mrkwinning

So here's the story. I previosuly purchased my 2010 TL Tech about 8 months ago as a Certified Pre-Owned at the dealership. The issue I am having is that to me, it feels like the suspension on this car is very harsh/rough. Please do not get this confused with handling. The car goes around sharp turns and such very nicely. The problem I am experiencing is that when I go over a small dip, crack, or bump, it feel like there are no tires on the wheel. The rebound from the suspension is jarring and uncomfortable. I came from a G37 with 20" rims and felt like it was a little bit smoother.

So with this description, can someone tell me if this is normal or is there something I should let the dealer know? My car is at the dealership now and they are saying it is normal. I appreciate any feedbacks.

potmilkz

ok, first of all we need details.

how many miles is the car? how many owners?

what is your tire PSI? how many % are your tires?

the car itself is pretty harsh, the awd gets harsher.. you should test drive a tl they have on the lot to do a comparison.

mrkwinning

The car only had 1 owner with 35K miles when I got it. I just got brand new tires to see if the issue would be resolved but still pretty harsh. PSI is set at 33/cold all around.

weather

^^ What you are describing seems OK as far as PSI, new tires etc. As Potz said, maybe try another one and see how that one feels. No doubt that the SH-AWD is a bit harsh on bumps, but the trade off is that it handles like its on rails. Its hard to have both unless you have an adjustable suspension which the TL doesn't have....

mrkwinning

Mine is not a SH-AWD and it already feels like I'm driving with 20" rims with rubberband tires when I hit cracks in the road.

JasonK

Hey man, service coordinator here.

Do me a favor and push down on all four corners of your car and release.


All corners should go down then up and stabilize. If they "DON'T" the shocks or absorbers are toast and that's what you might be experiencing.


In general I just bought a 09 Acura TL SH AWD and the car feels fine but I still feel road imperfections... I've driven other cars and they feel smoother over road imperfections but it's just the make of the car.

Anyways let me know what you discover hopefully this has been helpful.

potmilkz

yup, my next suggestion was for you to check the resistance of your shocks.. try to bounce each wheel by pushing down on the car. little to no bounce = blown shocks

compare it to all of your shocks to find which one but at 35k you should not have issues with stock shocks

JasonK

What he said on the little to no bounce, also if the car doesn't stabilize right away after either and keeps going.

mrkwinning

I will try this if the dealer refuses to take the issue into perspective. I have a TSX loaner and this thing rides so much smoother than my TL.

JasonK

Also remember that the TL is a heavy car in general SH-AWD is 300 pounds heavier then the FWD.

Road imperfections will feel better because of the weight of the car and maybe the shocks / absorbers are in better condition. Anyways let us know what you find.

mrkwinning

The reason why I want to know if this is normal or not is that I want to get some 20" rims within the next few months. If I'm experiencing some uncomfortability now, I'm afraid to see what it is like with larger rims and even thinner tires.

emanon256

I always thought Honda's in general had much tighter suspension than other makes. I drove a Lexus and ti felt like it was floating. Pot holes and cracks didn't exist. Then I went back to my TL and felt every nook and cranny in the road, even pebbles felt harsh. Even the Infinity I drove was a much softer ride than the TL. I personally prefer the tighter suspension, it makes cornering so much better, and I feel much more in control.

Has the car felt this way since you got it?

mrkwinning

@emanon256 Yes I know exactly what you mean about the Lexus floating. I came from a G37 Coupe with 20" rims and after 5 years it was normal for me. When I got the TL of course it felt a little better in terms of ride comfort. After having it a few months, I started to realize that it is very harsh when I drive over crack or every imperfection in the road. It's not a still feeling like a BMW would have but rather loose rugged feeling. My goal is to put some bigger rims eventually but with the ride already being like this, I don't think it will be an option. Hopefully that it's just my car that is having these issues.

Chefpaul10

Definitely check your shocks. I have 20's on with the stock suspension and it rides very smooth even over bumps/pot holes etc. '12 sh-awd 31k

Demand to have the shocks looked at by the dealership.

mrkwinning

Yes the car is at the shop and they are saying they inspected and nothing looks out of order. At this point I dont know if it's just me or the car really rides rough.

WolfieRules

I expect to have road feel. Smooth is a matter of perception. My 2013 TL Tech FWD with 18" PS AS3 rides and handles just fine, it's not a land yacht.


What tires did you put on? Different tires have different feel as well.

thePearl

its a matter of personal touch... many say the sh-awd is rough but for me its super smooth. maybe because going from an accord to a TL is a big difference.

carbonTSEX

The factory suspension I have noticed does ride pretty damn stiff. But does handle like a dream. Reminds me of my TSX with aftermarket coil overs. That's why it makes sense to swap out for adjustability.