mc607

I took an RDX for test drive with VCM disabled and ran smooth with no idiot light. Except for the change in mileage, why not?

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

I mentioned the TSB to the dealer when I made the appointment to drop off my RDX and when I got to the dealer they handed me keys to a loaner (TSX) and told me they ordered the propeller shaft and it would be done in a day or 2. That was without even driving it. The interesting thing is that there were 2 other RDXs in for service for the same issue. Perhaps it's a sign that they will issue a recall for the problem?

mc607

Update,
Check emissions light will come on after a couple cycles.

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

Update: The dealer contacted me this morning to let me know the repair would be done today (I told them no rush) and told me the new shaft would resolve the driveline vibration. It will NOT do anything about the VCM issue though.

rjm-1

Just got my 2013 RDX back from the dealer after replacing the propeller shaft. No more vibration! You have to really think about the VCM to even notice it functioning. Very happy with the results.

Now let's hope it stays like this, because I've read where others have had their computers re-flashed and it also eliminated the VCM issues until the computer re-learned their driving habits and started making adjustments. Don't know whether they re-flashed my computer or not.

But for right now, I'm a Happy Camper!

dgerry2

Brought my 13 RDX in today for same issue, they are ordering a new propeller shaft. Hoping for the same results as rjm-1!

YeuEmMaiMai

you're right, there are 2 half shafts that serve the same purpose :tounge:

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

I too picked mine up, the vibration is gone completely! There was another 2014 owner picking his up, with so many people having the problem a recall should be in order. And a big thank you to rjm-1 for posting the TSB!

mdfree

So excuse my ignorance, but how does VCM cause different responses from the propeller shaft? I'm glad this fixing the problem, I just hope they come up with a way to determine if you have a problem without having to drive in freezing weather

rjm-1

I believe the propeller shaft balance problem shows up much more when the VCM cuts out cylinders and shifts to a higher gear much earlier. Kinda like driving a 4 speed and shifting into 4th gear way early and then having 3 cylinders stop working. Any drive train issue will be exaggerated under those conditions.

Strange though how many propeller shaft problems Acura is having on RDX that they needed to issue a TSB.

markAZ

Not really. The drive shaft (aka propellor shaft) connects the output of the transmission (or the transfer case) to the rear drive. Half shafts connect the output of the differential to the drive wheels. The transmission and differential in a FWD car are (almost always and definitely in an Acura) both in one case, the transaxle. Sorta the same both mostly different.

mc607

Update
Just picked up my '14 RDX yesterday. Vibration gone. Cold soaked it last night, -20c, and another test drive this morning. All good.

mc607

Just to clarify the dealer did switch out the drive shaft (AKA propeller shaft)as per TSB 14-001.

Doug's RDX

Thanks for all of the updates. The vibration is driving me nuts, really thinking about keeping the car. I'll make my appointment on Monday. Thanks again!!!!!!

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

Makes you wonder if the Acura R&D facility is located in a warm climate where the problem wouldn't be noticeable.

EE4Life

TSB 14-001 - Vibration at Highway Speeds During VCM Operation
Applies To: 2013-14 RDX - ALL
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/p...nu/B14-001.PDF

mdfree

Need to be registered to view the PDF

EE4Life

See this thread for instructions on how to access the links.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...57&postcount=1

Gmartin1

I have had my rdx in over 10 times for the vibration in the driveshaft. Acura installed a new countermeasure drivetrain last week which solved the problem for the vibration under 80kmph but significantly made it worse over 80. They know there is an issue and it usually shows up after the first 2000 km. They admit it is the type of rubber inside it.
Same thing happened to a friend of mine at the 2000 km mark and they took back the car. I have test driven other rdx as loaners and they all have the same problem. Some are just worse than others.
If anyone asks me if I would buy again or recommend this vehicle, the answer is a definite NO. I would strongly suggest that you document it all and tell them to take it back.

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

I'm only seeing accessory installation guides?

EE4Life

That is correct. Then click on the TSB link again and it should work now. Repeat the process anytime you get the error message.

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

Got it thanks!

dgerry2

Anyone who has had the new propeller shaft installed notice this, or has your vibration gone away at all speeds? Mine is going in for this repair soon, and until this post was feeling encouraged.

Gmartin1

Thank you so much for the pdf image!!!! Made my arguments with acura a bit easier!!!

mc607

For Canadian owners, there is a Service Bulletin issued today for the updated drive shaft(aka propeller shaft). Check with your dealer.

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

Mine has been replaced, there's no vibration at any speed, at least up to 80 mph so far, knock on wood.

mindanalyzer

Question again.

Does this TSB is related, by any mean, to the FWD model (2013 RDX) in warm climates? My RDX vibrates [you can feel it subtly in steering wheel and pedals but after 2 hours becomes a pain] at highway speeds (70-80mph) @ any temperature. I can feel it more accentuated when I slightly depress the gas pedal (engine braking the car).
In both of my services I have let them know about this problem and in both occasions the service technicians (according to the service reports) have found my wheels to be off balanced (strange because I have not hit any curb or something like that)

Well, whatever they have done have solved the vibration issue for a week or so and then ... bang ... I have the mf again ...

any insights?

mc607

I would recommend going to the dealer with a copy of the tsb (14-001)in hand and go for a test drive with a tech as per the service bulletin. The tech should drive with you for a bit, pull over and unplug the VCM, then continue driving. If the vibration is gone then you'll know it is the VCM. At that point tell them to fix it, and don't accept "within tolerances" as an answer. If it is something other than the VCM then tell them to fix it. I suspect it is the VCM though.

AmberB

Not an expert, but rear rocker arm oil pressure switch control seems to refer to an engine part that turns on and off something related to maintaining engine lubrication. Seems like a bad idea to disable it.

singidunum

Do you by chance have the Canadian service bulletin in pdf? I called them up to inquire about the vibration issue and they just played dumb, than I told them that I have the service bulletin that describes a fix for this issue and they told me it was issued by US Acura and doesn't apply to the Canadian cars which is bizarre since they are the same cars lol.

Fat Mike

This is great information, thanks to everyone for posting! One thing I noticed is the TSB talks about highway speeds. While I do notice a very slight vibration at highway speeds, I find its most noticable when the VCM kicks in around 50-60 kph (30-37 mph). Anyone with the TSB service have the same thing? Has it cured it at low speeds too?

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

Mine was most noticeable around 40-45 mph @ 1500 rpms and the TSB covered it. I think they're pretty flexible. And it did solve the problem.

mc607

Did you call Acura.ca or your dealer? Acura.ca won't give out any info but your dealer should have the TSB.

dgerry2

What about temperature. They seem to imply it happens in cold weather, but I seem to notice mine in all temperatures (mine might be more noticeable in cold weather though).

singidunum

I called my dealership and was arguing with them and they kept saying there is no tsb with this issue.

mc607

Not sure what to tell you. I'm in Ontario and my dealer has already done two. Maybe Acura.ca hasn't released the tsb to all provinces yet. Call another dealership.

singidunum

Im in BC, maybe the tsb didnt reach over here yet, ill try another dealership.

hand-filer

I mentioned it to Acura corporate in a letter I wrote them primarily to complain about the rear shock issue.
A few months later I received a call from the dealership advising me that they had a propeller shaft with a redesigned hanger bearing isolator waiting for me to come down to have it installed.

Who knows, maybe some day I'll get a call from them informing me that they have a pair of noise free shocks waiting for me to come down to have them installed.

5 Acuras

iTrader: (1)

I didn't notice it until the cold weather hit, I had to leave the car with them overnight as described in the TSB.

ottoman101

I brought my RDX in for an alignment and mentioned the vibration. The dealer kept the car overnight and confirmed it's the "propeller shaft". They had my car for four days due to the long weekend, but I get it back tonight.

In the meantime I was given the new RLX with Tech as a loaner. Pretty nice ride, and I love how the new 3D Navi shows traffic on even the side roads. I would love it if they somehow let us update to the new system on the RDX.