Acura TL Repair Manual 1999-2008 - Chilton

This DIY Chilton repair manual covers 1998-2008 Acura TL automobiles, U.S. and Canadian models equipped with electronic fuel ignition, transversely-mounted V6 engines.
Book Excerpt: 1999-2008 Acura TL Repair Manual... GENERAL ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES

PISTONS AND CONNECTING RODS | REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION REMOVAL
(Refer to Illustrations 9.1, 9.3 and 9.4) NOTE: Prior to removing the piston/connecting rod assemblies, remove the cylinder heads and oil pan. (see Chapter 2A).

1. Use you fingernail to feel if a ridge has formed at the upper limit of ring travel (about 1/4-inch down from the top of each cylinder). If carbon deposits or cylinder wear have produced ridges, they must be completely removed with a special tool (see illustration). Follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the tool. Failure to remove the ridges before attempting to remove the piston/connecting rod assemblies may result in piston breakage.
2. After the cylinder ridges have been removed, turn the engine so the crankshaft is facing up. Remove the baffle plate.
3. Before the connecting rods are removed, check the connecting rod end play with feeler gauges. Slide them between the first connecting rod and the crankshaft throw until the play is removed (see illustration). Repeat this procedure for each connecting rod. The endplay is equal to the thickness of the feeler gauge(s). Check with an automotive machine shop for the endplay service limit (a typical endplay should measure between 0.005 to 0.015 inch [0.127 to 0.396 mm]). If the play exceeds the service limit, new connecting rods will be required. If new rods (or a new crankshaft) are installed, the endplay may fall under the minimum allowable. If it does, the rods will have to be machined to restore it. If necessary, consult an automotive machine shop for advice.
4. Check the connecting rods and caps for identification marks. If they aren't plainly marked, use paint or a marker (see illustration) to clearly identify each rod and cap (1,2,3 etc., depending on the cylinder they're associated with).
CAUTION! Do not use a punch and hammer to mark the connecting rods or they may be damaged.
5. Loosen each of the connecting rod cap bolts 1/2-turn at a time until they can be removed by hand.
NOTE: New connecting rod cap bolts must be used when reassembling the engine, but save old bolts for use when checking the connecting rod bearing oil clearance.
6. Remove the number one connecting rod cap and bearing insert. Don't drop the bearing insert out of the cap.

CLUTCH AND DRIVELINE

INTERMEDIATE SHAFT | REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION REMOVAL

1. Remove the front portion of the exhaust system (see Chapter 4), then remove the right drive axle (see Section 10).
2. Remove the exhaust pipe heat shield and mounting bracket.
3. Remove the three bearing support-to-engine block bolts and slide the intermediate shaft out of the transaxle. Be careful not to damage the transaxle seal when pulling the shaft out.
4. Check the support bearing for smooth operation by turning the shaft while holding the bearing. If it feels rough or sticky it should be replaced. Take it to a dealer service department or other repair shop, as special tools are needed to perform this job.
INSTALLATION
5. Lubricate the lips of the transaxle seal with multi-purpose grease. Carefully guide the intermediate shaft into the transaxle side gear, then install the mounting bolts through the bearing support. Tighten the bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter's Specifications.
6. The remainder of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

DRIVE AXLE BOOT | REPLACEMENT

NOTE: If the CV joints are worn, indicating a need for an overhaul (usually due to torn boots), explore all options before beginning the job. Complete rebuilt drive axles are available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work. If you decide to rebuild a CV joint, check on the cost and availability of parts before disassembling the drive axle. INNER CV JOINT

1. Remove the drive axle (see Section 10).
2. Mount the drive axle in a vise with wood-lined jaws, to prevent damage to the axle shaft. Check the CV joints foe excessive play in the radial direction, which indicates worn parts. Check for smooth operation throughout the full range of motion for each CV joint. If a boot is torn, the recommended procedure is to disassemble the joint, clean the components and inspect for damage due to loss of lubrication and possible contamination by foreign matter. If the CV joint is in good condition, lubricate it with CV joint grease and install a new boot. DISASSEMBLY
   (Refer to illustrations 12.4a, 12.4b, 12.5, 12.6 and 12.7)
3. Cut the boot clamps with side-cutters, then remove and discard them. continued...

Subject: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Acura TL service, maintenance, repair. ISBN-10: 1563927578 | ISBN-13: 9781563927577 | Chilton 10308