***Acura RL V6-3.7L Technical Service Bulletin # 11-002 Date: 110309
Drivetrain - Whistle/Whine/Howl Between 20-45 MPH
11-002
March 9, 2011
Applies To:
2005-10 RL - ALL
Whistle, Whine, Squeal, or Howl While Driving Between 20-45 MPH
SYMPTOM
There is a whistle, a whine, a squeal, or a howl while driving between 20 and 45 mph.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The propeller shaft center support bearing and seal are faulty.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the propeller shaft assembly.
PARTS INFORMATION
Center Support Bearing Mounting Bolt (two required):
P/N 90382-SH9-003
Propeller Shaft Mounting Bolt (four required):
P/N 9011 3-SJA-003
Exhaust Pipe Gasket:
2005-08-P/N 18302-SP0-003
2009-10-P/N 18393-SJA-A01
Propeller Shaft Mounting Nut (four required):
P/N 9031 0-SJA-000
Self Locking Nut (10 mm) (three required):
P/N 90212-5A5-003
Propeller Shaft Assembly:
P/N 401 00-SJA-E02
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 2191A8
Flat Rate Time: 0.9 hour
Failed Part: P/N 40100-SJA-EO1
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level: Repair Technician
DIAGNOSIS
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift with an assistant in the driver's seat, preferably before the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
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2. Have the assistant start the engine, shift to D, and drive the vehicle on the lift between 20-45 mph.
3. Using a stethoscope, check for noise coming from the center support bearing.
Is there a whistle, a whine, a squeal, or a howl?
Yes - Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
No - This service bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting to find the source of the problem.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it's securely supported.
2. Remove the exhaust pipe and muffler assembly.
3. Remove the propeller shaft No.1 (front) protector.
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4. Remove the four mounting nuts from the front of propeller shaft No.1. The nuts will not be reused.
5. Remove the four flange bolts from the rear of propeller shaft No. 2. The bolts will not be reused.
6. Remove the two center support bearing mounting bolts. The bolts will not be reused.
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7. Slide propeller shaft No.1 rearward, then flex the No.2 (rear) joint, and remove propeller shaft No.1 from the transfer companion flange.
8. Remove the propeller shaft assembly from the vehicle.
9. Wrap the new propeller shaft assembly with cardboard, at least 0.2 inch (5 mm) thick, to protect the carbon fiber propeller shafts during
installation.
10. Install a new propeller shaft No.1 on the transfer companion flange by flexing the rear propeller shaft joint, then push the propeller shaft
assembly into place. Make sure the reference marks (shown in step 12) line up correctly.
11. Install two new center support bearing mounting bolts.
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12. Install the four new mounting nuts to the front of propeller shaft No.1 finger-tight.
13. Install the (rear) propeller shaft No.2 to the rear differential companion flange using four new flange bolts.
NOTE:
Align the reference marks as shown below.
14. Tighten the four (front) propeller shaft No.1 mounting nuts to the specified torque.
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15. Remove and discard the cardboard wrapping from the propeller shaft.
16. Install the (front) propeller shaft No.1 protector with the arrow pointing forward.
17. Reinstall the exhaust pipe and muffler assembly using a new gasket and three new self-locking nuts.
18. Test-drive the vehicle at 55 mph (88 km/h), and check for noise or vibration. If there is noise or vibration, disconnect and rotate the propeller
shaft 180 degrees from its current alignment with the rear differential companion flange, then test-drive the vehicle again.
