply limit suspension compression that would allow the suspension to exceed specs. same with the updated alignment specs. vehicles that are driven with little/no load and and driver/passenger normally shouldnt have any trouble.

if you find your tires wearing abnormally, the first step would be to check the alignment, not start changing parts. potholes, curbs and other road hazards or driver errors can affect the alignment on the front or rear of TL's. if you are just going to change the suspension anyway, it would all seem to be a waste of time even if you could get it all free. the tires might be worth it if they are really wiped but if theyre not, the bulletin probably doesnt apply.

while this forum is full of good information, it all needs to be applied correctly. many people have no problems until they read some thread about an issue someone else has.

legionofdoom

Rapid1, I realize that and I'm not some n00b to the forums. If you read my initial post, I said I was going to check my tires after work today so obviously if I didn't have a problem I wouldn't go through the hassle. I was asking my question in the event that I DID see abnormal tire wear and bearing in mind that the a-spec suspension is currently in transit to my house. (Also, if you read other threads on this issue, drivers under normal conditions and not just frequently operating under heavier than normal conditions have also seen issues with abnormal rear tire wear).

TL A-Spec Owner

Thought I might chime in. I have an 04 A-Spec straight off the lot. I noticed problems with rear tire wear after a long trip (myself and two passengers) and 14,000 miles or so. I looked into the issue and at the time, there was not a whole lot out there on the issue, except several other TLers who experienced the same premature wear. I had the Yokahomas that came with the car and brought the problem to the attention of my dealer. They gave me the run around to begin with but eventually gave in once I told them that Acura was aware of the problem. This was finally verified through their help line. My dealer was sent "updated" specs that specifically applied to the A-Spec suspension package and replaced all the tires on my car with Michelin Pilots (my choice between the two) as a "one time courtesy." I have watched the issue with my car since that time and have not had any excessive or abnormal rear wear and now have around 30,000+ miles on the car. Everytime I take the car in to be serviced, I have the alignment checked for the updated specs and for rear tire wear.

legionofdoom

Well I checked my tires and they look okay to me so looks like I don't have to worry about the service bulletin. I'm going to have my a-spec installed within the next week or two and then I'll give it a couple of weeks to settle and then get it aligned. Hopefully by then I'll have some sort of definitive answer as far as the a-spec specs. Next up - some RJ wheels and either Toyo or Pirelli tires. Thanks for all the HELPFUL responses.

K-Shawn

There no need for the front camber kit, there is a wide range of adjustments to play with. Even with the stock or A-Spec suspension TL owners have been complaining about abnormal tire wear from 04-06. To get the answer that you are looking for, you should bring your vehicle to your front end alignment shop for his recommendation. That's what I did, for peace of mind.

legionofdoom

Thanks K-Shawn. I'll definitely do that and it might be my dealer as long as their charge for an alignment isn't outrageous. Any idea how much the Ingalls kit goes for these days and where best to get it?

edsonfire

i have severe wear on my back tires from a 1'1/2 tein drop. i just had a regular alignment from some shmo garage by my house afterwards. my back tires were bald after 3000 miles! where would i find alignment specs for this or do you think the s-spec specs will work( or at least work better)?

gqchicago

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136636

Well there are 3 semi-known spec for alignment, for the a-spec kit. This thread has all 3.

What no one knows is what to use for aftermarket parts, but I would suggest going with choice 2 or choice 3, similar to aspec, as a starting point.

I had a master technician tell me choice 2 is the correct one today via PM, and he is an alignment specialist as well, but this would apply to a-spec I can't answer for other kits.

I'm willing to guess that the garage down the street looked up the specs for an Acura TL in their reference book which probably lists a generic stock oem TL suspension, especially if you didn't provide them the specs you wanted them to use up front.

Funny, same thing happened to me at the dealership just last week I think.... /sigh.... except I did provide the specs / info to them and I still think they opted to use Choice 1 incorrectly.

legionofdoom

Sweet. Thanks gq!