2011 MDX Advance has been making some creaking noises. Took to dealer to get diagnosed, and they came back with:

Front shock is likely culprit (not sure), but $1100 to replace.

They also said rear shocks are showing signs of leaking. $700 each to replace.

53000 miles on the car.


Thoughts ? (other than burn it to the ground).



Thanks

 

Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura



acuraoemparts.com which is a authorized dealership in Delray, Florida shows #8,9 (right and left respectively) listed for $154.40

your dealer is asking for roughly ~$950 in labor.

that doesnt sound fun. at all.

 

rear shocks:
Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura



#2 is $96.45

 

Are those the "normal" shocks ?. This is an Advance with the fancy shocks.

Funny, I looked in this site and the prices were pretty much inline with the dealer.

 

good catch!

let me see, hang on.

 

#8,9 - $587.76

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#2 - $619.78

Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura

 

^so, the fancy Advance shocks are more in-line with what your dealer is charging you.

however; are you not under warranty!?

 

Regardless, those prices are outrageous. Maybe get a quote from an independent garage.

 

I would talk to the dealership to see if they could goodwill or give you a discount since you are just a tiny bit out of warranty. I would also check with more than one dealership if they are within few hours of your location. You can also check into non-Acura Care warranties and double-check they will cover magnetic shocks/strut (hint, hint: Then you can make a claim down the road )


You can convert all 4 corners to traditional tech/base model suspension for the price/labor of doing one shock. There are quite a few folks that have done this because the magnetic shocks/struts can fail at anytime. I had to replace my front passenger magnetic shock at 35,000 miles. I went ahead and got an Acura Care extended warranty for $2400 until 120,000 miles only because of the shocks.

 

So when I went to pick up the car, the story changed......they said the front is "a little weak", but there was no reason to expect it not to last a couple of years "at least". As for the back, they said "there seems to be a little bit of moisture / dirt on the shock which can be a sign that it is starting to leak".

So now I am at a complete loss.


How complicated is the conversion to "normal" shocks ?.

I am going to call Acura directly and see what they can do for me. The car is 6 months and 3K miles out of warranty.

 

sounds like the dealership is toying with you.

get a second opinion from an independent shop.

 

Called Acura Customer Sat. They said go back to the dealer and ask them to bring in / work with a district rep to see if anything can be worked out.

 

Word of advice... Do your homework and be sure to let them know you are knowledgeable to keep them on their toes. If you don't know, they will tell you anything. Being informed is your greatest weapon.

I bought my CPO MDX from another dealer, but get it serviced at a closer one. They tried to recommend a bunch of work on my first service with them and I informed the rep that this vehicle is CPO purchased 2 months ago. Then he basically said, disregard all what I said because it's already taken care of then... Seriously???

 

Yeah, I get that crap all the time about things like air filters. Just yesterday they hit me up again, and I actually waited for them to indicate on the system that it was done by me so they stop asking.

 

Update: dealer called and said Acura will cover all 3 shocks and I am on the hook for just $200.

 

lots of folks on another board have toyed with the conversion. You have to wire in some resistors and leave the car in comfort mode and you can use regular shocks

 

Nice, glad Acura is taking care of you. I am bringing in my wife's X for similar suspension noises.

i could never see myself replacing the magnetic shocks. I am impressed how the sport mode allows this size vehicle feel more planted on turns. obviously, we're not talking about hairpin turns here but on/off ramps with windy roads i love the response.

 

Well, Acura did step up, and one front and both rears were replaced on their dime. Can't say I am unhappy, but I am concerned that 3 of 4 shocks failed at 52K miles.