I have owned by IX MR since 2007 - bought it new from a dealer. It is my DD and I love it (just turned 50,000 miles). At the end of 2011, I got the dreaded three lights, and had the ACD pump replaced under warranty. Fast forward almost 5 years to the day (about 8 weeks ago), the three lights appeared. Has anyone else had to replace their ACD pump twice? Why did Mitsubishi extended the ACD pump warranty for the X but not the IX? Debating whether to replace now that it is out of warranty, as I know I'll have to do it again in another 5 years. Other than the ACD pump, I have never had a problem with the car. I am thinking about writing a letter to Mitsu Cars NA - but I am sure that will be a waste of time. I'd rather rant and complain here...

 

I'm trying to avoid that problem by not driving the car much in the winter especially when the roads are covered in salt. I wish someone could make a part that covers it up so it's hidden from the elements. I don't have the skills or tools to relocate it to the trunk. I've contemplated swapping out for a non-acd trans and upgraded front lsd.

 

Maybe have ER rebuild it?

 

all new pumps will corrode... it will happen as the OE pump has zero corrosion protection..

basically all that you have to do to protect it is

1. when you overhaul it, use lots of heavy grease on contact points between pump sections and between the solenoid and pump body
2. spray on some heavy lubricant that comes in a spray.. so that it gets into finer sections..


it is dead simple but the mitsu pump suppliers were stupid when designing it..

 

I was in the same boat - I had to shell out $1300 at the dealer for a new one a few years back. I have 130,000 mile on mine, and I've had zero issues with the car except for the ACD pump.

After I installed the new one, I built a simple plastic shield to help protect it from the front:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...-elements.html

I also spray the pump down with Boeshield every fall to help fight off corrosion during the winter. Although not an elegant solution, it seems to help.

Agreed - for a component that is exposed to harsh elements it has very poor corrosion protection.

 

Detroit - no issues with overheating the pump (given that the shield stops the airflow)?

 

The pump motor only comes on periodically. On the JDM Evos, the pump is behind the rear axle of the car, so I highly doubt the pump needs any airflow to keep it cool.

 

Thx!

 

Do you feel a difference from it being good to when it went bad?

 

When my ACD pump went bad I honestly couldn't tell any difference, but I mostly just drive my Evo on the street.

I'm not an expert on how the system works, but I'm assuming with a faulty ACD pump your center differential will never lock (the pump builds pressure in the accumulator and 'locks' the center differential).

There's several explanations of how the system functions on the web:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...everybody.html

 

If I ever cross the bridge of a failed ACD pump, I would like to delete it & get an EVO 8 T-case (simplicity / one of the reasons why I embrace my RS)

 

On paper, I think the ACD T-case is a superior unit compared to the non-ACD T-case.

However, due to the terrible corrosion protection of the ACD pump, I'd agree that that the simpler, non-ACD T-case is the more robust unit (at least for those of us that don't live in dry climates).

@MinusPrevious - since you're in SoCal, chances are your pump will never fail. From what I've seen, nearly all failures are from corrosion due to harsh environmental conditions (moisture / snow / salt).

 

^^^Well Said

In my particular case, My ACD does not see the rain, gravel or snow. Would rather have a robust LSD & a built TC by TRE

 

A non functioning ACD creates a huge change in how the car handles.

 

it all comes down to salt on the road.. nothing else..

as for performance.. ACD will be felt in all instances where you are driving on the edge of adhesion... ACD cars have less understeer and change direction better.. It really does work all the time