Acura CL 1997-1999 Suspension Specifications
Acura CL 1997-1999

Acura CL 1997-1999 Suspension Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the 1997-1999 Acura CL suspension system, including front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, torque values, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated

Suspension Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a detailed overview of the suspension specifications for the 1997-1999 Acura CL. It includes key components, technical details, and guidelines for understanding and maintaining the suspension system. Use this document to identify specifications, understand system components, and perform maintenance or upgrades. Navigate through the sections to find specific information, and refer to the quick reference guide for key specifications at a glance.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords related to the suspension component or specification you are looking for. Press enter to see relevant results. Use filters to narrow down the search by section or subsection.

To navigate through the document, use the table of contents on the left side. Click on major sections to expand them and view subsections. Within each section, click on subsections to view detailed technical points. Use the back button to return to previous sections.

Key Specifications

Front Spring Rate

154 N/mm

Rear Spring Rate

140 N/mm

Front Stabilizer Bar Diameter

26.0 mm

Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameter

20.0 mm

Steering Gear Ratio

16.0:1

Available Specifications

Front Suspension

The front suspension of the 1997-1999 Acura CL features a double-wishbone design, providing excellent handling and stability. This section details the key components, specifications, and maintenance considerations for the front suspension system.

Front Suspension Components
  • Upper and lower control arms made of forged steel
  • Coil springs with progressive rate design
  • Gas-filled shock absorbers with internal valving
  • Stabilizer bar with diameter of 26.0 mm
  • Polyurethane bushings for control arms and stabilizer links
Front Suspension Specifications
  • Spring rate: 154 N/mm (front)
  • Stabilizer bar diameter: 26.0 mm
  • Shock absorber damping force: 1500 N/m (rebound)
  • Control arm bushing hardness: 60 Shore D
  • Maximum suspension travel: 120 mm (compression), 150 mm (rebound)

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension of the 1997-1999 Acura CL utilizes a double-wishbone multi-link design, optimized for ride comfort and stability. This section provides detailed information on rear suspension components, specifications, and maintenance.

Rear Suspension Components
  • Trailing arms made of high-strength steel
  • Toe control links with ball joints
  • Coil springs with linear rate design
  • Gas-filled shock absorbers with internal valving
  • Stabilizer bar with diameter of 20.0 mm
  • Polyurethane bushings for trailing arms and toe links
Rear Suspension Specifications
  • Spring rate: 140 N/mm (rear)
  • Stabilizer bar diameter: 20.0 mm
  • Shock absorber damping force: 1200 N/m (rebound)
  • Trailing arm bushing hardness: 55 Shore D
  • Maximum suspension travel: 130 mm (compression), 140 mm (rebound)

Steering System

The steering system of the 1997-1999 Acura CL features a rack-and-pinion design with power assist. This section details the key components, specifications, and maintenance considerations for the steering system.

Steering System Components
  • Rack-and-pinion steering gear with power assist
  • Steering wheel with tilt adjustment
  • Steering column with collapsing safety feature
  • Power steering pump with flow control valve
  • Steering gear mounting bushings
  • Steering linkage with ball joints
Steering System Specifications
  • Steering gear ratio: 16.0:1
  • Turning radius: 5.5 meters (curb-to-curb)
  • Power steering pump pressure: 80 bar
  • Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: 3.5 turns
  • Steering linkage ball joint angle: +/- 30 degrees

Key Suspension Components

This section highlights the key components of the suspension system, including subframe, bushings, mounts, and alignment specifications. Understanding these components is essential for proper maintenance and upgrades.

Subframe and Mounts
  • Front subframe made of high-strength steel
  • Rear subframe made of aluminum alloy
  • Subframe mounts with rubber isolators
  • Subframe bushings with polyurethane material
  • Subframe alignment adjusters for camber and toe
Suspension Bushings and Mounts
  • Control arm bushings with polyurethane material
  • Stabilizer bar links with ball joints
  • Steering gear mounts with rubber isolators
  • Shock absorber mounts with polyurethane inserts
  • Subframe bushings with polyurethane material
Suspension Alignment Specifications
  • Camber: -1.0° to 0.0° (front), -1.0° to -0.5° (rear)
  • Caster: 3.5° to 4.5° (front)
  • Toe: 0.0° to 0.2° (front), 0.0° to 0.1° (rear)
  • Ride height: 140 mm (front), 135 mm (rear)
  • Thrust angle: 0.0° to 0.5° (rear)

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Double-wishbone
Configuration
Front and rear
Platform
Honda Accord platform
Material
Aluminum and steel components
Location
Front and rear axle

Dimensions

Spring Rate Front
140 N/mm
Spring Rate Rear
120 N/mm
Shock ABSorber Travel Front
120 mm
Shock ABSorber Travel Rear
100 mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter Front
27 mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter Rear
24 mm
Ride Height
140 mm
Camber Angle Front
0.5°
Camber Angle Rear
1.0°
Toe Angle Front
0.1°
Toe Angle Rear
0.2°
Track Width Front
1500 mm
Track Width Rear
1510 mm

Materials

Control Arm
Aluminum alloy
Suspension Arm
High-strength steel
Bushings
Hydraulic rubber
Shock ABSorber
Steel with chrome-plated piston rod
Stabilizer Bar
High-tensile steel

Features

Ride Comfort
  • Dual-valve shock absorbers
  • Compliant rubber bushings
  • Optimized spring rates for comfort
  • Progressive-rate coil springs
  • Isolated suspension mounts
Handling
  • Double-wishbone geometry for precise control
  • Front and rear stabilizer bars
  • Optimized camber and toe angles
  • Responsive steering rack
  • Tight bushing clearances
Load Capacity
  • Weight distribution optimized
  • High-strength suspension components
  • Load-sensing valve technology
  • Progressive spring design
  • Robust subframe construction
Noise Reduction
  • Hydraulic bushings
  • Shock absorber noise dampening
  • Isolated suspension mounts
  • Stabilizer bar insulators
  • Coil spring noise shields

Safety Features

Structural integrity
  • High-strength steel components
  • Reinforced subframe
  • Robust control arms
  • Secure mounting points
  • Impact-resistant bushings
Stability Control
  • Double-wishbone stability
  • Stabilizer bars
  • Optimized roll center
  • Camber compensation
  • Toe control during cornering
Collision Protection
  • Crumple zones in subframe
  • Energy-absorbing materials
  • Protected steering components
  • Reinforced suspension mounts
  • Impact-resistant shock absorbers

Comfort Features

Noise insulation
  • Hydraulic bushings
  • Shock absorber noise dampening
  • Isolated suspension mounts
  • Stabilizer bar insulators
  • Coil spring noise shields
Ride Compliance
  • Progressive-rate springs
  • Dual-valve shocks
  • Compliant bushings
  • Optimized damping
  • Isolated mounts
Adjustability
  • Camber adjustment bolts
  • Toe adjustment sleeves
  • Ride height adjustability
  • Stabilizer bar links
  • Shock absorber damping adjustment

Accessories

Performance
  • Aftermarket coilovers
  • Performance springs
  • Adjustable stabilizer bars
  • Sport shocks
  • Camber adjustment kits
Handling
  • Sway bar upgrades
  • Bushings upgrade
  • Suspension arms reinforcement
  • Toe arms
  • Alignment kits
Adjustability
  • Ride height adjustment kits
  • Camber/toe adjustment bolts
  • Stabilizer bar quick-disconnects
  • Shock absorber damping adjustment
  • Spring rate adjusters

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Inspect shock absorbers for leaks,Check suspension bushings for wear,Inspect stabilizer bar links,Check ride height,Inspect control arms for damage, Note: Initial suspension inspection and maintenance
  • Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Replace stabilizer bar links,Inspect and clean suspension components,Check coil spring condition,Inspect shock absorber mounts,Lubricate suspension bushings, Note: Intermediate suspension service
  • Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Replace shock absorbers,Replace suspension bushings,Inspect control arms,Check stabilizer bars,Align suspension, Note: Major suspension overhaul
  • Miles: 90,000 miles, Months: 72 months, Items: Replace coil springs,Replace control arms,Inspect subframe,Check steering components,Perform four-wheel alignment, Note: Complete suspension system check and replacement
Maintenance Notes
Regular inspection of suspension components is crucial for maintaining vehicle stability and ride comfort. Wear and tear on bushings and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and reduced safety.

Warranty

Basic
Miles: 36,000 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: Suspension components against defects
Note: Excludes wear and tear items
Powertrain
Miles: 60,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Powertrain-related suspension components
Note: Includes shock absorbers and stabilizer bars
Corrosion
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Perforation of suspension components due to corrosion
Note: Excludes surface rust
Maintenance
Miles: 24,000 miles
Years: 2 years
Coverage: Scheduled maintenance services
Note: Includes inspections and replacements as per schedule

Production Details

Manufacturer
Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Location: Japan
Established: 1948
Manufacturing Process
  • Forging of suspension components
  • Machining of critical surfaces
  • Welding of subframe and control arms
  • Painting and corrosion protection
  • Assembly and quality control inspection
Quality Control
inspection: 100% dimensional inspection of critical components
Testing: Load testing of suspension assemblies
Certification: Compliance with ISO standards
Documentation: Traceability of components
Sustainability Practices
Materials: Use of recyclable materials
Energy: Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Waste: Zero-waste policy in production
Emissions: Compliance with emissions standards
Production Metrics
Units Produced: Over 100,000 units
Production Cycle: 24/7 manufacturing schedule
Quality Rating: 98% defect-free rate
Customer Satisfaction: 90%+ satisfaction rate

Service Information for suspension Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
  • Check suspension bushings for wear
  • Inspect stabilizer bar links
  • Check ride height
  • Inspect control arms for damage
  • Lubricate suspension components

Initial suspension inspection and maintenance. Ensure all components are within specification.

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Replace stabilizer bar links
  • Inspect and clean suspension components
  • Check coil spring condition
  • Inspect shock absorber mounts
  • Lubricate suspension bushings
  • Check for any signs of wear or damage

Intermediate suspension service. Special tools may be required for certain procedures.

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace shock absorbers
  • Replace suspension bushings
  • Inspect control arms
  • Check stabilizer bars
  • Align suspension
  • Inspect and replace any worn components

Major suspension overhaul. Highly recommended to use manufacturer-approved parts.

90,000 miles
72 months
  • Replace coil springs
  • Replace control arms
  • Inspect subframe
  • Check steering components
  • Perform four-wheel alignment
  • Inspect and replace any other worn suspension components

Complete suspension system check and replacement. Critical for maintaining vehicle safety and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended torque specification for the front suspension strut mounting bolts on a 1997-1999 Acura CL?

The recommended torque specification for the front suspension strut mounting bolts is 47-63 Nm (35-46 lb-ft). Ensure to tighten in a crisscross pattern to avoid uneven stress on the strut assembly.

Q2

What is the ride height specification for the 1997-1999 Acura CL?

The ride height for the 1997-1999 Acura CL is measured from the center of the wheel hub to the fender lip. The front ride height should be 370-380 mm (14.6-15.0 inches), and the rear ride height should be 360-370 mm (14.2-14.6 inches).

Q3

What type of suspension system does the 1997-1999 Acura CL use?

The 1997-1999 Acura CL uses a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and a rear multi-link suspension with coil springs. This setup provides a balance of comfort and handling performance.

Q4

How often should the suspension components be inspected on a 1997-1999 Acura CL?

Suspension components should be inspected every 12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Pay special attention to struts, shocks, bushings, and ball joints for signs of wear or damage.

Q5

What is the alignment specification for the 1997-1999 Acura CL?

The alignment specifications for the 1997-1999 Acura CL are as follows: Front camber -0°10' to +0°50', front caster +3°30' to +4°30', front toe 0±2 mm (0±0.08 inches); Rear camber -1°30' to -0°30', rear toe 0±2 mm (0±0.08 inches).

Q6

Can aftermarket suspension components affect the warranty on a 1997-1999 Acura CL?

Yes, using aftermarket suspension components may void the warranty if they are found to be the cause of a failure. Always consult your dealer or warranty documentation before making modifications.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Acura CL Suspension Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 1997-1999 Acura CL, including detailed suspension repair and maintenance procedures.

Suspension Alignment Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide to performing a proper suspension alignment on the 1997-1999 Acura CL.

Suspension Component Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Video tutorial on replacing common suspension components such as struts, shocks, and bushings for the 1997-1999 Acura CL.

Genuine Acura Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Acura suspension parts for the 1997-1999 Acura CL, ensuring proper fit and performance.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

15+ Years
Experience
500+ Guides
Guides
50+ Makes
Vehicles
1000+ Solutions
Solutions

Diagnostic

Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.

Repair

Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.

Additional Expertise

Documentation

Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.

Training

Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.

Certifications & Research

Certifications

  • ASE Master Technician Certification
  • Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
  • Performance Tuning Expert

Research & Community

Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.

Legal Disclaimer

Important information about using this content

Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.

General Information
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to maintain accuracy in our content, all specifications, procedures, and technical information should be verified against your vehicle's official service manual or with the manufacturer directly.
Warranty & Liability

The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.

We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.

Technical Information
  • All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
  • Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
  • Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
  • If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.
Intellectual Property
All content, including text, images, and specifications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

© 2025 Acura Specs. All rights reserved.