Acura RL 1996-2004 Suspension Specifications
Comprehensive technical guide for the 1996-2004 Acura RL suspension system, including detailed specifications, alignment settings, torque values, and maintenance tips.
Suspension Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the suspension specifications for the 1996-2004 Acura RL. It includes detailed information about the front and rear suspension systems, key components, and maintenance recommendations. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the suspension system, locate specific parts, and perform routine maintenance or upgrades.
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To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords related to the suspension component or specification you are looking for. Results will be filtered to show relevant sections and subsections.
Navigate through the document by exploring the sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains detailed descriptions and technical specifications. Use the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.
Key Specifications
Front Stabilizer Bar Diameter
24.2 mm
Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameter
20.4 mm
Front Spring Rate
294 N/mm
Rear Spring Rate
252 N/mm
Recommended Tire Pressure
35 PSI (front), 33 PSI (rear)
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 1996-2004 Acura RL features a double-wishbone design, providing stability and precise handling. This section details the components and specifications of the front suspension system.
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 1996-2004 Acura RL features a double-wishbone design, providing stability and precise handling. This section details the components and specifications of the front suspension system.
Front Suspension Components
- Double-wishbone suspension design
- Coil springs with integrated dampers
- Stabilizer bar (24.2 mm diameter)
- Lower control arms with bushings
- Upper control arms with ball joints
Technical Specifications
- Spring rate: 294 N/mm (front)
- Damping force: 1,800 N (front)
- Stabilizer bar diameter: 24.2 mm
- Camber angle: -1.0° to -0.5°
- Toe angle: 0.0° to 0.1°
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the 1996-2004 Acura RL utilizes a multi-link design, offering a balance of comfort and handling. This section provides details on the components and specifications of the rear suspension system.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the 1996-2004 Acura RL utilizes a multi-link design, offering a balance of comfort and handling. This section provides details on the components and specifications of the rear suspension system.
Rear Suspension Components
- Multi-link suspension design
- Coil springs with separate dampers
- Stabilizer bar (20.4 mm diameter)
- Trailing arms with bushings
- Toe control links
Technical Specifications
- Spring rate: 252 N/mm (rear)
- Damping force: 1,500 N (rear)
- Stabilizer bar diameter: 20.4 mm
- Camber angle: -1.0° to -0.5°
- Toe angle: 0.0° to 0.1°
Suspension Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the suspension system. This section outlines recommended maintenance procedures and intervals.
Suspension Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the suspension system. This section outlines recommended maintenance procedures and intervals.
Maintenance Schedule
- Inspect suspension components every 15,000 miles
- Replace shocks and struts every 50,000 to 70,000 miles
- Lubricate suspension bushings every 30,000 miles
- Check and adjust wheel alignment annually
- Replace stabilizer links every 50,000 miles
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- double-wishbone front and multi-link rear
- Configuration
- front and rear independent suspension
- Platform
- G-body platform
- Material
- steel and aluminum components
- Location
- front and rear axle
Dimensions
- Front Shock ABSorber Length
- 18.5 in (470 mm)
- Rear Shock ABSorber Length
- 17.3 in (440 mm)
- Front Spring Rate
- 65 N/mm (3.7 lbs/in)
- Rear Spring Rate
- 58 N/mm (3.3 lbs/in)
- Front Stabilizer Bar Diameter
- 30 mm (1.18 in)
- Rear Stabilizer Bar Diameter
- 28 mm (1.10 in)
- Wheel Travel Front
- 5.9 in (150 mm)
- Wheel Travel Rear
- 5.5 in (140 mm)
Materials
- Control Arm
- steel
- Knuckle
- aluminum alloy
- Shock ABSorber
- steel body with nitrogen gas charging
- Coil Spring
- high-tensile steel
- Bushing
- polyurethane
Features
- Ride Comfort
-
- double-wishbone front suspension for smooth ride
- multi-link rear suspension for improved stability
- isolated front subframe to reduce noise
- damping force control for varying road conditions
- hydraulic bushings for reduced vibration
- Handling
-
- front and rear stabilizer bars for reduced body roll
- optimized suspension geometry for precise steering
- aluminum knuckles for reduced unsprung weight
- responsive steering rack with variable assist
- Adjustability
-
- ride height adjustment capability
- optional sport-tuned suspension
- electronically controlled damping (available on certain models)
- Durability
-
- galvanized steel components for corrosion resistance
- sealed shock absorbers for long service life
- durable polyurethane bushings
- powder-coated coil springs
Safety Features
- Structural integrity
-
- high-strength steel components
- crush zones in suspension members
- reinforced subframe
- Stability Control
-
- integrated with vehicle stability assist system
- electronic damping adjustment
- anti-dive and anti-squat geometry
- Collision Protection
-
- energy-absorbing bushings
- impact-resistant shock absorbers
- reinforced control arms
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- isolated subframe mounting
- hydraulic bushings
- sound-dampening coil spring covers
- Smooth Ride
-
- progressive rate coil springs
- low-friction shock absorbers
- optimized damping characteristics
- Adjustability
-
- optional adaptive suspension
- ride height adjustability
- dual-mode shocks
- Isolation
-
- subframe isolation
- vibration-dampening mounts
- insulated suspension components
Accessories
- Suspension Tools
-
- spring compressor
- shock absorber socket
- ball joint separator
- alignment tools
- Upgrades
-
- performance coil springs
- adjustable sway bars
- high-performance bushings
- sport-tuned shocks
- Spare Parts
-
- replacement shock absorbers
- coil spring sets
- control arms
- bushing kits
Maintenance
- Service interval
-
- Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Inspect shock absorbers for leaks,Check coil springs for damage,Inspect stabilizer links,Lubricate suspension bushings,Check ride height, Note: Perform suspension inspection as part of regular maintenance
- Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Replace stabilizer bar links,Inspect control arm bushings,Check for any signs of wear,Clean and grease suspension components,Check damping performance, Note: More thorough inspection of suspension components
- Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Replace shock absorbers if necessary,Replace coil springs if sagged,Inspect knuckle and control arm sockets,Replace polyurethane bushings,Check for any fluid leaks, Note: Major suspension components may need replacement
- Miles: 90,000 miles, Months: 72 months, Items: Complete suspension overhaul,Replace all bushings,Inspect and replace stabilizer bars,Replace any worn control arms,Check for any structural damage, Note: Critical to ensure safety and performance
- Maintenance Notes
- Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining ride quality and handling performance
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 36,000 milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: repair or replacement of defective parts
- Powertrain
- Miles: 60,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: covers suspension components related to powertrain
- Maintenance
- Miles: 24,000 milesYears: 2 yearsCoverage: covers scheduled maintenance services
- Accessories
- Miles: 12,000 milesYears: 1 yearCoverage: covers defects in suspension accessories
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing Process
-
- robotic welding
- laser cutting
- computer-aided design
- rigorous quality control
- Quality Control
- inspection: 100% component inspectionTesting: dynamic and static testingCertification: ISO 9001 certified
- Sustainability
-
- recyclable materials
- energy-efficient manufacturing
- reduced emissions
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: 100,000 unitsCycle Time: reduced by 15% through lean manufacturingDefect Rate: less than 1%Supplier Quality: Tier 1 suppliers only
Service Information for suspension Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
- Check coil springs for damage
- Inspect stabilizer links
- Lubricate suspension bushings
- Check ride height
Perform suspension inspection as part of regular maintenance
- Replace stabilizer bar links
- Inspect control arm bushings
- Check for any signs of wear
- Clean and grease suspension components
- Check damping performance
More thorough inspection of suspension components
- Replace shock absorbers if necessary
- Replace coil springs if sagged
- Inspect knuckle and control arm sockets
- Replace polyurethane bushings
- Check for any fluid leaks
Major suspension components may need replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of suspension system does the 1996-2004 Acura RL use?
What type of suspension system does the 1996-2004 Acura RL use?
The 1996-2004 Acura RL features a fully independent double-wishbone suspension system. The front suspension includes upper and lower aluminum control arms, coil springs, and gas-filled shock absorbers. The rear suspension consists of a multi-link setup with trailing arms, coil springs, and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Q2 What is the recommended torque specification for the front suspension lower control arm bolts?
What is the recommended torque specification for the front suspension lower control arm bolts?
The recommended torque specification for the front suspension lower control arm bolts is 94-101 lb-ft (127-137 Nm). Always refer to the service manual for precise tightening sequences and ensure proper alignment after installation.
Q3 How do I identify worn suspension components on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
How do I identify worn suspension components on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
Common signs of worn suspension components include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing, knocking noises over bumps, and a noticeable drop in ride height. Inspect the bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers for cracks, leaks, or excessive play. Use a pry bar to check for movement in the control arms and ball joints.
Q4 What is the ride height specification for the 1996-2004 Acura RL?
What is the ride height specification for the 1996-2004 Acura RL?
The factory ride height for the 1996-2004 Acura RL is approximately 6.1 inches (155 mm) at the front and 6.3 inches (160 mm) at the rear, measured from the ground to the bottom of the rocker panel. Variations may occur due to trim levels or aftermarket modifications.
Q5 Can I replace the suspension components with aftermarket parts without voiding the warranty?
Can I replace the suspension components with aftermarket parts without voiding the warranty?
Using non-genuine or aftermarket suspension components may void your vehicle's warranty, especially if the parts are not approved by Acura. Always consult your warranty documentation and use genuine Acura parts to ensure compatibility and maintain warranty coverage.
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 RL Suspension Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial service manual for the 1996-2004 Acura RL, providing detailed procedures for suspension maintenance and repair.
Suspension Alignment Specifications
Coming SoonDetailed alignment specifications and procedures for the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including camber, caster, and toe settings.
Genuine Acura Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonCatalog of genuine Acura suspension components for the 1996-2004 RL, ensuring proper fit and performance.
Common Suspension Issues and Solutions
Coming SoonA guide to diagnosing and resolving common suspension problems specific to the 1996-2004 Acura RL.
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Technical Information
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