Acura TL 1996-1998 Suspension Specifications
Acura TL 1996-1998

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.

Updated

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.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords related to suspension components, specifications, or maintenance. Filters can be applied to narrow down results by section or subsection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Notes: Covers all suspension components
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 60,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Powertrain components only
Notes: Covers suspension components related to powertrain
Corrosion Warranty
Miles: 90,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Perforation only
Notes: Covers corrosion of suspension components
Maintenance Warranty
Miles: 30,000 miles
Years: 2 years
Coverage: Maintenance services
Notes: 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 testing
Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, Environmental management
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycled materials usage
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing
  • Emission reduction processes
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Failure Rate: Less than 1%
Warranty Claims: Below industry average

Service Information for suspension Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect shock absorbers
  • Check strut mounts
  • Inspect suspension bushings
  • Check stabilizer links
  • Inspect tire wear pattern

Normal driving conditions

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Replace shock absorbers if necessary
  • Replace strut mounts if worn
  • Inspect control arms
  • Check ball joints
  • Inspect steering rack boots

Severe driving conditions

60,000 miles
48 months
  • 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 Soon

Official service manual for the 1996-1998 Acura TL, covering detailed suspension repair and maintenance procedures.

Double-Wishbone Suspension Explained

Coming Soon

Technical 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 Soon

Comprehensive guide to wheel alignment specifications, including camber, caster, and toe adjustments.

Genuine Acura Suspension Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Acura suspension components, including bushings, struts, and mounts for the 1996-1998 TL.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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