[Dnick]

I had a few questions regarding some minor issues I've been having with my RL. I have a 2009 RTS with about 136,000 miles and haven't had any problems up until now. Even now they are relatively minor.

I just had my timing belt replaced (yes at 136,000 miles ), water pump, etc. and noticed that after the replacement there's a slight whirring sound under acceleration. They also replaced serpentine belt, so figured maybe it's the new belt slightly tighter?

I'd be checking this out.... you should not have picked up any new "whirring" sounds. It's possible that your TB tensioner might not have been installed correctly, or there is also some instance of TBs rubbing the side of the belt) on some engines.... a TSB is out there that requires a shim to be installed.

I also have an issue with a rattling or clicking under heavy acceleration at all rpm's. I've checked for anything loose in the intake, airbox screws, heat shields (found missing screw in rear heat shield) but noise was still there.

Have you checked the Catalytic converter heat shields (@ exhaust manifold). They are a common problem for a metalic rattling under acceleration or at certain speeds (vibration frequencies).

Recently I put on Goodyear Futera tires due to cupping in the rear and found a leak in my rear right strut, will be replacing the entire shock assemblies in the rear soon (OEM parts). My question is the dealer overinflated the tires to around 45psi, and that with the strut leaking the handling was horrible, especially over bumps on the freeway. I checked the sway bar links and all seems good, nothing loose. Is there anything else I should look for when replacing the shock assemblies? Thx!!

If you handling is "horrible", you should make sure you don't need shocks at the front as well. But be sure you checked all four corners for sway bar end links.... they are a much more common failure; even though usual symptoms reported have been clunky noise.... not "horrible" handling. I'm thinking maybe the "horrible" aspect of the handling is just because of the relative imbalance of suspension support, given you have just the one bad shock. I'd suggest you go with just the shocks (& certainly have them inspect the rear links while they're under there), and see how things are with that, before you worry about additional possibilities. You'll likely be fine. Good move getting the entire assembly IMO.