| dwbentz |
Is it typical for an X to have "loose" or "rattling" steering when going over small bumps?
I bought an '01 a few months ago with relatively low mileage (36K) and have absolutely no complaints except it feels like the steering is coming loose...it handles larger bumps/humps wonderfully but feels like a go-cart going over the smaller cracks and into driveways/parking lots. In my inexperienced opinion, it feels like the rods linking the two front wheels are "bumping into" the steering column whenever the X crosses a minor imperfection in the road.
I didn't notice this as much until I recently replaced the old Goodyear tires with the Michelin Cross-Terrains (awesome tire - followed the recommendations on this board!). The X definitely rides smoother, but seems much more sensitive in the steering.
I've had my dealer look at it (awesome guys - have trusted them for years) and they said that X's are notorious for having "loose" steering...actually said that mine was tighter than most they had driven.
Having no experience with an X prior to owning this one, I thought I'd ask for this groups opinion...does this sound typical of an X? Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks in advance!
Doug |
|
|
| renov8r |
#1 -- Whenever the dealer/service folks says "they all do this" or some variations, such as "yours is better than most" or "you think yours is bad you should've seen/heard/driven the one I had in here yesterday" I stop, look at 'em like my heart just stoppped beating. and tell "Well let's go check MINE against THE OTHER ONE." Sometimes they are right (like with the notorius '04 exhaust resononace) but often times this is just the "extended play version" of a BRUSH OFF --- check another one!
#2 -- This is the freaking STEERING of a BIG heavy SUV. It will never feel like an S2000. OTOH I think my MDX has pretty decent steering feedback. It does NOT seem like it rattling EVER -- even going over RR tracks and other MAJOR road defects it feels SOLID.
#3 -- Tires! I don't know if you have GY, Michelin or an aftermarket tire, but I do know there is a detectable difference between tires. I think becuase the MDX wheels are relatively large and the vehicle is HEAVY that the tire brand makes more difference than it might in smaller cars. There are a number of folks who have posted about early tire wear, too, so might want to go with some better tires -- soon.
#4 -- Shocks/struts. While most legitimate dealers would qucikly spot a bad suspension component the symptom you describe MIGHT be caused be a worn/defective shock/strut.
#5 -- Engine mounts/isolators. Same as above, these these things are easy to diagnose but a bad one will make it feel like the engine is going to snap the steering wheel out your hand on a bump. Usually also noticable under acceleration...
#6 -- Bad PS pump/lines. One or two members have had the P/S get containminated. Makes the PS feel "pulsy" or shot...
If you bought this from a private party , call 'em up and say something like " I am really happy with the vehicle, but since is still has time on the warranty I want to have a dealer check a few things -- anything ever needed serviced?" and see if they bite. If you bought the thing from an Acura dealer I would take it to another Acura dealer's shop and ask 'em to take it for a test drive, sayiing only that something doesn't seem right when on a bumpy road. If they come back with nothing you are probably OK, but if not...
Good Luck! Let us know how it goes, |
|
|
| DaleB |
And what are the tire pressures? Should be in the 32-34 range.
Interesting about the shocks, etc. I recall someone posting about replacing defective shocks one time. But in general it never seems to come up as a problem on high mileage MDXs. |
|
|
|
