psteng19

I have about 60k miles on my car and taking corners doesn't feel as inspiring as it used to.
Also, around 10-20k miles ago, it developed a clunking sound (rear suspension) whenever going over bumps and has gotten worse.

I think it's time to get them replaced but somehow, it seems too early.
Acura wouldn't touch it because I had a Progress RSB on it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Here's a little test.
go to the rear, push down on the trunk. does it bounce, or is it stiff?
now go to the front. push down on the hood, does it bounce or is it stiff?

renedcruz

iTrader: (8)

If it's stiff, what does it mean?
If it bounces, what does it mean?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

bounce = no good.

you want it to be stiff.

Simba91102

I replaced the shocks in the 05 early, but that was because I went to Koni's. My wife's 07 has over 100K miles on it with the OE suspension and it still rides fine. I've read that Honda equips the Acura's with high quality shocks, and I guess I'm curious about other's experiences with the OE suspension. The rear clunking sound you mention could be an end link. The OE ones are not particularly up to job (in my opinion) for use with an aftermarket rear sway bar. Moog makes some great replacements, and they're cheap too (like $20 a piece).

huludicidal

If it's clunking AND not taking corners well, I'd say you have a broken or loose sway bar end link.

psteng19

Thanks. You guys mean this?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...e&apwidh9cSTAN
Says $47 per.

limeybstrd

I wouldnt press down on any body panels unless you want dings in your hood and fenders.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^are you superman????

I perform the test all the time, and i never have any dings in my hood or trunk.
basically you're checking to see if your shocks are blown.
you'll get a very bouncy front end, if they are.

limeybstrd

Perhaps a little heavy handed. However the panels on modern cars are very thin. You probably wont notice the dings until you polish the car up and look at a certain angle.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I actually just bought a PC7424XP with optimum polish II with orange and white pads and detailed my car Halloween weekend, I didnt see any dings or dents. but agree some of the panels are weak! the paint is super soft as well. but this is another issue.

OP hope you figure out your problem!!

Simba91102

Those are the ones, but Rock Auto (rockauto.com) has them for $19.97 each.

BonzoAPD

How many miles should they last? How much should they cost installed?

GWEEDOspeedo

I'm at about 68K with my '05 and while some mild cornering feels a little week, the ride is still feels generally good. I drive on a lot of country/back-roads that don't get the best maintenance and I can't always prevent hitting potholes.

The end-links are a good idea to check. Thanks as well for suggesting those.

BonzoAPD

I was just quoted $520 for the rear struts installed. They would be Monroes with a lifetime warranty. The breakdown is $200 per strut and $60 labor per strut. Does this sound right? Should I go for it or keep looking?

GWEEDOspeedo

Ask if you can provide your own struts and have them only do installation. At least one of our sponsored dealers (nameless so they can make their own plug) have Tokico's ... rears for $72/ea. & fronts for $82/ea.

psteng19

Too much for OEM replacement struts.

psteng19

Thank you!!!

Simba91102

I agree that $200 for an OE type replacement shock is high. Plus..... a problem with replacing just the shock is that the shock/spring unit has to be disassembled and the OE spring re-installed on the new shock (I consider the OE units coilovers, but I was scolded for making this assumption, though I can't remember why. As far as I'm concerned, if it looks like a duck and acts likes a duck..... it's a duck). This is labor intensive and can actually rival the cost of just buying 4 new coilovers (if you replace all 4 that is). You can do better. Check on some of the suspension suggestions here (the site), and check the vendors for what's available. Also, Tire Rack has an installer database that's includes installers in various locations based on your zip code. I've found it very handy.

Simba91102

They're not really a wear item and should last...... well there doesn't seem to be too many failures based on what isn't reported here (my wife's 07 has over 100K miles on it and the end links still look fine)(I replaced the rear brake pads recently and checked them while I was working in the area). But there have been posts on problems with OE end links and aftermarket sway bars. I have no idea what it might cost to have them replaced. It's not a tough job with the right tools and some patience. It's much harder to remove the OE ones due to the fasteners used than it is to install the new ones. One of the advantages of the replacements (the Moog ones anyway) is that they're much easier to install.

afici0nad0

both my front OEM struts blew no more than a few weeks after swapping all four corners back to OEM from coilovers.

it's weird, because the OEM front can't have anymore than 30,000kms on them.

I was running H&R coilovers for 3 years during all 4 seasons, and never had a problem with them.

feuss2

iTrader: (1)

this sounds like an iteration of some test that can't really be used to make a conclusion about modern suspension.

this barely tests the low speed damping, and is not a test of high speed damping at all, which impacts ride and handling.