Mitsubishi Outlander Steering Stability and Suspension

colonel717

I test drove an LS AWD last week and heard the clunk when I was making a sharp right turn. I asked the sales guy if he heard it. He blew it off like he didn't hear it. I didn't get it to happen again on the test drive.

craigm3

I have one quick, rather silly question; how loud is the knock in the front end? I got my Outlander on Monday, and usually my stereo is too loud to hear it, but the few times the radio's been off I thought I heard it. However, the "thunk" was a little softer than I'd imagined. Part of me thinks it's just paranoia from reading this thread, but I'd like to know for sure!

jsanza

It's loud enough to hear it when I have the radio on at a resonable volume. When you hear it, you will know that it just doesn't sound right. I would take your car in and have them change the barrings and knuckles. Make sure they do both sides on the font end.

I hope this helps.

ctgrady

I was hearing the same noise everyone complained about. I took my car into the dealer on 2/22/07 and they replaced 2 bearings. Even the service advisor told they had several come in for the same problem. Make sure you call in if your radio is fluctuating in volume. I am still working on that issue. I now have Corporate involved.

jsanza

My volume fluctuates as well. I thought I was just getting bad reception. I will talk to my dealership about that as well.

michaelj3

Just arrived home with a XLS 4wd. Immediately noticed I could feel the road quite a lot in the steering wheel, then when on the highway an unsettling amount of vibration from the front end. I didn't notice any of this during a test drive. Unfortunately the dealer is 40 miles away, but I'm sure I will be back. Anyone noticing this? Hopefully just a tire issue.

rcpax

It could be a tire pressure issue or a road issue. Actually I like it that way although in my Outlander I can't say it's excessive. I like to have good feedback from the wheel so I know when I'm having good tire traction or not.

biscuit_xls

Yep, check your tire pressure. The factory has been known to send them out with 40+ psi in them, makes for a really rough ride. Try 32 psi all around.

michaelj3

zontarh

Sounds like one of yours wheels hasn't been balanced correctly when the tyres were fitted.

jaclynn

My appointment to fix the "clunk" is Thursday. Wish me luck. Another forum posted the Technical Service Bulletin, which I'll be taking with me:

http://www.mitsubishiforum.com/m_114144/tm.htm

stever

Some dealers are funny about TSBs - I don't know if this article about how best to approach the service writer still holds true anymore since the service writers are more used to seeing customers bring in TSBs now than when that article was first written some 7 years ago:

You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

Please let us know how you make out Thursday with your dealer.

blackb13

Just had both front wheel bearings replaced. Job took about 5 hours to complete. I'll have to take it back in again because when they had the hubs off, they somehow screwed up my alignment and now the truck's steering wheel isn't centered.

jaclynn

Update: Took the car to the dealer this morning. We referenced the TSB which detailed the bearing replacements. I'm glad I had it with me, as both Mitsubishi 800# and dealership had previously denied its existence. Service is ordering bearings and say they'll be delivered in a week or so. I feel pretty confident this will be resolved.

I really, really like this car despite this annoyance. I haven't seen any others on the road yet and it's been weeks. I hope that's not a bad sign. BTW, at the dealer tonight they had a bright cherry red (non-metallic) Outlander which I hadn't seen before.

growwise

Judging from my experience, I dont trust any stealership. I asked them to take a look at the front end clunk and they flatly rejected by "Could not replicate". My mistake in the sense that I didnt stick around to show it to them.

I only hope that this is the ABS popping noise as it happens only when I start the car and drive off. But I dont understand why ABS will make that clunk and it just does not give me enough confidence in this vehicle.. a mitsubishi nonetheless.

First the door mirror rattle and second this popping/clunking noise. Two strikes in my mind. Especially considering that this is made in japan etc.. You'd figure that since it has been out for long in japan (granted its 4 cyl cvt), they'd figure this out.

Its not the seriousness of these I am concerned about. Sure rattle was fixed and popping noise could be harmless though jury is still out on that. Its just that right out of the gate, I didnt expect to take a brand new vehicle into a dealership service dept which is not a very friendly one to begin with. Its a hassle and doesnt bode well for the future. Perhaps Toyota and Honda owners may have gone thru this type of stuff before but mitsu lost a good chance of making a strong first impression.

djlono

I have the front end knock. I have appointment on Monday just to check and order the parts. It is really loud. I have problem with the FM radio too. The reception is really bad. I saw in the dealership a red Outlander with different type of antenna :sick:

jaclynn

Everything is fine now. Clunk has been eliminated by replacement of wheel bearings on both sides. Unless I'm being super-picky about the way the doors close, I now have no more issues with this vehicle. Happy driving...

budh

I've had my new 2007 Outlander XLS 4WD for about 24 hours. I test drove an LS model before deciding on the purchase, and took the XLS I bought on a 15 mile test drive just before signing the paperwork.

But on the way home from the dealer, when driving over some back roads with some imperfections, I drove over some repaired concrete road areas and when driving over the raised areas of repair, there seemed to be almost no shock absorption at all! It was very, VERY jarring, and very unexpected. Somehow, my 15 mile test drive early just didn't go over any imperfections of this type, and I never noticed an issue in the LS model I test drove the previous week.

I have recently owned a Toyota Highlander and Toyota Matrix and have test driven a Lexus RX350. I know those are "cushy feel" suspensions. But I also have test driven the Acura RDX, Maxda CX-7, and the Outlander and know those have a "sport suspension", are "more taut" and "more firm", and therefore going over imperfections will be clearly more noticed and more jarring.

But this was just TOO severe -- it was clearly far beyond anything I experienced in the Acura RDX test drive and Mazda CX-7 test drive which went over some imperfect roads.

And yes -- the tire pressure was checked and is 30 psi for all four tires.

Has anyone found the new Outlander to have a bit too harsh of a suspension? Is there anything that can be done to soften it slightly?

Bud H

budh

Can any part of the suspension described below be adjusted?

Suspension

* Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type
* Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type
* 20-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar

growwise

XLS has sport suspension and is not going to soften even when the odo rolls way past 100k. Sport suspensions typically break and become even more harsher as they age. I know full well from my previous car ownership.

You can blame these "taut" suspensions on autorags and sites such as edmunds themselves. They keep harping on makers to make these crazy tuner suspensions. Toyota is by far the only maker who seemed to resist. Well even Buick succumbed a little.

My only regret in my XLS is that I didnt do enough homework. Sometimes, the suspension gives me "Should've bought that camry" :sick: feeling

jowett

Are you saying that the XLS has a different suspension than the LS? I thought the only difference was the tire size.

josh_raben1971

I also just purchsed an Outlander XLS last Monday. I felt that the suspension was a bit stiff even for a sport SUV and noticed that over larger expansion joints in the road that it felt a bit harsh, and the sound was very noticable. I did change the tires yesterday to a Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza (V Rated) in the 235/55-R18 size. This change has helped with both issues. The road noise from the imperfections in the road are now greatly muted, and the "rough" feeling over the expansion joints and cracks in the roadway are also reduced. It does not create a LEXUS type of ride, and I would not expect that from a SPORT type suspension setup, but it did reduce the general overall harshness.

djlono

I had fix the front end knock.:)

dodo2

Hi growwise:
Which dealership did you go to? There is a US TSB available and they should have a Canadian one as well by now. I did not have the front clunk in my Outlander as mine was a later build (mid-January). I had the mirror wind rattle, but I fixed that myself and now I enjoy a quiet ride.
I didn't notice the ABS popping sound in mine, nor any other weird noise. I drove many times with the radio off and my ears wide open just listening for unusual sounds, but I could not hear anything so far. I will try again.

growwise

Dealer said that I dont have front end problem. I do hear one clunk everytime I take off after putting the gear in Drive. But thats it. It happens one time after starting the engine and driving off from stand still. No noise from then on until I cut the engine and start over. Thats how I came to the conclusion that it is ABS as mentioned in previous post somewhere. Mine was made in Dec 06.

dodo2

I will check mine tonight when I leave work. The front knock is different indeed. I experienced it during a test drive, taking off from a traffic light and making a left turn. The salesman in the passenger seat heard it too. It was a Dec-06 build. The front end knock can be easily reproduced by doing donuts in a parking lot.

dodo2

I can hear the ABS noise when taking off, but unless I listen for it, I wouldn't catch it, especially if the radio is on. I have ZERO concerns about it.

theshimmy

I couldn't sleep thinking about that mysterious noise from the front end of my car and when I started thinking what if my wheel falls off?! Well, I had to see what I could find on this. I'm sad and glad I found this ....glad to have an idea of what it might be and sad because we are all having this problem to begin with. This is my second Outlander, the first was knock free this one is the same year(2003) but it has that shimmy sound when I'm accelerating. I thought it was bad gas, or a rod knocking but the dealership said it was mechanically sound. I still have the shimmy sound. Now that I am equipped with my hub info I'll request for two hub changes in the front since that is where the sound is coming from. oh no doors too? Gees! oh I took my car in for the recall on the relay for the overheating, did you guys get that notice? If not its for 2003-2006 and its free of charge with or without the letter. Bye!

blackb13

Well, after a month of having "the fix" for the front end clunk, it's back!!!

It did it again while backing into my garage. I can't believe that MMNA cannot properly fix this stupid thing. Looks like another day wasted at the dealer.

Be warned!

rmj1

Does anyone know if these problems have been remedied at the factory yet? If so when? I am looking at replacing my 93 Grand Cherokee with an LS and would like to be armed to the teeth when I go talk to the "dealer".
Thanks for the help. This is a great forum!!

gosok

This problem was corrected by the manufacturer on Outlanders built on/after Feb 07. To check the built date of yours, refer to the sticker on the driver side door frame. Here is a sample.

http://outieclub.com/viewtopic.php?p=194#p194

rmj1

Thankyou so much.
It is so good to be able to go into a dealership and have this kind of information. I have a month or two before I am ready to start negotiating so I hope to be well informed by then.
Thanks again.

rcpax

solowalker

I had the issue with the wheel bearing clunk after I picked up my XLS 4WD Outtie in December. It has disappeared in normal driving now, even when I back out of my space..I have a hard time reproducing it. Doing hard donuts in a parking lot will produce the clunk but I never drive that hard normally.
I will keep monitoring it but as for now I never hear it anymore in normal driving...I have 5000 City miles on it.
I figure if there is a problem in the future, it will be covered by the great warranty.. I don't want my front end taken apart for a minor noise unless it is a safety item, which this bearing deal is not..
Other than that, the SUV is quite an amazing performer for the price..!

janet07

I just came back from a test drive and noticed the same problem...turns out that the first 2 months of production for the 07's produced this problem in the ball bearings... the dealers are now aware and will replace them within your warranty. Make sure they have the parts in.
good luck!

shoopla

Should have been clearer..This is not the bearing "clunk" (technical term)that has been disucssed on here for the past 8 months. I had that fixed shortly after purchasing my Outlander back in January. This is definitely something in the steering wheel area, a constant clicking noise which you can also feel at lower speeds (under 25). Still under warranty, so I'll take it to the dealer on Monday. After 20k miles, it needs a checkup anyway.

busta4

I just started having the exact same problem with my steering wheel. a noticeable clicking noise when i turn the wheal. I have 7500 miles on mine. my radio reception is horrible and the cheap plastic interior scratches just looking at it. I like the car I just wonder if it will hold up over time. Could you let me know what the dealer said if you had the issue looked at? Thank you

tidester

We're rearranging some of the discussions to consolidate closely related issues for your convenience. As a result, you will see some messages out of order with respect to date.

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linloo

Hi All - I purchased a leftover, about 60 miles on it, '07 Outlander in February. In March I had to have my wheel bearings replaced. I've had the car back three times now because I have to fight to keep it in my lane (definitely at 60 mph and higher, but it happens at slower speeds too). Also, sometimes taking off quickly in a right turn the steering wheel freaks out to where I have to grip the wheel real hard with both hands to keep it from going completely out of control. I also had a couple of close calls this past winter where the car just did not cooperate when stopping in bad weather - never had a winter like that before!

Does anyone else have any similar experiences? The dealer said they can't find a problem - they call it torque steer. It seems more dangerous than that. Never had this much "torque steer" on any other car.

cali1cdn_eh

Hi all,
Thought this forum would be a good way to inquire if an intermittent "issue" I am getting is shared with any of my fellow Outie owners.

I have an '08 XLS (CDN model) and when engaging from the park to drive, or from drive to park we had on several occassions experience a clucking noise + a sudden surge (forward or backward). Good thing I normally cover my brakes in any event. Has anyone experience this?

I took it to my dealer and they we really good about it and even search for any info / TSB's and found none.

Not 100% sure if this inquiry is related to the previous "clunking" posts that I see in '07 but thought to inquire here for owners with the 2008 version.

So far I'm lovin' my Outtie especially with the 650 thumping beat of power
Thanks

batman47

If your car pull to the left or to the right while you are on the road your car need a serious alignment setting. Ask to your dealer to give you the computer print out of the actual setting before alignment and then ask your dealer the computer listing after the alignmnet. The latest must mach the manufacturer alignment setting. Generally there are 3 setting (e.g. Toes, Camber, and something). Your owner manual hasn't have this numbers, but your dealer should provide you with the right setting. Ask him what are the righ angles of the setting before any job is done in your car.

batman47

My Outlander is expected to be loaded with 1300 pounds weight (8 passengers, 70 Kg/160 pounds each). I wonder if the vehicle can stand that weight load without damaged the rear suspension/damper. What I note is that the rear tires almost touch the chassis or wheel cover arch when the car is loaded. Am I overloading the car? Does the Outlander LXS V6 have sport suspension? Are these dampers stronger than the no sport suspension?

I have been told that I may buy some damper called “progressive dampers” that become stronger when the car’s load increases. If this is true what brand of suspension/damper are on the market? Is there a Mitsubishi suspension/damper (progressive) that can be ordered from my dealership?

jbowen52

I recently completed a 7000 mile road trip in my 07 XLS. It was loaded for camping and as you noted, the rear tires almost touch the wheel arches. Generally it was OK but would bottom on severe bumps. I never detected any permanent damage, but would really like to add air shocks to the back to be able to level the car with a big load. I had used the Monroe Max-Air shocks in a Ford Aerostar with great results. Just blow them up as required to get it back to normal. I inquired to Monroe, but they don't make a suitable shock for the Outlander. If anyone else out there has an answer to rear load leveling, I would be very interested.

batman47

The Dakar Outlander support car has been adapted with special damper/suspension (something called Boss suspension, I think). Does somebody know what is this?

troy5521

I noticed the same thing.
I'm hoping that someone will post a fix that is how can the suspension be eased off. This is not a lancer or a LeMans racing vehicle but that's exactly what it feels like and with the high center of gravity it sometimes bounces around.
The other thing that really makes it a difficult vehicle is the cross-wind effects. With the high profile it really kicks around a lot.
Someone mentioned lowering the tire pressure which helped a little but not totally.
There should be a way to soften the ride.

mislovic

the outlander seems underdamped (especially the rear). i noticed that the rear tends to bounce a bit and sometimes, over extends on rebound.
firmer dampers would help, but i've yet to find one.

batman47

Suspension matters:

While inspecting the Outlander for the occasional damages to the underneath I found out that the rear suspension design is that the shock absorber is outside the coil spring and both rest in independent bases. I suspect that this is an old rear suspension design.

Going to Japanese Outlander (year 2008) information sold in Japan the rear suspension assemblage seems to be more modern technology, I think, because the shock absorber is inside the coil spring and both rest in only one base. This layout is very similar to what is called Macpherson suspension usually located in the front of the car (see attached).
Could someone elaborate on this finding or are we being sold substandard suspension outlanders in the USA?

http://www.carspace.com/batman47/Albums/batman47%27s%20Album/outlander08-suspens- ion.jpg/page/photo.html#pic

olliexls2007

Major torque on even semi-quick (normal for me) starts with fromt wheel drive..gets quite hairy. I used to run 4WD nearly all the time until they told me to use it only in deep snow, sugar sand , etc..

jrcola

Hi Batman47,

I too have noticed the discrepancy in the Outlander’s rear suspension from what you see in the brochures, and what you get in the actual vehicles. After a recent test drive, I saw a bit of the spare tire below the rear bumper, and I wanted to verify if it was a full size spare or the thinner space saver type. As I was down there I noticed that on this 2009 V6 XLS the shock absorber was beside the spring just like yours. I asked the sales manager if this is the suspension type in the fully loaded Outlanders., and if they’ve been that way since 2008. His answer was yes to both, but had no answer to why it does not look like the one in the brochures for both 2008,and 2009.

I then went to another dealer on my way to work, and spoke with the service department staff, and they said that the Outlander is a “WORLD” car. That the models we receive here in N.A are the same as what they get in Japan, and the rest of the world. So I asked why again does the suspension in the actual V6 equipped model not match the brochure, and their best answer was that “different models have different suspensions”. This dealer had a much larger inventory of Outlanders, so I took a quick peak at a few models and voila I saw the different types.

It seems that the 4 cylinder AWD model has the rear suspension that is displayed in the brochures, with the spring/shock being one unit. Once you go to the V6 AWD model you get the other type. Now I must admit that I did this quickly as I was doing this on my way to work.

I couldn’t verify 100% that the suspension that we see in the brochures is the one that I saw under a few 4 cylinder AWD models, but I can confirm that it has the spring/shock as one unit. I pointed out my findings to the service staff, and they seemed to act like they knew that all along, and confirmed that the rear suspension in the V6 AWD is “Sport Tuned” and is going to give a stiffer/rougher ride then the 4 cylinder AWD rear suspension.

The same diagram we are referring to is much larger in the 2008 brochure than in the 2009, and if you look at it closely you can tell that the V6 engine is actually a drawing superimposed onto a real picture of a suspension. What that suspension was from is still a question to me. It looks more sophisticated like it has a wishbone type rear suspension. A suspension I still have to verify exists in any Outlander model.

feroz

I just love the ride on the 4 cyl 2009 outlanders. I´m thinking about getting a 6 cyl XLS BUT with the 16 inch wheels. This because I noticed the 6 cyl to drive quite harsher. I assume BOTH suspensions are basicaly the sme and the ride is afected because of the wheels is this so? Is the XLS suspension Sport tuned and diffrent from the 4 cyl?

Thanks!