| MDXplosion |
| I am wondering if anyone has experienced a loud clanking noise when they brake. My situation is when I initially get in the X on my very first braking I hear a loud clank noise, now bare with me since I am not a mechanic, but if I had to guess I would say the noise sounds as if my brake calipers were loose and upon braking they would make the noise I am trying to describe. Very annoying and frustrating for such a pricey vehicle, I made an appointment with the dealer already but was wondering if others might have come across a similar situation/issue. |
|
|
| TallahasseeMDX |
| Yeah, I'm also having the loud clanking sound when initially braking. Haven't reported it to the dealer yet, but it's on the list I'll give to the service manager when I get the time.... |
|
|
| MARFONG |
I have this annoying problem too. Usually most noticeable when you first start out. I checked with my service dept. and the advisor on the phone said he wasn't aware of this problem, but when I mentioned that many MDX owners on this website also had this problem, he suddenly fessed up about other complaints. He said it was normal for all Acuras. The brakes are floating on the calipers and when you change directions you'll hear a clunking sound, ie the brakes are adjusting.
I've never had this problem with my other vehicles. Altho, this is my first Acura. He said it's a characteristic of all Acuras. Is this a "cop-out" response?
Also, there is also a problem of slight hesitation when first starting out in the morning. It only happens for a few hundred feet. I thought it was just the 4-wheel drive system. The service advisor said this occurs because the vehicle isn't warmed-up yet. But, I said with fuel injection you shouldn't need to warm-up before driving. He said this is a big engine and may need warming up.
Again, the advisor said he hadn't gotten any complaints. But I stated that many members on the MDX website had complained about this occurring. (Hard to believe no one has complained about these problems to HOPKIN'S ACURA in Redwood City,Ca.).
He did say I should be careful about what I read on this website. Who would I believe?? One copping-out service advisor or a whole bunch of intelligent MDX owners....It;s obvious...I'm with all the X'ers.
I know people who have owned Lexus vehicles and they don't get this type of second rate treatment. I love the MDX, but have not been happy that the treatment is not like you would get from Lexus. |
|
|
| MaD-X |
I have similar problems, if you can call it that. The part about brake pads floating on calipers sound about right. That's what I thought it was since I only hear it when cold, wet, and stopping in reverse first thing in the morning out the garage. It's gone now that it's warm out though.
Similar with hesitations when first starting. Gone now that weather is warm too. I'm not too worried about these issues, however. |
|
|
| MDXplosion |
it was normal for all Acuras
Marfong my situation is exactly as described by you....I went to the dealer and spoke to the service manager and all they could tell me (mind you it takes some cojones to tell a customer this)
"We have several other X's in the lot that do the same thing"
I looked at him in shock at first then told him I could care less about the X's in the lot, I care about mine and I sure hope any future customers voice the same concern about this noise if in fact it exists on the rest of the X's in the lot. Trust me I was bickering and making a fuss over there at Montclaire Acura (Jersey).....they just simply ruled it as normal and nothing they could do...that is @!#$@$@# I told him and while my pourchase was a pleasant one, I cant say the same thing about the service dept.
If by chance this is normal or part of the engineering of the MDX...then what in the hell was Acura thinking!!!!??!?!?!? This is annoying! Not to mention when I have people asking me, what in the world was that noise...and my only reply is that its normal even though it sounds like we should lose braking any moment now. IMO, this is a huge defect if you ask me...I have to hear this for the life of the car and convince myself that it is normal....for $40k this is not normal, hell I wouldnt think it was be normal on a Hyundai let alone my X!
For all you mechanical minds on the forum is their a way around this, to silence this noise? :confused: Quite embarrassing when you have people admiring the X and hear that sound.... :mad: |
|
|
| tso2001 |
Hi guys & gals,
I hear this same brake noise on my brand new 1 day old black bauty, then I remember when I first got the new 97 Honda Accord I heard the same thing. When I took that car back to the dealer, they told me that all Honda's do that, Accord, Civic...... so I think this is normal behavior for MDX since it's a Honda.
Now if I can just get rid of that &%#@ vibrating sound from under the dash. My mom's 2002 RX300 has no such quality problem, zero, zilch...silence. |
|
|
| MDXplosion |
Well then looks like I will have to settle for the fact that it is normal for these brakes to sound this way...however if it were that normal how come your moms RX300 has no such sound....does that mean her ride is abnormal since it doesnt make that sound...:)
Does anyone know if there is some advantage to this floating brake thing? Does it let you brake faster, is it part of the anti-locking? |
|
|
| APMDX |
Are you guys talking about a clunking noise in the rear?
My 02 X makes a clunking noise from the rear whenever I come to a stop. When I step on the brakes and the rear of the car drops back I hear a noise from the rear passenger side.
I took it to the dealer and they said it was the gas moving back and forth. I do hear the movement of the gas but I also know the difference between a knocking and water movement. The X is back in the service dept again for a tranny leak and the noise in the rear. Lets see what they have to say this time.
This is really not what I expected for a $40k car. |
|
|
| MDXplosion |
Yup! Its not your imagination or gas....if anything Acura is blowing gas out their !@#
The clanking noise is real, usually when you first get in the X and brake for the first time. After that it usually doesnt occur again until it has been parked for some time. I agree with you, this shouldnt be for a $40k vehicle. :mad: |
|
|
| dbptx1 |
Same problems here. 1900 miles. Between the horrible sloshing gas tank, the rough engine idle at start up, the "crashing" sound every time I pass by Reverse in the transmission, the transmission hesitation when cold, the brakes , of course....I'm baffled! What junk for 45k.
I almost wish I had my 98 4Runner back. None of these problems with that vehicle. It was perfect. I guess I fell in love with all the extra toys on the X. |
|
|
| GCK |
dbptx1:
I agree with you that these are features not desirable for a 45K car. I also can not argue with you that your vehicle might be 45K worth junk. There are several others who do not have any problem with their vehicles and do love them. The only issue I have is the gas tank slosh. I do not like it. However, being an engineer, we do try to design a lot of things in a confined space. This sometimes restricts the flexiblity you have in designing. Should the gas tank be mounted horizanttaly (side-side), there is a good chance that some other features might have been sacrificed. Overall, it's a good vehicle for 45K. No vehicle or design is perfect. It's just what you like or not like about the vehicle makes it worth it or a piece of junk. Hopefully, your and your brother's problems will not be long lasting. |
|
|
| donsev |
Please see:
Another Clunking Noise When Braking
Yes, depending on the specific braking noise you are hearing, it can be very common across manufacturers. And, as the manufacturers move to larger and larger disc rotors, more and more people will become *aware* of this noise (it was noticeable in our Lexus RX300 but is very pronounced on our Lexus IS300 - much more than on the MDX). |
|
|
| johnnyreb |
I have had absolutely no problems with my 2001 MDX after 9200 miles (delivery 6/26/01). No clunking from brakes, no thud, no leaking mirrors, no nav problems, no excessive wind noise, no transmission problems, no problems starting, no hesitation after cold start, absolutely none of the problems which I have seen mentioned on this forum. If your dealer tells you any of these problems are normal I can assure you that there is at least one MDX on the road that doesn't have them. So evidently it is not typical for ALL the MDX's out there. The MDX is the best riding, most comfortable, and fun to drive vehicle I have ever owned and I'm sure that there are many other owners who can vouch for it's reliability and trouble-free performance, only you don't hear from them. So I thought I'd speak for what I believe is the vast majority of owners to help reassure potential buyers that not all MDX's are clunkers.
Regards,
Johnnyreb
New Market, VA |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by johnnyreb
I have had absolutely no problems with my 2001 MDX after 9200 miles (delivery 6/26/01).
I share your experience with my 2002, especially with regard to noises. It's very quiet. But with under 1000 miles I am reluctant to say it will stay this way. My experience with previous cars leads me to believe things do loosen up in time, but then my previous vehicles were not in this class. |
|
|
| sgtglok |
quote:
Originally posted by johnnyreb
I have had absolutely no problems with my 2001 MDX after 9200 miles (delivery 6/26/01). No clunking from brakes, no thud, no leaking mirrors, no nav problems, no excessive wind noise, no transmission problems, no problems starting, no hesitation after cold start, absolutely none of the problems which I have seen mentioned on this forum. If your dealer tells you any of these problems are normal I can assure you that there is at least one MDX on the road that doesn't have them. So evidently it is not typical for ALL the MDX's out there. The MDX is the best riding, most comfortable, and fun to drive vehicle I have ever owned and I'm sure that there are many other owners who can vouch for it's reliability and trouble-free performance, only you don't hear from them. So I thought I'd speak for what I believe is the vast majority of owners to help reassure potential buyers that not all MDX's are clunkers.
Regards,
Johnnyreb
New Market, VA
How about this - please bare with me! ;)
When you are reading the health magazine and it describes some sort of illness, don't you find all the same sympthomes in yourself? :eek: :13:
I can't say I have no complaints about my MDX, I also hear some strange noises and clanking, but I guess I am just less demanding of a vehicle. IMO, Acura would've benefited much more if they kept the production in Japan. Than, MDX would be a 45k vehicle, though, not a 36k like mine. :2: |
|
|
| danmdx |
| I have similar problems. Yesteday, I sent my car to Montclaire Acura NJ for them to fix it . I just get back my X today. They told me that it was the movement of the gas and they did not find any other noise (Clank after braking). I told the service manager that my 9 years old daughter was able to notice the nosie. He told me to do a test drive with a technician. Since I pick up my X around 7.30pm today they told me it is too late to do a test drive. I wonder Montclaire Acura NJ has fixed MDXplosion problems. If so, can you keep me posted. Thanks |
|
|
| rglasstone |
I have just picked up my car from the dealer - and am not in a good mood! This thread describes the response from the dealer - it is a loose brake component and there is no remedy at the moment. On my car the problem is intermitent, but is not related to the first time the brakes are applied or to the weather. On my car when braking gently, there will be a fairly loud noise - some time during the slowdown - not at the beginning. Also there is a similar but quieter sound when I move off - again a few seconds after starting.
The dealer lubed the brake components and the noise is far less. They told me that all MDX's do this after a while as the brakes start to wear - my immediate reaction is that Acura should fit a new part as soon as the noise comes back, and keep on replacing until they come out with a part that works! If the noise returns, that is what I will ask for! |
|
|
| MDXMom |
My MDX had its 7500 check up yesterday. I mentioned the brake clunk. The service rep immediately knew what I was talking about, asked if I could stay for the repair of it, "a known problem". When I said I had limited time - he gave me the keys to a loaner. Awesome. Also awesome was that that repair was No Charge.
The repair they did was called MOLYCOAT - they take all four wheels off and apply some stuff to deaden the sound. Works well so far! And it is supposed to last the life of the car. |
|
|
| MDXplosion |
I wonder Montclaire Acura NJ has fixed MDXplosion problems
Dan they were not able to fix my clanking brake problems...as a matter of fact Montclaire (Service Dept.) in my opinion does not put the customer first...when you approach them about an issue your having they always look at you as if you were lying or making the stuff up just to make them work more...not to mention they are not on top of their game as far as service is concerned.
Example:
I asked them about the Service bulletin on the weeping mirrors and they never heard of it...mind you I brought to them several month after the bulletin went out....then I inform them about the brakes and their response was "We have 4-5 other MDX's in the lot with the same noise." That is when I didnt even argue with them since even if I did get them to look into it they would do a crap job...and decided not to have my car serviced with Montclaire anymore. I am not sure what your experience has been with the Service @ Mont. Dan but I will never go back there.
I will however look for a dealer that will provide the fix MDXMOM received, thanks for posting this info MDXMOM...that clanking really gets on my last nerve everytime I hear it...
Are you in the NJ/NY area MDXMOM? If not I will search for a dealer that can provide the same fix since my X is nearing the 15k service mark. Keep us posted mdxmom and let us know if it ever wears off...the MOLYCOAT that is. I am wondering if they apply that molycoat to the brake pads or what? I would guess not since the brake pads will eventually wear down...no? |
|
|
| MDXMom |
Sorry, I don't live in your area - I live in Massachusetts, near Framingham, where my dealer is. My dealer is Herb Connolly Acura. I've had no other Acuras so have no lengthy experience with them, but I've been happy so far. Perhaps you could find a service dept at least willing to call this one to get the scoop on the MOLYCOAT.
I have to admit I didn't follow the description too closely on the
specifics of the fix - just that they do all four tires, apply some material to deaden the sound, and its supposed to solve the problem for good.
Good luck! and I'll let you know if it doesn't hold up. |
|
|
| DaleB |
I know others too that have few if any of the 'patterned failure modes' mentioned here and on other topics.
I hope it's not because Acura just happens to get some right now and then, but rather that we are in the majority. |
|
|
| MARFONG |
Rob--the Acura mechanic:
Can you comment on your experiences with the clanking brake problem? Ever use the Molycoat product ?
I was told by a couple Acura service depts. that the clanking brake noise is characteristic of Acuras. However, based on comments from a few MDXr's , some of the MDXs do not have this problem. (How can this be?) |
|
|
| pmspwrdmdx |
My 02 MDX has the same braking noise. When I took it in for the 7500 service, I told them and they were also aware of the noise saying that all MDX's have this same noise. That it was a noise from the brake pads when changing directions (forward to reverse, vice versa) hence why we hear it the first time, usually reversing out of a driveway or parking spot after parking from a forward position. The service rep said there was no way to fix it, but to prove that this was the case, he stuck a folded business in the gap and told me that the noise will be gone for a few days until the card disintegrates. Sure enough in a couple days, the noise is back.
I think it's bull**** that they don't care to find a solution to this problem and instead just say that they're all like that, because I've owned 1 other Acura, and 1 other Honda, and neither had this noise. |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXplosion
I am wondering if anyone has experienced a loud clanking noise when they brake. My situation is when I initially get in the X on my very first braking I hear a loud clank noise, now bare with me since I am not a mechanic, but if I had to guess I would say the noise sounds as if my brake calipers were loose and upon braking they would make the noise I am trying to describe. Very annoying and frustrating for such a pricey vehicle, I made an appointment with the dealer already but was wondering if others might have come across a similar situation/issue.
Yes this is the brake pads vibrating issue. You can fix by tightening the pads yourself. The dealer are telling you it's normal, but it's a simple fix they won't address until you do yur first brake job. Upon replacing your pads they will perform the required procedure to tighten the pads. It seems the plant in canada didn't do a good job on tightening the pads when manufacturing. The dealer don't want to dis-assemble the four calipers to tighten without doing the brake replacement. I'm going to tighten them myself, it isn't a hard procedure at all. Just a tap of a hammer and it gone. Not a major issue at all. Even when it rattles it eventually goes away when the brakes heats up if you can live with it until the first brake job. If it bothers you enough and you have a good relationship with service manager you may be able to get him to fix prior to 1st brake job. I would try to ask him when they are rotating the tires because they already have the wheels off and may do at that time. Good Luck. No major problem at all. Domestic's have had this issue for years. |
|
|
| TheRobSJ |
"Tighten" the pads? What the hell is that!?
The noise is the result of the pads moving in the pad carrier one way or the other when pressure is applied because there's about a 2-3mm gap present.
How do you tighten the pads? Do you "tap" on the carrier (a rather stout piece of metal) until the clearance closes? I'd like to know this so I can start doing it at work.
Rob |
|
|
| MARFONG |
Rob,
Have you tried treating the brake problem with MOLYCOAT? This is mentioned as being a treatment in this thread by another member.
Also, why do some of the members with MDXs do NOT have this clanking brake noise? (DaleB for one). I had been told this noise is characteristic of all MDXs. |
|
|
| TheRobSJ |
Never heard of that stuff. Is it like a greyish black grease?
I'm not sure why the noise isn't present on all of them. Maybe it was a variation in the manufacturing of the brake pads. Could be that after some miles, the pads set in a position and don't move side to side in the carrier anyore.
Rob |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by TheRobSJ
Never heard of that stuff. Is it like a greyish black grease?
I'm not sure why the noise isn't present on all of them. Maybe it was a variation in the manufacturing of the brake pads. Could be that after some miles, the pads set in a position and don't move side to side in the carrier anyore.
Rob
RobSJ, sounds like they are using hi-temp grease on the pad guides to dampen the pad movement.
Maybe by the time the grease becomes less effective, the pad will have worn in more and there will be less of a problem as you suggested. Like he said, it appears most of us don't experience it. |
|
|
| rglasstone |
After 3 months and 4 visits, my car is at last quiet!
I was told that the noise was "normal" - I took great offense at that - everyone who rode in the car commented on the noise. It was not a quiet click, it was a loud noise or series of noises, thuds, clicks, pops - you name it. I was almost embarrased to carry passengers. My take was that if all MDX's had this noise, this forum would be flooded and unhappy owners would be lining up around the block with the lemon law lawyers cruising the line!
I called the Acura customer service department and spoke with the supervisor. He arranged for the Acura district rep to take a test drive with me. He confirmed that the noise was present and was not reasonable. He sat with the service manager to write up the problem. The dealer kept the car for 4 days, replaced all 4 shocks and (I think) 2 of the ABS units as well as making sundry other adjustments - fixing noises that they heard, but that I hadn't. Now, finally the car sounds like a high end SUV should sound like when braking.
The Acura district rep said that the "normal" brake noise should not be loud enough to cause offense to most people, but that some people are more sensitive to it than others. |
|
|
| acurachen |
Hi rglasstone,
Mine also has all kinds of noises and Dealer Services kept telling me those are gas sloshing/break noises and they are NORMAL for mdx. However, sometime those noises (Bo, pop, thud..etc) were so loud and I thought that my mdx was hit by something.
Thanks for the information. I’ll try the same approach when I get a chance. |
|
|
| Fireblade6 |
| So...at 19,750 miles...I just notice that am hearing the same thing...Is this something I need to bring to my dealer to get this fix? |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by TheRobSJ
"Tighten" the pads? What the hell is that!?
The noise is the result of the pads moving in the pad carrier one way or the other when pressure is applied because there's about a 2-3mm gap present.
How do you tighten the pads? Do you "tap" on the carrier (a rather stout piece of metal) until the clearance closes? I'd like to know this so I can start doing it at work.
Rob
Yes that is one way to do it? Ask your service manager, as mine is who had the idea. Putting a ding/tap on the pad which should quite the noise. He referred to a ding/dent in pad to take up the slack, which in turn stops the noise. He has done on MDX that required brake jobs and noise went right away. Rob I'm sure you notice as the pad heats up the noise goes away. That's why no everybody realizes the noise, and everybody has a difference tolerance for noises. As in a previous post, if brought to the attention of a regional manager, I'm sure they would do a free brake job if needed to stop the noise. |
|
|
| TheRobSJ |
So you're basically saying to deform the end tabs of the pads that they close up the gap bewteen the tab and the carrier slot?
That's a good idea. I'm surprised it came from a service manager. We're told not to use any repair procedures not supported by the factory. Same thing goes for chemicals. Such as, I would rather use Permatex Disc Brake Quiet spray and the backs of brake pads instead of that moly grease they give us, but I have to use the Honda stuff. We don't even have windshield washer fluid right now to fill up new vehicles on TQI because we're waiting for the HONDA branded fluid to come in! It ridicuous. Sometimes, working at in independant shop has its merits, since it actually lets a mechanic use some ingenuity sometimes.
Rob |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by TheRobSJ
So you're basically saying to deform the end tabs of the pads that they close up the gap bewteen the tab and the carrier slot?
That's a good idea. I'm surprised it came from a service manager. We're told not to use any repair procedures not supported by the factory. Same thing goes for chemicals. Such as, I would rather use Permatex Disc Brake Quiet spray and the backs of brake pads instead of that moly grease they give us, but I have to use the Honda stuff. We don't even have windshield washer fluid right now to fill up new vehicles on TQI because we're waiting for the HONDA branded fluid to come in! It ridicuous. Sometimes, working at in independant shop has its merits, since it actually lets a mechanic use some ingenuity sometimes.
Rob
Not to deform, just punch a dipple in the pad which reduces the slack. I also plan to use the permatex disc brake quiet spray in addition to a small punch or dipple in pad. |
|
|
| srpbep |
We've got it too but only from the back.
Do the others bang in front, back, or both?
Anyway, dealer lubed the brakes ... that did nothing ... will have to take it back in ...:mad: |
|
|
| lsbuffs |
| Probably too early to know whether this issue is fixed in the '03s, right? As I recall, the clanking noise on my '01 didn't show up until 10-15K miles or so. I'm at 38K and looking forward to resolution at my first brake job or by getting an '03, whichever comes first. |
|
|
| MDXtrous |
| I get the "clunking" noise in the back usually after I refill my gas tank. It's the "gas sloshing" problem. Only happens when the tank is full or almost full. |
|
|
|
