OVERVIEW
The Acura SLX is equipped with a fully independent
double-wishbone
suspension system in front, and a multi-link/live-axle
configuration
at the rear. Solid steel stabilizer bars are used at both the front
and the rear. The SLX is also equipped with ventilated disc
brakes
and a standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) at all four
wheels.
Steering is accomplished by a recirculating ball variable-assist
power steering system, selected for its ability to insulate the
driver from harshness and kickback during off-road driving. The
overall goal in suspension design and tuning was to provide
smooth,
compliant and highly controllable handling over uneven terrain,
while
retaining the fluid ride and crisp highway response of a sports
sedan.
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front wheels are located by unequal-length upper and lower
control arms; wheel travel is a generous 7.5 inches. The
suspension
geometry is optimized to precisely control wheel chamber
through the
full range of travel, for excellent overall handling and control
under braking. Springing is accomplished by longitudinal torsion
bars, chosen because of their compact layout and lower center
of
mass. These are connected to the lower control arms. Twin-tube
hydraulic shock absorbers, tuned for both highway and
off-highway
use, are used at each wheel.
REAR SUSPENSION
The rear solid axle is located by a four-member multi-link
system.
Two tubular trailing links maintain axle position under
acceleration
and braking. A tubular, longitudinal center link connects to the
top
of the axle housing; its primary function is to resist rotational
forces imparted to the axle under acceleration and braking. And
a
long lateral rod provides added lateral stability and precise
alignment under cornering loads and over rough roads. Coil
springs
and tubular hydraulic shock absorbers deliver a smooth, yet
responsive ride. Rear wheel travel is a full 7.5 inches.
BRAKING SYSTEM
Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard.
Ventilated discs are used to withstand the rigors of rough
off-highway use, as well as the high thermal loads encountered
when
towing heavy boats or trailers. Front discs are 11.0" in diameter;
rear discs are 12.3" across; the rear discs are larger to
accommodate
a drum-type emergency brake within.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
A three-channel, four-wheel ABS system is standard on the SLX.
Designed to work in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, the ABS
system
enhances steering control during hard braking. Speed sensors
at each
wheel send signals to the ABS control module. If the system
detects
impending wheel lockup, it first holds, then reduces hydraulic
pressure to the affected wheel, letting the wheel regain traction
before full braking resumes. The ABS function is also effective
on
split-friction surfaces, in which one side of the vehicle has
significantly less traction than the other. In the highly unlikely
event of an ABS failure, a warning light appears on the
dashboard. In
such a case, the control module cancels the ABS function,
allowing
the standard braking system to operate normally. For 1998, the
system
has been further refined to enhance braking performance.
WHEELS AND TIRES
To reduce unsprung weight and enhance handling precision, the
SLX is
equipped with 7.0JJ x 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels. The
wheels have a
new six-spoke design with a machined finish. Tires are
P245/70R16
tubeless mud-and-snow rated All Season radials. The tires were
specifically designed for the vehicle, with a highway tread design
which offers low rolling resistance, quiet operation, high mileage
performance and excellent off-road traction. A matching full-size
spare tire and wheel comes mounted to the rear door.
COMPONENT PROTECTION
For optimum protection of vital powertrain and chassis
components
during rough off-road use, the SLX is equipped with four different
skid plates. These guard the transfer case, the shift-on-the-fly
mechanism, the fuel tank and the radiator from rocks and other
obstacles. The SLX skid plates and under-chassis design offers
significantly better component protection than many of its SUV
competitors.
OVERVIEW
The Acura SLX is built on a separate box-section steel
ladder-type
frame, with seven cross members for optimum rigidity and
durability.
All exterior body panels are stamped from 100% double-coated
galvanized steel, for excellent long-term corrosion resistance.
Exterior panels are coated with a nine-step paint and coating
process, which includes a zinc-phosphate coating on both the
inner
and outer surface of each panel.
BOX-SECTION STEEL FRAME
Unlike many other SUVs which use open, "U" channel frame
members, the
SLX frame rails are completely enclosed. This makes the frame
stronger and much more rigid, in both bending and torsion, and
also
aids in corrosion resistance. Designed-in "crumple zones" are
configured to help absorb energy in severe front and rear
impacts,
helping to protect the rigid passenger cabin from distortion. In
all,
the structure of the SLX is designed to be the basis of a rugged,
durable and highly secure on- and off-highway vehicle.
CHASSIS-BODY ISOLATION
To isolate the body and interior from road noise, vibration and
harshness, specially tuned isolation bushings are used
between the
frame and the stamped-steel body structure. These bushings,
used in
14 different locations, are designed to react in both tension and
compression, helping to damp out unwanted noise and
vibration.