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| I have noticed the thud a few times in my MDX. Has anyone had this fixed by the dealer? So far, I have the thud, fuzzy seats and the rear seat squeek (Lexol fixed the rear seat squeek), all appear to be common. What are the general sugestions? |
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| How did you fix the rear seat squeak with Lexol? Please share that experience. Do you apply it on all leather surface in the second row leather seats? |
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| Used the conditioner on a soft rag and using my fingertips in the rag just put it where the seat back and the bottom touch each other. |
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In thinking about what could cause a "thud" on the MDX as well as hearing a number of posts on this in a couple of different threads - my mind wandered...
In the back, there is a compartment for the headrests. I noticed when looking there that the headrests aren't solidly attached to anything and would very likely bounce around (and cause a noise similar to what people are mentioning, especially during cornering). Since there are at least two headrests in that compartment initially (for the two back pull up seats), these could be causing the problem. Perhaps something in this compartment to stop the head rests from bouncing around would arrest the thud.
Don't know if this is the issue or not as I've not received my MDX yet (hopefully arriving by the weekend).
Cheers,
SK |
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| I started noticing a small thud in the back w bumpy roads. Like you said, it was just the loose headrest on the right side(storage compartment). After putting some maps and magazines underneath it, the noise was gone. |
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| I had a similar problem on my MDX. A thud coming from the front of the car sounded each time I accelerated hard. When this occured the car would thud again when braking; almost as if something was knocked out of position and then back in again. The dealer didn't know what the problem was at first but then discovered that the front lower control arm bushing was loose and needed to be re-tourqed w/ a new bushing (that's what it said on my service slip anyway). They fixed the problem about a month ago and it has never returned. I've fixed another tiny thud problem by taking the bottle of windex stored loosley in my headrest compartment out. :) |
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| The THUD from the front of the car appears to be somewhat of a common problem. My dealer located the THUD in the same location, the LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS and swaybars, in my case on the drivers side. It too happened under exactly the same conditions, when accelerating and braking hard, particularly when making a right turn. The service guys at my dealer in San Diego, took apart the bushings, lubricated them, and then hooked it all back up (assuming they obviously retorqued them as well in the process). I had it fixed just last week (1/19/01). I heard about this forum from another one in Edmunds.com and thought I'd drop a line, to tell anyone having this problem, you're not the only one. |
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"always49" on Edmunds Townhall was kind enough to post his dealer's fix to the thud problem.
Apparently the cause were the "Engine mount fire wallside bolts" and "Front bushings and stabilizer bar." The service department tightened up three bolts, and all seems good.
This is consistent with the previous two messages, that some bolts need tightening.
Of course, it makes me a bit nervous that more than a few MDX's probably need this tightening. Hopefully it's not an indication of more sloppy work by the Canadian plant (which has had problems building quality Odysseys). These bolts shouldn't need tightening so soon. |
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| We've had our MDX going on 3 weeks now. We noticed the thud quickly after delivery, immediately told the dealer and brought it in a week later. They were in complete denial of the problem, calling it normal "gas tank" swishing and not a problem that can be fixed. To make a long story short, they kept the car for a week trying to diagnose while we comptemplated a offers for a buyback (full cost)or new vehicle. A division rep was sent to test drive our vehicle with us. Funny, the thud mysteriously disappeared. I asked the foreman if he made any adjustments while they had the vehicle and he said no (I did not believe him). Well, we took the MDX back and have been very happy. But, I'm even more happy that the club members here have experienced and identified the cause of "The Thud". |
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I have this noise and have reported it once for the head rest. The service
director acknowledged the problem and said he could make it better.
The service writer said I spent too much time finding this problem and
finally marked "Function is similar to other new vehicles"! The left
headrest retainer is fine and does not do this.
I have a short video of this at
http://members.home.net/jsgjlee/Acu..._in_Storage.mpg
Do you have it happen the same? When we took it for a trip, there was
filled with stuff, then, there was no noise.
With the right headrest sits on the seat, I heard less nosie. And, I am hearing
the THUD sounds some times. It seems to be from the front, not the
back. I printed out your posting and will show it to my dealer.
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"The thud" means different things to different people. The sound I experienced was certainly mechanical - not headrests, gas tank swishing, loose seat anchors, or rear hatch. It was distinct and consistent all the time. One poster discribed what I experienced to a "T". It occurred during acceleration, breaking (before a full stop) and turning, coming from under the floor, favoring the drive side. You can even feel it from your feet.
If this is what you experience, check the posts for the remedy. Do not let Acura dismiss it as a "non-problem" or it will not get fixed. You paid way too much for this vehicle to tolerate it. Good luck. |
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| I have the thud also. Emptied the headrest compartment, doesn't help. Same thing as others have posted. Thumps when Accelerating, Stopping and Right Turns. Only happens once in a while. |
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| Thud victim here, front lower right side usually when turning and hitting a bump or pothole at the same time, dealer will be replacing the entire right front arm tomorrow. |
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Also front lower right side when sharply turning left and going up or down at the same time. More like a bad CRUNCH than a thud though.
Update 4/2/01. At 7500 service, I brought a copy of this thread to the dealer, explained that it looked like re-torqueing might be the fix. Service dept was sceptical but said they would re-torque. Well, it seems to have done it. 2 days and 400 miles later I haven't heard the THUD yet. I will keep my fingers crossed and update here if it comes back. |
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quote:
Originally posted by MesaBeige
Also front lower right side when sharply turning left and going up or down at the same time. More like a bad CRUNCH than a thud though.
I have the THUD-CRUNCH problem also!! I first noticied it when I went over a speed bump..I seem to have it on BOTH sides--I will be calling the dealer tomorrow. |
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I am fortunate enough to have a service manager (At Ed Voyles Acura in Atlanta) who reads this forum. When I explained to him the problems I've been having and the problems you all have had similarly, he said he'd take loose the front-end, re-lube it and torque everything back to specs...he knew exactly what needed to be done. I asked why a recall was not done on them. He said that it was not a safety problem, but merely of convenience, so they're not likely to recall it. He does recommend this to all MDX's that come in for service.
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here is my thud/crash experience so far.
at 3200 miles i heard a horrible metal-on-metal screeching/sliding sound from the front end, ending with a THUMP, right as i come to a stop, and right as i let up on the brake. (definitely not headrests moving, or gas tank swishing, or groceries bumping around!) happened twice, once on a hill pointing up (going into garage), once on a hill pointing down (at a stop sign). 2nd time drove right to the dealer. he said "does it happen on a hill?" "does it happen when the engine is cold" then he said "it's normal", "happens to my and my wife's car all the time" (note he had not heard the sound yet even) "happens to ALL CARS" "happens to ALL ACURAS" and then i finally got him to say it was the brake pads not releasing correctly from the rotors and he called it "BRAKE CREEP." i told him i didn't think how this sound could be considered normal at all, but it was obvious that while he KNEW ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, this dealership had NO IDEA how to fix it. i believe this is a MDX-only problem, and now i'm not convinced it is the brakes, after reading these posts. i'll take this thread in on monday and see if i can get them to check the engine mount & front bushings.
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quote:
Originally posted by aznhunk
I have this noise and have reported it once for the head rest. The service
director acknowledged the problem and said he could make it better.
The service writer said I spent too much time finding this problem and
finally marked "Function is similar to other new vehicles"! The left
headrest retainer is fine and does not do this.
I have a short video of this at
http://members.home.net/jsgjlee/Acu..._in_Storage.mpg
Do you have it happen the same? When we took it for a trip, there was
filled with stuff, then, there was no noise.
With the right headrest sits on the seat, I heard less nosie. And, I am hearing
the THUD sounds some times. It seems to be from the front, not the
back. I printed out your posting and will show it to my dealer.
AZNHUK, I watched your video and then just for the heck of it went and checked mine out. It does EXACTLY the same thing on the same side. Does anyone know if this is "fixable". It's not a huge problem, but it's awful annoying. |
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here is my thud/crash experience so far.
at 3200 miles i heard a horrible metal-on-metal screeching/sliding sound from the front end, ending with a THUMP, right as i come to a stop, and right as i let up on the brake. (definitely not headrests moving, or gas tank swishing, or groceries bumping around!) happened twice, once on a hill pointing up (going into garage), once on a hill pointing down (at a stop sign). 2nd time drove right to the dealer. he said "does it happen on a hill?" "does it happen when the engine is cold" then he said "it's normal", "happens to my and my wife's car all the time" (note he had not heard the sound yet even) "happens to ALL CARS" "happens to ALL ACURAS" and then i finally got him to say it was the brake pads not releasing correctly from the rotors and he called it "BRAKE CREEP." i told him i didn't think how this sound could be considered normal at all, but it was obvious that while he KNEW ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, this dealership had NO IDEA how to fix it. i believe this is a MDX-only problem, and now i'm not convinced it is the brakes, after reading these posts. i'll take this thread in on monday and see if i can get them to check the engine mount & front bushings.
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We experienced the "thud" in our MDX after 1200 miles. It occurs after going over a speed bump and the front end drops down suddenly. The thudding noise was in the front passenger side. The dealer originally thought it was the front strut and after replacing it, the "thud" was still there.
Acura tech support had the dealer take off the front end assembly and lubricated it. The dealer test drove it over some speed bumps and couldn't get get it to happen again. I have not heard it since we got our MDX back.
I do have to give a pitch to Ron Tonkin Acura's Service Department. They've treated us well, they had a loaner car ready to go (new 3.2TL) while the MDX was in the shop and when I picked up the MDX they had it washed and vacuumed. The 3.2 TL is pretty sweet, to bad they didn't have the "S" available as a loaner :~)
MDX-R |
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Mine has the problem too! I'm beginning to think that the ones that do NOT have it are the ones in the minority.
I think Acura should issue a service bulletin detailing that this be checked on every MDX as they come if for service since it appears to be such a wide spread problem.
Tom
Granada Hills, CA
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Of course, it makes me a bit nervous that more than a few MDX's probably need this tightening. Hopefully it's not an indication of more sloppy work by the Canadian plant (which has had problems building quality Odysseys). These bolts shouldn't need tightening so soon. [/B]
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Thud problem!
I had thud problem on my 2 months old MDX. A thud coming from the front right of the car each time I turned left or go straight ahead on bad road. The Acura at Southcenter replaced the front lower control about 2 weeks ago. The problem is still there. So, I took the MDX to the dealer today and they send one of their best mechanics went on the ride with me. After heard the thud again, the mechanics told me that they have changed the front lower control arm twice at the previous appointment. I went into the office to see service assistant manager altogether with the mechnics. They said that nothing they can do now and advised me to live with the thud until Acura comes up with the fix. Any advise for me to fix the thud?
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| I had my lower passenger side arm replaced at south center about a month ago, i guess i had better luck than you since my thud went away.... but lately seems to be making a come back ... or i am just paranoid don't know , time will tell. |
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| I took my MDX in about 3 weeks ago for the thud. I printed out these posts for them to read - the guy said they checked everything - didn't find anything loose. They also had 3 people and never heard the thud. I still hear it. I think it is the headrests or the service guy said some people are complaining that the license plate holder smacks the auto on braking....thud thud thud. I hear it all of the time - oh well....and BTW - I have the fuzzies too! RRRRR. |
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| Dealer said they tightened all bolts. No noise! |
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| Same here. they just re-torqued the bolts. |
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I BROUGHT A PRINTOUT OF THIS THREAD WITH ME to the service department at Acura of Concord, CA. It was instrumental in getting the service manager to take my complaint seriously that I had the Thud/crunch with acceleration or deceleration on the front driver side suspension. Mine started at about 600 miles. He tried to tell me that all SUVs make more suspension noise than sedans, and that was all. Of course, later on he apologized for not taking me seriously after he went for a ride with my MDX. They lubed everything and retorqued everything at all four corners of the suspension, and now the Thud/crunch is gone.
I had reserved a loaner car, but they didn't have one as another service job was taking longer than expected. Instead they put me into an Enterprise rentacar at their expense, so that worked out well for me.
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mdxmd,
Can you report on the overall quality of service experience @ Concord? They're closest to me, but I had a terrible buying experience there (of course, I had a terrible buying experience at most places in the Bay Area, except Solano and Prestige in Santa Rosa).
Thanks. |
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quote:
Originally posted by mdxmd
I BROUGHT A PRINTOUT OF THIS THREAD WITH ME ...I had the Thud/crunch with acceleration or deceleration on the front driver side suspension. Mine started at about 600 miles.
mdxmd,
My wife has been driving the MDX this week, :eek:, and reports a "noise" in the front driver's side upon backing up. Sound's like the infamous thud to me but I will check it out this weekend. Our MDX has about 300 miles on it. I will take your suggestion and copy this thread before I take it in to be fixed. |
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quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
mdxmd,
Can you report on the overall quality of service experience @ Concord?
TheWorm,
I want to Concord as it was the closest to me. My overall service experience @Concord was excellent. (I was expecting the worst when I went there since my sales experience with them was poor. I ended up leasing from out of state.)
At first my service manager, Art Galicia, was giving me excuses about SUVs having more noise and what I was hearing was probably normal, but I think he was just covering his ass in case they couldn't find anything to fix. They provide a loaner (usually integras) with warranty work, but they were short of loaners, so they got a rentacar very quickly from Enterprise, which is one block away. They also provide shuttle rides including to BART. Once they found and fixed the thud by retorquing and lubing, Art called both my work and home voicemails to apologize for seeming skeptical at my complaints and to tell me it was ready before the promised time. They also have pretty long hours as far as service goes, 7-7 Mon to Sat. My car was washed and vacuumed when i picked it up.
Overall, the service was excellent, comparable to Stead Mercedes Benz where I bring my E320. |
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| My thud came back so my MDX is Back at the dealer. It was fixed for about a week, then like the mirror drip it came back. My dealer said that there are several "Fixes" comming from Acura on this one, so I will post more when I get it. |
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| Is there a TSB or something for the dealers concerning the thud (aka loose suspension components)? I have <300 miles on my MDX, but am noticing what I believe to be the so called "thud". Something is loose, but I don't know what it is. |
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| I don't know but I'll ask. |
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| Any thud comebackers? I had mine fixed 2000 miles ago and i think i am starting to hear it again, not as loud though |
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| I too have had the clunk from the front driver side when slowly going over speed bumps or down a small incline. After reading the posts concerning the clunking noise coming from the front suspension I called my dealer and asked them to check with Acura and read this website before taking my car in for a fix. Tomorrow I will leave it for the day and advise of the fixes (relube, torquing) posted here and have them check the anti sway bar in case that develops a problem. Overall the vehicle has been great. |
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Yeap, it's definitely back!!! About 2-3 days after BOTH front struts were replaced (and, I am sure, the entire front end re-tightened), the rattling sound came back. IMO, it is actually worse than the original sound was. The only "problem", I could not consistently replicate it. Yesterday, though, I found a little side street not far from my dealership with speed bumps on it. I rolled the windows down, had my wife stand outside and drove over the bumps at about 10-15 mph. My wife and I certainly heard what sounded like a very old truck loaded with metal scrapes going 50 MPH over huge potholes!!! Absolutely unacceptable for a $40K LUXURY car!!! (or so Acura thinks... :()
At least now I can take a mechanic to that street and SHOW hime exactly what I mean (and maybe, have him test the repairs afterwards).
For any of you going to Acura of Brooklyn dealership for this kind of service, the "test" street is East 16th between Ave. I and J.
Does anybody know our rights under LEMON law? Are we entitled to a refund and/or car replacement and/or damages?
A side note on Acura TLC (as vicpai put it - Total Lack of Care) - it's been 3 + days and noone from Acura called me back as promised to discuss this and a few other complaints I have. :(
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Oops, forgot a few words. There is obviously a solution to this problem - cranking up the volume on the stereo. :)
My concern is, though, that rattling means excessive vibration. That, in turn, leads to excessive wear and subsequent damage. Wear and tear is not covered under warranty = $$$$$$$. Besides, god knows when and where that damage may "decide" to come out. It would really be a "killer" (or a "show-stopper" if you are lucky) should it happen at about 70 mph on a highway. :(:(:( |
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My dealer told me that there are several procedures coming from Acura on this one like:
tighten the sub assembly bolts
replace the strut
install a bushing on the spring
etc.
Mine thud hasn’t come back yet but I'll let you know.
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| I have not heard any strange noise yet come from the front suspension on my 1 week old MDX. Do you guys think that Acura has fixed it or the problem only occured on some vehicles ? But I will keep monitoring the situation. |
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I've been following the thread on the thud since the beginning, because I've had the thud for about 3 or 4 months. I believe 'The Thud' has definitly evolved itself as a front suspension problem, not a headrest or gas tank swishing problem.
Of all the descriptions of the problem,I think 'MDX-R' had the best, "It occurs after going over a speed bump and the front end drops down suddenly." Those are the conditions that I can get the thud to best duplicate. It does come and go at times. I thought that for some reason, cold weather would produce it, but I'm not convinced of that any longer. And it will actually go away for several weeks at a time, even under severe speed bump or front-end drop conditions. Twice this happened right before I was taking it in for service and repair. What I think is real interesting is when it finally starts back, it does so with enthusiasm. And the problem has migrated from the driver-side to the passenger-side.
So this is what I've learned at the dealership's service department.
First of all a few words about my dealership(Mile High in Denver); Great experience buying the car, didn't pay extra and wasn't forced into extra options, in January. I had to wait, but they beat the delivery by several months. And so far the service seems very good.
OK, back to the thud. The first go around - in Feburary - the thud was new to them. Several weeks ago, they were quite aware of the problem. In fact, I was given the impression that once a solution is found, all MDX's will be seviced. I was also given the impression that everyone who needs to be aware of the problem, are! The first time in, they tightened up all the fittings. That solved the problems for about a week. I then experienced what many others have; first posting a fix, only to later post that the problem is back. With the latest visit, I was put in hold pattern until some parts arrive. But (again this was my impression) not something common like sway-bars, control arms, or front struts. It sounded like they are replacing something that doesn't directly connect/work with the front-end. Has anyone been hearing anything like this?
Again, because I'm in a hold pattern, that is all I know for now. I call the service department once a week, waiting for concrete news that they have a fix. And once I've got the fix and road test for several weeks, I will post any information that I can.
But in the meantime, I've like to know more about the lemon law options and what long term worst case scenarios could play out with this problem.
I think this problem is a bit more serious as time goes by. But I beleive that steps are being taken. I do know that the Mile High service department does utilize these boards, so keep pumping in the information and lets get this thud fixed so I can move on to a more pressing problem...weepy mirrors.ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH.
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colosprings: Excellent post. Isn't it pathetic though that your first post about a $40K car would be about such a grim situation. Your description is perfect! That is exactly what I experienced! I am not sure about a "mystery" part. I was on hold for a month waiting for a right strut (or so I was told.) I would think that Acura, being aware of this problem, would try to correct it ASAP on the assembly line. It would cost them MEGA $$$$ to have a "recall" (even if they do not call it by this "r" word :)) Yet, it seems that the cars coming off their assembly line now are still thud-enabled.
Overall, it does not make me happy.
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I have had my MDX almost exactly a month and noticed the thud which I would charaterize more as a creak. In the past week, it has not been as prevalent and when it does occur, it is upon hard braking, i.e. car nosedives which is consistent with other observations. It currently is on the driver's side front and sounds identical to the sound my 1999 Yukon made under similar circumstances but after 40K miles. I have not notified my dealer of the problem because I have my doubts that anyone has found the silver bullet yet. It's annoying but I am not convinced yet it is dangerous. I put the MDX up on jack stands to inspect the suspension components and there are several which is why I did not attempt to retorque any bolts because I was unsure as to which one. Until, I start reading posts where Acura has provided a fix to dealers that works, I am not going to do anything but wait. Same thing holds for the weeping mirrors which is not as much of an issue in my mind.
The only issue I am ready to unsheath my tomahawk at this point, is the pillar nicks which is why I posted the picture in the gallery. DMor and I will ride a tandem broomstick all the way to Acura headquarters if necessary on this one! |
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| I took my vehicle in this morning for the dealer to remedy the clunk/thud noise emanating from the front driver side when going over small bumps. They gave me a loaner and called me at 3 pm and indicated a part was being shipped in overnight from the factory, after they spoke with the tech rep. Apparently it is a "spring" device which has been developed for this travel problem. I pick it up tomorrow and will post the details. |
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Had the dealership re-torque only and that fixed it for less than a week. Now after three weeks it's back to where it was before the re-torque. Which is to say... it makes a loud sound whenever the whole front end or right front end drops quickly. The closest I can come to describing the sound is the sound of a shock absorber on it's last legs (I've had some of them) - but the shock is OK, plenty of travel etc - it's just THAT crunch/thud sound
MB- |
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Drove over a good sized bump in my frontage road last night and heard a distinct thud not like the other creaking sound I reported. I heard the thud with the stereo on so it was loud. This is the first time I have heard this distinct sound which is consistent with vip9's speed bump experience and not the same sound my old Yukon made. Maybe Acura should change their MDX slogan to:
This Thud's for You! |
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| Does anyone know of a way to consistently recreate the thud for a service tech? |
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| Just got my vehicle back after leaving it with my dealer for 2 days for the clunk noise in the front suspension. After speaking with a factory or tech rep they overnighted a "buffer" kit. The work order indicates removal of springs and installation of buffers on springs. I will determine over the next few days if this solution works. |
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| Toml: find a street with speed bumps. A mall parking lot should also do. |
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| I tried the speed bumps but it doesn't do the thud all the time. I cannot find the sequence to recreate it regularly. Sometimes it happens on a clear parking lot when making a sharp turn into a space, or on a speed bump, but not always. Finding a good way to cause the thud for a service rep might help those with "less then supportive" dealers. |
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Well, my dealer just called me. A mechanic AND Acura engineer (!) went on a ride in my car and "easily replicated" the problem I was complaining about. Since I wasn't there, I cannot tell if they "heard" the same things I hear :), but according to the dealership NO repairs will be done at this time until Acura comes up with the solution.
That's the end of it for now, I guess. When I pick the car up later tonight, I will try to find out some more details.
:(:(:( |
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| I guess this confirms the post of sspeedy7056. |
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Picked up my car last night. Had a chance to speak with the service manager who went on a ride in my MDX with Acura engineer. They were able to "easily replicate" my complaints. They put 20 miles on my car. Based on afternoon driving conditions in NYC, I would say they spent about 2 hours in the MDX! (unless that includes a stopover for lunch or somehting :)).
The service manager said that Acura rep was on the phone with the factory a lot relaying his thoughts and findings. (S.M. refused to share them with me under the pretext that he did not know them himself. Bullsh*t!) He did stress though that Acura does not feel there is a safety concern at this time.
S.M. also told me that while he was driving the car, he felt a steering wheel kick during right turns !!!!! Overall, he said it was more than just struts, more like "entire suspension" mechanism. :(:(:(
He also told me that I am the ONLY ONE at that dealership complaining about "the Thud". Well, other owners are either deaf or stupid!!! Or this guy is full of it!!
In this light, I just sent a PM to Admin suggesting a new poll - a list of common problems. This way we will have a scientific statistical sampling we can rely on while talking to Acura or our dealers.
To add insult to injury, they were apparently so busy with my suspension they DID NOT fix the problems I was there for in the first place!!! The rear wiper still sounds like ... (oh, I do not know how to describe that sound). I also do not know if they replaced that recalled seatbelt harness - my service order was nowhere to be found last night. :(
Plus, they scratched my bumper (which I noticed in my garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(:(:()
If they give me hassle later today when I call them to "complain", I will certainly change my opinion about them as well as make sure Acura is aware of my grievances.
I did not pay $40K for the car to be a lab mouse!!!! |
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vip9,
Why don't you ask your dealer to lend you a demo MDX for a day or two so you could compare it to your own wheels to see if there are any of the same problems. If they don't have a demo, this won't work, but you said previously they have been pretty good to deal with so why not ask. You seem to be having more problems with your particular MDX than the rest of us so it is possible you have a worse manufactured MDX than ours. If you notice many if not all the problems with the demo, it gives that much more credibility to your complaints. If the demo does not have these problems maybe you indeed have a lemon. |
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| I have taken mine to Paragon with the THUD twice. Finally I called Acura CS, and I got a call back from Brandt DeJonge, the Acura regional service rep. He told me he would contact Paragon's service manager (George) with 3 potential fixes - (i) tighten lower control arm, (ii) replace struts, or (iii) put a "buffer cover" of some sort over the springs to prevent them from crunching against something-or-other. Brandt tells me that there is a computer that the service manager is supposed to check before doing service, but I know Paragon's SM did no such checking. |
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Hi, Beige. Mine is Acura of Brooklyn. I also spoke with Brad (same as yours or different?) twice on Wednesday. He was much less certain regarding the possible fixes. I guess more and more info comes in every day. I do not know if that Acura engineer was sent to AoB specifically for me or he just happened to be there. I also do not know if they check their computers before doing service. I already called them and now I am waiting for their reply.
Remery, thanks for advice. I may try to ask for a loaner MDX. (I do not know how successful I will be though :() The only problem, however, that I suspect may be happening in my and a few (rather than all) other MDX is the nausia-inducing ride. Rear wiper - sh*t happens. The thud - I guess ALL or most MDXs have it. There is NO water (thank god!) in my car. There is no squeaking sun roof. Leaking mirrors are there, and so are the fuzzy hairs. But that is so minor. Just as those pillar nicks.
The only "lemon-related" issue is "the thud"
I can see how some people may not think of "the thud" as a problem. If they drove older and louder cars/SUVs, MDX would sound like a remote faint whisper in comparison. I learned to depend on my ears when I drove a 12-year old Oldsmobile. I was able to save some $$$ by catching some problems early. |
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| Sorry if I am dense, but I am not really sure if I have the thud or a clunk. I need to somehow meet you guys to demo the "thud". Tri-state meeting would be great. |
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| VIP9, did you get the feeling that this would be a recall fix or an as needed fix? |
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Toml, I honestly do not know. S.M. was very sure of his view that no safety issues are involved (I just hope, it's not just his opinion). As such, I would assume Acura would fix it on "per-complaint" basis.
Let me again summarize my "thud" problem. It's not just clicking noise as one would hear using a pen that opens with a click of a button on top. For me, its more like rattling, mostly heard when going up and down the "domed" intersection at regular speeds (30 mph), or those speed bumps on the street I was talking about before (at about 10-15 mph). I guess you can attribute it to the lack of words - I cannot really describe it any better. It's always better to see or hear something once, then talk about it. Unfortunately, since they usually test drive my car to replicate the sound whithout me, I cannot say for sure if the sound I hear is the same sound they think is the problem. What I do know is once they say they fix it, my MDX should be as quiet as my Subaru was for the past 5 years going over the same bumps and intersections.
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| My thud has fought it's way back and it's starting to irritate me taking the car to the dealer this many times, especially when their loaner is this tiny integra that doesn't cut it for my everyday errands if i wanted to drive a compact car i would have bought one. They tried tightening the lower control arm while the vehicle weight rested on it by acura recommendations. Nada the thud is still there. Still love the car but i am developing this love hate relationship towards acura customer care/dealership attitude. I guess my only praises go the the engineers at honda that created such a well thought vehicle. |
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The same thing is happened to me. I took my MDX to the dealer for the THUD problem. I had to wait for the left front strut 2 weeks because they were back order. After waiting two weeks they call me. They end replacing the left and right struts. Same thing happen Acura technicians did not give a very good answer what causes that to break.
Now is two weeks later and the sound is coming back. I
CANNOT BELIEVE MY MDX ONLY HAS 1900 MILES AND HAVING THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS IN A 40K VEHICLE.
Please advise, or should we all do something about this problem.
For me is very easy to produce the problem. There is bump to get to the Acura dealer and that is enough to produce the sound. I guess now the dealer is trying to get rid of that bump.
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| johnnyreb |
| Still waiting for my Base GG/NAV MDX and I'm starting to get concerned about this "Thud" problem that many of you seem to have. Couldn't we do some kind of poll of all MDX owners that use this forum to find out the percentage of people that actually have the "thud". It would be interesting to know whether it was a small percentage or possibly a widespread problem. If it turns out to be widespread I'm sure Acura would take the problem more seriously as prospective buyers who read the results of the poll might be turned off from buying MDX's or might even cancel their orders. Let's use our collective power to get this thing ironed out instead of just hoping Acura deals with it on their own. I believe a "THUD POLL" is long overdue. Right now we don't know how many owners actually have this problem as compared to the amount of owners out there. |
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I am pleased to report that I have NO thud.
I have had possession of my vehicle for one week...I bought it as a demo with 1800 miles.
I am currently on a major road trip and have personally put 600 miles on it so far. I have done city driving and highway. Still have not experienced any thud whatsoever.
Hope this helps allay your concerns. I know how you feel...the waiting is the hardest part, especially when you read on this forum...tends to make you doubt your decision! |
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I still don't know if I have "the thud." I posted the following in April, but had no respose:
WAS THIS "THE THUD"??
While I have been reading the various "thud" threads, I thought that my MDX was, so-far, thud-less. Now, I wonder. On Friday as I slowed and changed lanes (to the right) onto an exit ramp, I experienced a sudden noise which sounded to me like I had hit some road debris, though I didn't see any. It seemed to move from the front to the back, on the driver side, and I felt it as much as I heard it. I experienced this once before and was sure that it was just something on the road. (In both instances, I do not see any physical signs of having hit anything) Do any of you thud-pros think this is it?
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I picked up my MDX on 4/12. By the third week, I started hearing the "Thud". It is on the front right side. It happens when I go over a depression, commonly found in front of driveways or dips through intersections. I currently have 1200 miles on my MDX.
Otherwise, I really like the vehicle. I'm trying to wait it out a bit, hoping Acura comes up with a fix before I go back to the dealer.
The bottom line is that even the newer MDX's can have this problem. |
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| I got mine last November, it had the "Thud" from day 1 but it is intermittent. I cannot find a way to reproduce it consistently. Acura of Pasadena has tightened the sub-frame bolts and the A-arms but the "Thud" is still there from time to time. |
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| ... I too am not 100% sure what the Thud sounds like. I will confess that every time I hear any strange noise I am paranoid it is the Thud. There has been so much talk here on the .org that I constantly try to listen to anything that appears out of the ordinary. So far I have yet to hear anything that sounds like as serious a problem as described on these forums. |
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Toml,
I too got my MDX from Acura of Pasadena. I called the service department the other day and they said that only one other MDX came in with this type of problem. I told them that I thought there probably were more ... They took my name and number and said they would call when, and if, a service bulliten comes out.
So, I hope that there is no damage from the Thud. Otherwise, I will continue to wait for "the" fix. |
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Let me reiterate what I think is "the thud" in my car.
To me, it sounds like this: Put a few M&Ms (peanut or regular, preferably red :)) into a cup (regular porcelain) and shake the cup from left to right (or right to left, or front-back, you got the point, I hope) ONCE !!! Make sure those M&Ms bounce off the cup walls. That is approximately my perception of this sound. Someone in here mentioned that it might sound like a clicking pen - you know - press the button to open, press again to hide the ball-point.
I would almost agree, except, I think, I hear more than just Klick-Klack. I will try to record this sound and post it on this forum (or, if I fail to post it, I'll email it to any interested party)
When it happens:
First of all, it may not happen all the time, especially if it is just starting. Even the same bump may or may not produce it!
For me, it usually happens when going 30MPH over a "domed" intersection (where the middle of the intersection is higher than entry or exit.) There is a 75% chance that a particularly "curvy" intersection will cause the thud.
I also found a street with speed bumps (each bump about 5-7 feet long and about 1.5-2 feet above the road level at the highest point). Thud happens there almost constantly at about 10-15 MPH.
It also often happens when a slopey driveway meets street.
Something like this: "Driveway" ---> \_ <--- "Street" (well, of course the driveway is not that steep :))
I do not think I ever heard it traveling on a highway; nor, I heard it hitting a pot-hole. (well, maybe, it's there, but the entire car shakes, so it is hard to isolate that particular sound)
I know that some of my friends who own PathFinders and a few other SUVs as well as a few members here on the forum in the "early days" suggested that MDX being a SUV is supposed to sound ...??? well, different than the passenger car. Well, with Acura acknowledging "the thud", it is kind of "nice" to feel vindicated. :) It just s*cks that this vindication comes with the $40K price tag. :(
I hope this "helps" :( |
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Lamdx, and others
Is your "Thud" consistent or intermittent?
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| Thud is back with a vengeance, just driving over a small grade now, dealer... Cluelesss!!! |
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quote:
Originally posted by vip9
Let me reiterate what I think is "the thud" in my car.
To me, it sounds like this: Put a few M&Ms (peanut or regular, preferably red :)) into a cup (regular porcelain) and shake the cup from left to right (or right to left, or front-back, you got the point, I hope) ONCE !!! Make sure those M&Ms bounce off the cup walls. That is approximately my perception of this sound...
vip9,
The sound you describe is nothing like what I hear with mine. There are two distinct sounds. The first is creak when the brakes are applied hard enough for the vehicle to dive and then spring back. My Yukon made the same sound after 40K miles. The second is what I would characterize as a true thud similar to the sound that an airplane makes when it first touches the runway when you are inside the plane but without any of the rattles. I have only heard this sound twice and it has been when I have driven over a sharp dip in the road. Both times I was playing the radio and could still hear it. My wife claims she has heard it several times. |
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My sound is similar to what Remey describes. It happens on dips and sounds like a clunk. Kind of like heavy metal hitting something.
It's almost like what I would expect if a heavy spring was not able to handle the compression forces appropriately and then quickly expanded to the ends of it's retaining rod. Or it could be that the spring is too compressed and when compression happens there is too much space before the spring is engaged. (I am not sure this makes sense to anyone, but I thought I would try...)
The force of the thud is not consistent. That may have to do with temperature... But I believe that I can recreate, to one degree or another, by hitting a nice dip in the road.
It does not happen for me when going over speed bumps. |
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Remery,
I said on several occasions that it seems to me like "rattling" more than just "clicking". I cannot say that I have a perfect hearing. Add to that a certain lack of words to describe what I do hear - and we get a perfect combination for confusion. That's why I will try to record the sound and, if it comes out on "tape" similar to what I think me ears hear without those digital filters, I will try to post it here. |
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I've been on this board almost daily since the day I joined back in Jan. and the same time I put my $$ down on 'DX... It is middle of May and this week I finally got the word from my dealer that my car is in route (forget calling the guy 3 times a week... or was it 3 times a day? and asking 'Are we there yet?' and then I 'casually' find out that my truck HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT and is IN-ROUTE at then-goes-a-really-can't-pronounce-the-name-of-this-place-in-upstate-new-york ).
But back to my point - oh, where is it now...
since day One I've been hearing about this THUD - for some reason now it is associated in my mind with a BIG BOOM! BA-DA-BOO-O-OM????!! :) - and this keeps bugging me on and on, as i am trying really hard NOT to sway towards the RX3K (again, no need to start the same 'ol comparos)...
- Slow? maybe, but faster and better handling than most in it's class anyway;
- Chick-Love? sure, but so is MDX now... :D
- Reliable? no doubt, and THUDless and MIRROR-WHEEPless
- Better Equipped? probably yes, given all the packages included
- Looks? same old but still like it from the day it was built
- Navi? don't care in both cases
- 7 seats? no kids yet, same as above
- Width? live in the city, garage parking is of major concern
my point (FINALLY): need a poll - YES THUD or NO THUD -
to add to my clueless post - on headed ML vs 'DX discussions some1 posted that ML looked like a Basketball Sneaker - that was FUNNY and TRUE!!! Speaking of shoes then, MDX reminds me now of a Sketchers Sneaker - I love the looks, wear it every day, but the quality is so-so and it already torn on one side after just 3 months...
I will draw the line at that!
Cheers.
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quote:
Originally posted by sgtglok
my point (FINALLY): need a poll - YES THUD or NO THUD -
Sarge,
You got to go through with the purchase then you can spend a ridiculous amount of time like the rest of us whining about the "thud" and trying in vain to decribe what your brand of it sounds like. MLs and RX300s are wussy wagons so get yourself a real truck or whatever Ard would call it. I am sure the folks on the ML and RX300 forums don't have as much fun as we do. There you have it, a definitive reason for buying the MDX - This Thud's for You!!:D:D |
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| It may be the perfectionist in me but as far as I know the Thud is just an irritant. I perceive the MDX as near ideal but for the few things you see here ad-nauseum. Weeping mirrors, a thud sound that is difficult to here with the radio on, little fuzz on the seats, and did I miss anything? All in all a fine vehicle, maybe an obsession... |
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