Tech Tip: Acura Front Suspension Knock

Tech Tip: Acura Front Suspension Knock

A knocking noise from the front of any vehicle can be a cause for concern. If the vehicle is an old pickup truck with 150,000 miles of hard off-road use, noises usually come with the territory and are sometimes acceptable. But, if the vehicle is a 1996-98 Acura RL, not only will the owner notice it, they will probably want it fixed right away.

A knocking noise from the front of any vehicle can be a cause for concern. If the vehicle is an old pickup truck with 150,000 miles of hard off-road use, noises usually come with the territory and are sometimes acceptable. But, if the vehicle is a 1996-98 Acura RL, not only will the owner notice it, they will probably want it fixed right away.

When an Acura RL owner visits your shop complaining about a knocking noise from the front suspension when driving over bumps, the noise may be caused by worn upper arm bearings. The following tech tip may help you quickly diagnose and repair the problem.

DIAGNOSIS
1. Test-drive the vehicle over a bumpy road to verify the noise and to determine its location.
2. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
3. On the vehicle side where the noise is heard, hit the tire with a large soft-faced mallet while placing your hand over one of the upper arm bearings. Repeat this action with your hand placed over the other bearing.

• If you feel looseness or hear knocking from either bearing, go to the Repair Procedure.
• If no knocking noise is heard and no looseness is felt, look for other possible causes.
• If you heard the noise from both sides of the vehicle, repeat Step 3 on the other side.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: This procedure does not require wheel alignment after completion.

1. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the ABS wheel sensor wire harness from the upper arm.
3. Remove and discard the two upper arm 12 mm self-locking nuts.
NOTE: The upper arm bearings are built into the front anchor bolts.
4. Lower the upper arm, and pull it toward you to access the two front anchor bolts containing the upper arm bearings.
5. Remove and discard the front anchor bolt 10 mm self-locking nuts and the flange bolts, then remove and discard the front anchor bolts.
6. Install new front anchor bolts, making sure the large seal on the bolt faces outward. Secure the anchor bolts with new flange bolts and 10 mm self-locking nuts. Torque the nuts to 22 lb-ft (30 N-m).
7. Reinstall the upper arm, and secure it with new 12 mm self-locking nuts. Torque the nuts to 47 lb-ft (64 N-m).
8. Reinstall the ABS wheel sensor wire harness.
9. Reinstall the wheel. Torque the wheel nuts to 80 lb-ft (108 N-m).
10. Test-drive the vehicle to make sure the noise has been eliminated.

Accura and RL are registered trademark names and model designations of the American Honda Motor Company. All trademark names and model designations are being used solely for reference and application purposes.

Written by ALLDATA Technical Editor, Rich Diegle. Rich is an Advanced Engine Performance Certified and ASE Master Technician with an Associate of Arts degree in automotive technology and 22 years of dealership and independent shop experience.

For additional information, visit www.alldata.com.

You May Also Like

Mullen Road Tests Solid-State Polymer Battery Pack

The results met or exceeded all requirements targeted for the first drive cycles for energy usage and driving range.

Mullen Automotive began Class 1 EV cargo van road testing with an integrated solid-state polymer battery pack. Vehicle road testing began on Feb. 26 at Mullen’s Commercial Tech Center in Troy, MI.

Mullen’s latest phase of solid-state polymer battery testing began in January with the installation of the battery pack into the Class 1 EV cargo van for testing system compatibility between the vehicle and pack. Recent performance testing has included on-road drive cycles as well as Dyno testing at an EPA-certified lab located in Northville, MI, Mullen said.

TEXA Releases IDC5 CAR 76.5.0 Update

IDC5 CAR 76.5.0 is characterized by over 2600 new possible selections for the major makes on the market worldwide.

TurnOnGreen, Endliss Power Team up to Expand EV Charging

TurnOnGreen said it will leverage EPI’s expertise in administering and executing power purchase agreements with commercial clients.

Autel’s ADAS Bay Max Vehicle Lift

Learn how this lift integrates mechanical repair, four-wheel alignment, and ADAS calibration, prioritizing efficiency and space utilization in your shop.

Switch EV Trainer Provides Tailored EV Tech Training

The Switch EV Trainer includes all of the components of a modern EV drivetrain on a compact, insulated, mobile platform.

Other Posts

Tool Time Podcast: SATA USA

In this all new episode of the Tool Time Podcast, Nadine and Eric sit down with Chris Springer of SATA USA.

Elywhere Launches in North America

Elywhere chargers can be configured to support power in the 1 MW range, providing solutions for electric fleets.

#3 Screwdriver “Tips”

What appears as one of the most basic tools in your box is far from it.

#2 Calipers & Micrometers

Calipers and Micrometers are essential measuring tools when exact precision is required.