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Are you getting the dreaded “Check ADS” suspension light in your Acura MDX and looking for the right fix? Seeing warning signs of a busted suspension? Acura MDX suspension problems are one of the most common complaints among owners of the vehicles.
The active suspension on your Acura MDX is especially susceptible to wearing out and having all sorts of suspension issues. Even worse, fixing them can be a total nightmare. The parts and labor are expensive and the repairs can seem endless once they begin.
Acura MDX Suspension Problems
The Acura MDX features innovative suspension technology that was new at the time. The suspension in your MDX (models with the Sport package) uses electromagnetically-controlled ferrofluids to dampen the pressure of the car meeting the road. In other words, it uses a viscous fluid that can be controlled by a computer to respond to changes in the road and driving. While this technology shows tremendous promise and provides a unique adaptive ride, like any new technology it has its kinks to work out.
Performance-wise, there isn’t much to complain about. The magnetorheological shock absorber was developed by Honda and Beijing West.
Ferrofluids are non-Newtonian liquids, meaning they defy some of the laws of physics typically regulating liquids. They have a unique ability to change their molecular shape almost instantly. Scientists and engineers are finding all sorts of cool things to do with them, like making them dance. This same ability allows a computer to take a reading from a height sensor and instantly adjust the shape and viscosity of the fluid with the help of a control module.
While the science is very sound, this is still new. As we learned with air suspensions, new technology gets refined as it gets established, and the biggest issue with these suspensions is durability. Once issues become severe, the diagnostics system illuminates a "Check ADS" warning light on the dash.
Acura MDX Suspension Failure Warning Signs
But even before the suspension warning light on your MDX comes on, there are some telltale signs of early suspension failure. Here are some of the most common Acura MDX suspension warning signs:
- Lifespan: Due to their complex nature, use of fluids and moving parts, the lifespan of these suspensions is limited. They are almost guaranteed to wear out at some point. This will happen one component at a time.
- Taking too long to stop: Some drivers noticed issues with their stopping time despite the brakes being fine. Your suspension plays a vital role in your brake system, and a failing system can result in accidents.
- Overly noisy compressor: If your compressor is making loud noises, it's likely because it's completing more than 10 to 15 cycles per second and working too hard. If you don't address this issue, it will eventually wear out.
- Failing the bounce test: You can use the bounce test to determine if you need to replace your shocks. If you push on your vehicle and it continues to bounce rather than stop, it's likely time to replace them.
- Sagging read end: Some drivers notice their rear end sagging when they stop the car. Worn suspensions can cause an uneven weight distribution that can cause one end to dip. Typically, the faster the stop, the worse the dive.
- Unable to maintain proper ride height: A worn suspension can also affect your ride height. The uneven weight distribution can cause your vehicle to feel less comfortable.
- Leaning or tilting to one side: Sometimes, suspensions wear down one piece at a time. When this happens, it may be because an airbag is having difficulty staying inflated, causing the car to lean to one side.
How to Fix Acura MDX Suspension Problems
You've got a few options when it comes to fixing the suspension fault on your Acura MDX. These options vary significantly in method and price. We explore those methods in the following section.
Cost of Fixing Acura MDX Suspension Is High
The complex nature of your MDX electronic suspension means that the individual components can often be very expensive. According to RepairPal, replacing a single magnetic strut on your MDX can cost around $1,500. You’ll likely have to replace the other three in the near future. That says nothing of a busted compressor, control module or any of the other components in the system.
In addition, the complexity and sensitivity of these parts mean a lot of time under the hood to install them. Those expensive labor fees will start to stack up very quickly. All in all, you’re looking at a mighty repair bill just to get your Acura MDX suspension back in working order. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
However, thanks to Sturtmasters, replacing your OEM parts isn't your only option. You can fix your suspension problems in other ways to eliminate the problem.
Acura MDX Air Suspension Conversion Kits
There is another option for repairing your broken Acura MDX suspension. Rather than continuing to invest thousands into your aging vehicle with no guarantee that the repairs will end, consider just ditching that electronic suspension altogether. That’s right, you don’t have to put up with the endless repairs any longer. Ever since Strutmasters released its Acura MDX 4 Wheel Active Electronic Suspension Conversion Kit, it has been one of our most popular items. A big reason for that is the price. Simply put, you’ll save thousands of dollars by converting to this reliable coilover suspension kit.
For starters, the entire kit has been reduced by nearly 20%. In response to the massive popularity of this conversion kit, we’ve decided to make it even more affordable. Now Acura MDX owners can replace all four wheels of their vehicle and eliminate the suspension warning light for less than $1,000. That’s just a little more than what it would cost to replace just one front electronic strut.
We found owners talking about the solution for their Acura MDX suspension problems on Reddit. Said one user, “"You can install non ADS shocks and struts for a fraction of the price, and put in resistors in the wiring so the warning light goes away."
Best of all, these kits are designed to be incredibly easy to install. Most DIYers find they can replace their Acura MDX suspension with a sturdy jack and tools they already have at home. The estimated time to replace is just one hour per wheel. Even if you don’t want to do the installation yourself, the simplicity of these kits means your mechanic can install it quickly and easily at their shop. That means less money spent on labor, too.
Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, we guarantee this new suspension will last as long as your MDX is on the road. That means once you install it, you’ll never have to spend your hard-earned money on your MDX suspension again.
Shop Acura MDX Conversion Kits To Fix Suspension
Unless you want to spend thousands and keep going back to the dealer or mechanic, the Strutmasters Acura MDX 4 Wheel Active Electronic Suspension Conversion Kit is the perfect solution.
Buy your kit online or give us a call at (866) 669-9456. One of our Suspension Experts will be more than happy to make sure you get just what you need for your Acura MDX.
You can always trust the parts and kits you get from Strutmasters. But did you know we can also help you find the right shop to install your new MDX conversion kit? Talk to our Suspension Experts to get hooked up with one of our preferred installers.
