If a clicking, tapping or ticking noise is heard from the right rear wheelwell area of a 2009-20012 Acura TL, the probable cause is insufficient clearance between the right rear inner wheelwell stiffener and the wheelwell arch. The noise may be evident while driving at 20 to 45 mph over short bumps or uneven road surfaces.
The fix involves increasing this clearance and applying seam sealer between the two surfaces.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
3M Ultrapro Urethane Seam Sealer P/N 051135-08360
Open the trunk and remove the tool box spacer. Detach the clips and release the hooks and tabs by pulling up on the trunk rear trim panel and remove the panel.
Partially remove the trunk lid weatherstrip by pulling it off as needed.
Detach the clips and release the Velcro fasteners, then remove the trunk front trim panel.
Detach the clips and remove the cargo hook buttons, then remove the right trunk side trim panel.
Reach through the diamond-shaped access hole and force a flat-tipped screwdriver or a pick between the inner wheelwell stiffener and the wheelwell arch.
Separate the two panels to create a slight gap. Be careful not to separate the two spot welds.
Test drive the vehicle to make sure that the noise is gone before sealing the gap.
Apply 3M Ultrapro Urethane Seam Sealer to the gap between the inner wheelwell stiffener and the wheelwell arch.
Reinstall the right side trim panel, the front trim panel and the trunk lid weatherstrip.
