Suspension - Rear Tires Wear Prematurely
05-050December 19, 2007
Applies To:
2004 TL - ALL with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires
2005 TL - From VIN 19UUA6...5A000001 thru 19UUA6...5A049943
with Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires
Premature Rear Tire Wear
(Supersedes 05-050, dated February 1, 2006, to update the information marked by the black bar)
SYMPTOM
The rear tires are wearing prematurely (evenly across the tread).
PROBABLE CAUSE
The rear toe increases when the vehicle is loaded.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
All 2004 TL, and 2005 TL from VIN 19UUA6...5A000001 thru 19UUA6...5A008976: Install new bump stops, replace all four tires, and set the toe according to specifications (REPAIR PROCEDURE A, B, and C).
2005 TL from VIN 19UUA6...5A008977 thru 19UUA6...5A049943: Replace all four tires, check and adjust toe according to specifications (REPAIR PROCEDURE A and C).
Repair Procedure Descriptions:
^ Repair Procedure A - Tire Installation
^ Repair Procedure B - Install Bump Stops
^ Repair Procedure C - Align Vehicle
PARTS INFORMATION
Rear Bump Stop (2 required): P/N 52722-SEP-A02
Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tire (4 required):
P/N 42751-BRI-088 Construction code: DY223i
For replacement tires, call The Tire Rack at (877) 327-8473.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 42700-SEP-A11
Defect Code: 5XT00
Symptom Code: 00501
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
TIRE REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
To qualify for one of these repairs, the tires must have been properly maintained (correct inflation and balancing). Tires showing signs of abuse (racing or physical damage) are not covered by this bulletin.
If tire replacement is needed, you must use Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires from The Tire Rack.
To claim the installation of replacement tires, do this:
^ List the tire expense in the first sublet field on the warranty claim. Use sublet code T3 (sublet tire purchase).
^ You are also eligible for a $10 per tire reimbursement for handling. This $10 handling fee should cover any state-required recycling fees. List this dollar amount in the second sublet field on the warranty claim. Use sublet code T4 (sublet tfre purchase handling reimbursement).
DIAGNOSIS
1. Make sure the vehicle suspension is not modified and it has the original wheels and tires.
(Bridgestone Turanza EL42).
NOTE:
The optional high performance tires (Bridgestone Potenza), the 18-inch accessory tires, and the 2005 TL with Navigation (Michelin tires) are excluded from this service bulletin.
2. Inspect the rear tires. Are the rear tires worn evenly across the tread down to the tread wear indicators?
Yes - Proceed to the appropriate REPAIR PROCEDURE based on the VIN.
No - This service bulletin does not apply. Proceed with normal troubleshooting procedures (accident damage, alignment, tire pressures, etc.).
REPAIR PROCEDURE A
Mount, balance, and install all four new tires.
REPAIR PROCEDURE B
Do this procedure for all 2004 models and for 2005 models thru VIN 19UUA6...5A008976.
Install the new rear bump stops:
^ Refer to page 18-42 of the 2004-05 TL Service Manual, or
^ Online, enter keyword DAMPER, then select Rear Damper/Spring Replacement from the list.
REPAIR PROCEDURE C
Check and adjust the toe to these specifications:
Front Toe: 0 +/- 2 mm
Rear Toe: 0 +/- 2 mm
TIRE REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
Use the Bridgestone Turanza EL42 as the replacement tire. It has improved wear characteristics. The new and old tires can be identified by the construction codes (new: DY223i, old: DW315i or DU958i).
TIRE PRORATING INFORMATION
American Honda will pay, on a prorated basis, for tires that need replacement due to premature or irregular wear.
Disclaimer