Acura TL 1996-1998 Suspension Specifications
Comprehensive technical specifications for the 1996-1998 Acura TL suspension system. Includes detailed information on front and rear suspension components, alignment settings, torque specifications, and maintenance guidelines.
Suspension Specifications Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the suspension specifications for the 1996-1998 Acura TL. It includes detailed information on suspension components, technical specifications, and maintenance recommendations. Use this guide to understand the suspension system, identify components, and perform maintenance or upgrades. The document is organized into sections for easy navigation.
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Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed information. Use the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.
Key Specifications
Front Spring Rate
112 N/mm
Rear Spring Rate
98 N/mm
Front Damping Rate
2500 N/s
Rear Damping Rate
2200 N/s
Steering Ratio
16.1:1
Available Specifications
Suspension Overview
This section provides an overview of the suspension system in the 1996-1998 Acura TL, including key components and design features. It explains the purpose of each component and how they work together to provide a smooth ride and stable handling.
Suspension Overview
This section provides an overview of the suspension system in the 1996-1998 Acura TL, including key components and design features. It explains the purpose of each component and how they work together to provide a smooth ride and stable handling.
Key Components
- Front suspension: MacPherson strut design
- Rear suspension: Multi-link setup with trailing arms
- Stabilizer bars: Front and rear anti-roll bars
- Springs: Coil springs with integrated dampers
- Bushings: Hydraulic bushings for reduced noise and vibration
Design Philosophy
- Optimized for balance between comfort and performance
- Progressive spring rates for improved handling
- Damping rates tuned for smooth ride quality
- Stabilizer bars for reduced body roll
- Lightweight components for improved fuel efficiency
Front Suspension
This section details the specifications and features of the front suspension system, including strut assembly, springs, and steering components.
Front Suspension
This section details the specifications and features of the front suspension system, including strut assembly, springs, and steering components.
Strut Assembly
- Type: MacPherson strut with internal damping
- Material: Steel with powder-coated finish
- Travel: 120 mm (4.72 in)
- Mounting: Direct bolt-on design
- Adjustability: Non-adjustable, fixed damping
Spring Specifications
- Type: Coil spring with linear rate
- Rate: 112 N/mm (637 lb/in)
- Free length: 220 mm (8.66 in)
- Diameter: 55 mm (2.17 in)
- Material: High-strength steel
Steering System
- Type: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
- Ratio: 16.1:1
- Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1 turns
- Wheel angle: 38 degrees
- Tie rods: Forged steel with adjusters
Rear Suspension
This section provides detailed information on the rear suspension system, including multi-link components, coil springs, and damping rates.
Rear Suspension
This section provides detailed information on the rear suspension system, including multi-link components, coil springs, and damping rates.
Multi-Link Setup
- Type: Independent multi-link suspension
- Components: Upper and lower control arms, toe links, and trailing arms
- Material: High-strength steel with bushings
- Design: Optimized for stability and ride comfort
- Mounting: Bolt-on design with rubber isolators
Coil Spring Specifications
- Type: Coil spring with linear rate
- Rate: 98 N/mm (558 lb/in)
- Free length: 210 mm (8.27 in)
- Diameter: 53 mm (2.09 in)
- Material: High-strength steel
Damping Rates
- Front damping rate: 2500 N/s (567 lbf·s/in)
- Rear damping rate: 2200 N/s (500 lbf·s/in)
- Damping ratio: 0.6 (front), 0.55 (rear)
- Valving: Fixed, non-adjustable
- Fluid type: Hydraulic shock absorber fluid
Suspension Maintenance
This section outlines maintenance recommendations and procedures for the suspension system, including inspection intervals and replacement guidelines.
Suspension Maintenance
This section outlines maintenance recommendations and procedures for the suspension system, including inspection intervals and replacement guidelines.
Service Intervals
- Inspect suspension components every 15,000 miles
- Replace shock absorbers every 50,000 miles or as needed
- Lubricate bushings every 30,000 miles
- Check tire alignment every 6 months or 6,000 miles
- Inspect stabilizer links every 12,000 miles
Common Upgrades
- Performance springs for lowered ride height
- Adjustable dampers for customizable damping rates
- Stiffer anti-roll bars for reduced body roll
- Polyurethane bushings for improved durability
- Camber kits for enhanced handling
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
- Configuration
- Independent front and rear suspension
- Platform
- Honda Accord platform
- Material
- Steel and aluminum components
- Location
- Front and rear
Dimensions
- Spring Rate Front
- 84 N/mm (4.8 lb/in)
- Spring Rate Rear
- 70 N/mm (4.0 lb/in)
- Damper Diameter Front
- 33 mm (1.3 in)
- Damper Diameter Rear
- 30 mm (1.2 in)
- Stabilizer Bar Front
- 24 mm (0.94 in)
- Stabilizer Bar Rear
- 22 mm (0.87 in)
- Ride Height Front
- 135 mm (5.3 in)
- Ride Height Rear
- 130 mm (5.1 in)
Materials
- MacPherson Strut
- Steel
- Control Arm
- Steel
- Knuckle
- Aluminum alloy
- Coil Spring
- High-strength steel
- Bushing
- Hydraulic bushing with rubber
Features
- Suspension Type
-
- MacPherson strut front
- Multi-link rear
- Independent suspension
- Double-wishbone equivalent geometry
- Adjustability
-
- Ride height adjustable
- Damping adjustable
- Camber adjustable
- Steering System
-
- Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
- Variable power assist
- Speed-sensitive steering
- Damping
-
- Gas-pressurized dampers
- Frequency-selective damping
- Manual damping adjustment
- Stabilizers
-
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Adjustable stabilizer links
- Hollow stabilizer bars
- Wheel Bearings
-
- Hub bearings with integrated ABS sensors
- Grease-packed bearings
- Sealed bearings
Safety Features
- Stability Control
-
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control system
- Anti-roll control
- Collision Protection
-
- Crushable steering column
- Impact-absorbing bushings
- Energy-dissipating mounts
- Overload Protection
-
- Load-sensing valve
- Progressive rate springs
- Overload protection in dampers
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
-
- Direct tire pressure monitoring
- Low tire pressure warning
- Tire pressure display
Comfort Features
- Ride Quality
-
- Optimized spring rates
- Frequency-selective damping
- Ride height adjustability
- Noise Reduction
-
- Hydraulic bushings
- Noise-insulating mounts
- Damped strut mounts
- Adjustability
-
- Manual damping adjustment
- Camber adjustment bolts
- Ride height adjustment
- Component Design
-
- Lightweight aluminum components
- High-strength steel springs
- Sealed bearing units
Accessories
- Hardware Kits
-
- Adjustable camber bolts
- Sway bar links
- Strut mounts
- Bushing replacement kits
- Coilover Kits
-
- Adjustable coilover suspension
- Performance damping coils
- Lowering springs
- Complete coilover systems
- Air Suspension
-
- Air spring kits
- Compressor systems
- Height control modules
- Air suspension management software
- Bushing Kits
-
- Polyurethane bushing sets
- Hydraulic bushing replacements
- Performance bushing upgrades
- Bushing lubrication kits
Maintenance
- Service interval
-
- Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Inspect shock absorbers,Check strut mounts,Inspect suspension bushings,Check stabilizer links,Inspect tire wear pattern, Note: Normal driving conditions
- Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Replace shock absorbers if necessary,Replace strut mounts if worn,Inspect control arms,Check ball joints,Inspect steering rack boots, Note: Severe driving conditions
- Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Replace suspension bushings,Inspect coil springs,Check stabilizer bar links,Inspect steering gear,Check tie rod ends, Note: High mileage maintenance
- Maintenance Notes
- Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining ride quality and handling performance.
Warranty
- Basic Warranty
- Miles: 36,000 milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: Bumper-to-bumperNotes: Covers all suspension components
- Powertrain Warranty
- Miles: 60,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Powertrain components onlyNotes: Covers suspension components related to powertrain
- Corrosion Warranty
- Miles: 90,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Perforation onlyNotes: Covers corrosion of suspension components
- Maintenance Warranty
- Miles: 30,000 milesYears: 2 yearsCoverage: Maintenance servicesNotes: Covers routine suspension maintenance
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Robot-welded components
- Computer-controlled machining
- High-strength material forming
- Advanced coating processes
- Quality Control
- inspection: Dimensional checks, Material strength testing, Functional testingCertifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, Environmental management
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycled materials usage
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Emission reduction processes
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: Over 100,000 unitsFailure Rate: Less than 1%Warranty Claims: Below industry average
Service Information for suspension Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect shock absorbers
- Check strut mounts
- Inspect suspension bushings
- Check stabilizer links
- Inspect tire wear pattern
Normal driving conditions
- Replace shock absorbers if necessary
- Replace strut mounts if worn
- Inspect control arms
- Check ball joints
- Inspect steering rack boots
Severe driving conditions
- Replace suspension bushings
- Inspect coil springs
- Check stabilizer bar links
- Inspect steering gear
- Check tie rod ends
High mileage maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What is the recommended torque specification for the front strut mount nuts on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
What is the recommended torque specification for the front strut mount nuts on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
The recommended torque specification for the front strut mount nuts is 47-63 Nm (35-46 ft-lbs). Ensure the vehicle is properly supported and the suspension is at normal ride height before tightening.
Q2 What is the ride height specification for the 1996-1998 Acura TL?
What is the ride height specification for the 1996-1998 Acura TL?
The ride height for the 1996-1998 Acura TL is measured from the center of the wheel hub to the edge of the fender. The front ride height should be 390-400 mm (15.35-15.75 inches), and the rear ride height should be 380-390 mm (14.96-15.35 inches).
Q3 How do I check and adjust the rear toe alignment on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
How do I check and adjust the rear toe alignment on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
To check and adjust the rear toe alignment, use an alignment machine to measure the toe angle. The rear toe specification is 0.00° ± 0.20°. Adjust by loosening the rear toe adjustment bolt and turning the adjuster until the correct specification is achieved. Torque the adjustment bolt to 54-61 Nm (40-45 ft-lbs) after adjustment.
Q4 What type of suspension system does the 1996-1998 Acura TL use?
What type of suspension system does the 1996-1998 Acura TL use?
The 1996-1998 Acura TL uses an independent double-wishbone suspension system at the front and rear. This design provides superior handling and ride comfort by allowing each wheel to move independently of the others.
Q5 What is the recommended replacement interval for the suspension bushings on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
What is the recommended replacement interval for the suspension bushings on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
There is no specific replacement interval for suspension bushings. However, inspect them every 30,000 miles or during routine maintenance. Replace if there are signs of cracking, wear, or excessive play. Use only genuine Acura parts for replacement.
Q6 How do I replace the front strut assembly on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
How do I replace the front strut assembly on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?
To replace the front strut assembly, first, safely lift and support the vehicle. Remove the wheel, disconnect the brake line bracket, and detach the stabilizer bar link. Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts and the upper strut mount nuts. Install the new strut assembly in reverse order, ensuring all bolts are torqued to specifications: strut-to-knuckle bolts at 88-108 Nm (65-80 ft-lbs) and upper strut mount nuts at 47-63 Nm (35-46 ft-lbs).
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 TL Suspension Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial service manual for the 1996-1998 Acura TL, covering detailed suspension repair and maintenance procedures.
Double-Wishbone Suspension Explained
Coming SoonTechnical guide explaining the design and benefits of the double-wishbone suspension system used in the Acura TL.
Alignment Specifications for 1996-1998 Acura TL
Coming SoonComprehensive guide to wheel alignment specifications, including camber, caster, and toe adjustments.
Genuine Acura Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonCatalog of genuine Acura suspension components, including bushings, struts, and mounts for the 1996-1998 TL.
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