Front Suspension Clunk or Rattle When Driving Over Bumps – 2014 Acura RLX

B14-040
August 19, 2015
00216 Version 2

 

Front Suspension Clunk or Rattle When Driving over Bumps

Supersedes 14-040, dated November 5, 2014, to revise the information highlighted in yellow

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2014–15	RLX (Excluding RLX Sport Hybrid)	ALL	ALL

 

REVISON SUMMARY

Under AFFECTED VEHICLES, the year range was updated.

 

SYMPTOM

There is a clunk or rattle from the front suspension when driving over bumps or on rough roads.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSE

The front damper has an internal valve characteristic that creates the noise.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace both front spring/damper assemblies.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Part Number	Quantity
Strut Noise Kit (includes front left spring/damper assembly, front right spring/damper assembly, pinch bolt [2], flange nut [6], strut brace mounting nut [6])	06510-TY2-305	1
Bolt (12 x 98 mm)	90121-S0A-000	2
Nut (12 mm)	90215-SB0-003	2

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

The normal warranty applies.

Operation Number	Description	Flat Rate Time	Template ID	Failed Part Number
4151C2	Replace both front spring/dampers (includes testdrive).	1.7 hrs	14-040N	51621-TY2-A01
A	Add for alignment.	0.4 hr	14-040P

 

Defect Code: 00504
Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level: Repair Technician

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Test-drive the vehicle to confirm the clunk or rattle is coming from the front suspension.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the front wheels.
4. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness bracket.

 

5. Remove the damper fork.

 

6. Remove the front strut brace mounting nuts and the flange nuts.

NOTE: Do not let the damper/spring drop down under its own weight.

 

7. Remove the damper/spring.

NOTE: Be careful not to damage the body.

 

8. Install the new damper/spring in the body with the aligning tab facing inside.
9. Loosely install the new flange nuts.

 

10. Loosely install the front brace mounting nuts.
11. Loosely install the damper fork using a new nut and bolt. Install the aligning tab on the damper unit into the damper fork slot.

 

12. Load the suspension with the vehicle’s weight and torque the hardware:
    • Flange nuts: 55 N·m (41 lb-ft)
    • Front strut brace mounting nuts: 22 N·m (16 lb-ft)
    • Damper fork nut and bolt: 64 N·m (47 lb-ft)
    • Pinch bolt: 49 N·m (36 lb-ft)
13. Install the wheel speed sensor harness bracket and torque the bolt to 5 N·m (7 lb-ft).

 

14. Install the front wheels.
15. Check the wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary.