salukimike

Hi Everyone,

I've had my 2012 TL SH-AWD Tech for about 1.5 years now. I do a lot of highway driving and about 20% city driving.

I think we can all agree that road noise, whether from passing vehicles or tire noise is substantial on the TL. It seems Acura was either trying to reduce cost or reduce weight, for example if you tap on the rear doors it has a very "tinny" sound to it. Compare this with something like a BMW or Audi which does not (granted some models do sound like this). I know the TL is not an S4 (boy does it handle nicely). But not to go off on a rant...

So I've been educating myself over the last few months about sound deadening options. First I looked at your typical dynamat, etc. Then I talked to someone who sound proofs home theater rooms and he pointed out some other product options. Basically, what I found is that products like dynamat do not work to reduce the various types of noise.

I came across a very interesting website:

http://sounddeadenershowdown.com/wp/...uiet-as-i-can/

This website has been tremendously informative on various products to use. So taking the knowledge I've learned I plan to start a probably somewhat lengthy project to massively reduce the road noise. I am also aiming to fix the "tunnel sound" other people occasionally mention when on hands free.

Area's I plan to tackle:

1. 4 doors

2. trunk

3. Wheel wells, this might require removing the carpet on the floor in the driver and passenger feet areas.

4. Engine area (I am still debating if it is necessary and how to tackle reducing the engine noise...I think it is going to require applying something to the inside of the firewall but I want to make some checks on temperature first.)

5. Roof, I have considered fixing the "tinny" sound in the roof but I am not sure if there is enough clearance between the sunroof and the roof when it is open.

If anyone else has tackled such a project I would greatly appreciate any tips. I figure the doors and the trunk will be easiest so I will start with those and measure the noise level afterwards. If anyone know's where I can get instructions on removing things like the headliner (Acura service book?) I would be most grateful.

I will post pictures and measurements if it is of interest to everyone.

Mike

salukimike

Never mind on how to take things apart, I just purchased a Helm manual.

VQPower37

pics would be great ... i really feel like the 4g has more road noise than my 3g, so i would be interested in doing something like this.

Shoot2Thrill

Good luck on your project, on the 3g forum Roger555 purchased some high grade sound insulation so you may want to check that out. I really have no issue with the noise in the 4g and I up until recently owned a BMW 7 series. But even in the 7 series you hear noise so there is always room for improvement. The rear 4g doors do have a tinny sound when closing from the outside but it is a really minor nit on an otherwise awesome car. For me the 4g is much quieter than the 3g. I don't think the 3g is noisy but I think the 4g and my 7 were at a different level.

VQPower37

^ do you know if the 4g has acura active noise cancelation system? I believe they type S had that system in it ... hence psychologically i may believe my 3g was quieter

Shoot2Thrill

I believe you are correct the 4g does not have active NC and the the 3g -07/08 does. But I'm not sure that the 08 is actually quieter than the 04. The engine and the exhaust on the type S are louder. I suppose there is something to the active NC but it is subtle. It it is not something I notice much from the 04 to 08. But I do notice the 4G is a step function quieter. It is just human nature, go back to your old car after driving your new one for a month and your old one will seem to have a lot more wrinkles than you remember.

Edward'TLS

Putting Dynamat inside the rear doors will definitely make them sound more solid.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

I will definitely be following this thread. I've been interested in doing some sound deadening as well, mostly for my aftermarket stereo but also to get rid of some of the annoying creaks / rattles.

At this point I plan to do my trunk and trunk lid. I may try weather stripping on my rear deck and I've heard electrical tape can be used on the roof to fasten some of the "things" that cause rattles.

I'm going for the most cost effective route while not cheaping out so I'm dealing with chemical smells from the lower quality materials. Most of this won't be happening any time real soon but I'm constantly thinking about it.

Good luck!

Arcelyte

Subscribed.... Coming from a 7 year stint of Lexus cars. I feel the TL sounds like a KC130 doing a carrier landing while hauling garbage trucks.

But that's just me.

sympley

keep us posted. I did my 2006 jetta with dynamat in doors, floors and trunk. Definitely improved the noise. I feel that my TL could definitely use some dynamat. It will be interesting project for sure. If you snap pictures along the way that would be great.

robphelan

I had so much noise that I even tried changing the stock tires to the Conti DWS.. it definitely helped.

heck, i'm almost to the point of helping you fund your install to see if it'll work for me!!

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

subscribed for future info. I'm very interested.

05_NBP_TL

iTrader: (1)

Do it. It will definately be worth it. I done my 3G's floors, doors, roof, and trunk and the road noise improved tremendously. I used MLV, CCF, and CLD tiles from sound deadner showdown.

I spent around $400 total for everything and I will definately be doing it on next car. Don is a great guy to deal with, and he shipped everything fast

fsttyms1

I have used Cascade and Lizzardskin many times with great results over the years. You can roll it on or spray it (depending on the product you buy). I like the spray as you can can get it into areas like wheel wells and stuff and cover larger floor/rocker areas quickly.

http://www.cascadeaudio.com/

http://www.lizardskin.com/sound-control-insulation.html

salukimike

Good to hear someone else has used him. I am just doing some measurements now and getting the panel tools, then the fun begins.

I will take pictures along the way for everyone and keep my measurements in case anyone else cares to do it in the future.

pcloadletter

I used quitecar paint years ago in the s2000 as it was a lightweight solution. Although, it doesn't look like it is available anymore. The weight of the mats can add up, something to consider. Whatever is applied, tap the panels to verify it's making a difference.

Cygnus_X1

You should get a sound meter and do decibel measurements before you start so you can do comparisons as you progress. I think they even have phone apps that do that.

1Lieutenant

I hope this project goes well. Consider me subscribed. My 2012 TL is orders of magnitude quieter than my 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6. Unfortunately after a few months I realized it may be much quieter than the Honda, but it is not a quiet car.