I am an Acura enthusist since I purchased my first 05` Acura TL w/ Nav. The only issue I have is the ride quality. My wife's Toyota Camry ride smooth as butter and I wanted to hear from everyone on ways to improve the ride quality. I'm not looking to lower the car either....I had that on previous cars and loves the handling but not the ride. My first post so please be gentle. Any suggestions?

 

Check that shocks and springs are in good condition. Check tires for wear, balance, and proper inflation (32 lbs if OE spec, iirc).

If all is good, then maybe consider switching to '07/'08 base (NOT Type-S) springs/shocks. They are softer than previous model years.

TL has a little more sporting character than a Camry, you might never end up where you're trying to go.


BTW - I *assume* you have an auto (5AT)?

 

Thanks Bearcat....Yes I have an auto (5AT). I do understand I will never have the same ride quality although would love to reduce some of the harsh bumps on some of the roads in NJ. Also I am running at abut 80k miles so I am preparing for new shocks for around 100k.

 

Then that might be the time to change over to the '07/'08 Base shock/sping. Fit is exactly the same. Shock damping/valving and/or spring rates changes.


You check the suspension write up/spec here:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/735/releases/4213

http://www.hondanews.com/archives/acura

 

Thanks for the info.....How can you be sure you are getting a "2008" OEM suspension and that they are not the same shocks/springs?

 

What tire is your TL running?
The quickest way to alter the ride, after air pressure, is to change over to a "Touring" tire rather than UHP tires (i.e. Michelin MXM- stock TL w/Navi tire, Yokohama AVIDs, etc. You might even try an HR or VR tire if the tire store is willing to mount those ).

The only way to make sure you are getting the 2008 parts is to check the part numbers, if you are inclined to start switching out springs, etc.

I had a Camry (returned gift by my father after he stopped driving), have rented Camrys and have brothers-in-law whose Camrys I have driven-- non-SE Camry suspensions are way too soft for me. However, the '04-06 TL does have a suspension that feels stiffer than most of its FWD peers, which is probably the reason it was the highest-rated or lone FWD sedan in various sports sedan comparisons.

 

Im running on Falken Ziex-912's. 360 AAA's. They are pretty good tires, cheap, good burn ratio's.

 

235/45/17 tires don't help either. I ran 225/60/16 studs mounted on '00 3.2TL wheels last winter and ride was a lot smoother than on the 17's; however, the trade-off was boat like handling.

 

Here's a Parts site (with diagrams):

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...omp=List%20All

 

I am also considering putting an '07 suspension onto my '06 to reduce the harshness on crappy L.A. roads. Has anyone done this yet? Any ideas on cost for the swap?

 

You might even try to see if the rr spring from a new Accord will fit as that is likely to be even softer.