Overview
The Acura SLX is equipped with a fully independent double-wishbone suspension system in front and a multilink/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 Antilock 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 sports sedan.
Front Suspension
The front wheels are located by unequal-length upper and lower control arms; wheel travel is a generous 7 5 in. The suspension geometry is optimized to precisely control wheel camber throug the full range of suspension 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 solid rear axle is located by a four-member multilink 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 Iateral 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 in.
Braking System
Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard. Ventilated discs are used to withstand the rigor 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" in diameter; the rear discs are larger to accommodate a drum-type emergency brake within.
Antilock Braking System
A three-channel, four-wheel Antilock Braking System(ABS) system is standard on the SLX. Designed to work in both two-wheel and four-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 on 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 vehicle braking system to operate normally.
Wheels and Tires
To reduce unsprung weight and enhance handling control, the SLX is equipped with 7.0 JJ x 16-in cast-aluminum wheels. The wheels have a six-spoke design with a machined finish. Tires are P24/70R16 tubeless mud-and-snow rated All Season radials. The tires were specifically designed for the SLX, with a tread design that offers low rolling resistance, quiet operation, high mileage performance on the highway and excellent offroad 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 offroad 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.