Longskate87

My 2004 TSX is finally aging (looks brand new, but apparently suspension wears after 13 year...)

I got a quote today, and my shop said they wanted to replace all this stuff - which would you say are most important for comfort? I drive like a grandma so performance isn't an issue:

1) Both lower control arms - $650

2) Both lower ball joints - $350

3) Struts - $450

4) Engine mounts (weak, not broken) - $500

Plus misc. stuff like bump stops, tax, etc. Again, if anyone can help me determine which of these items are most important, I could use some help. If it's all critical, I'll start looking into a new car.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

every single component is important.
if one thing is broken, it can lead to other things that are broken. and probably why you're in this DEEP.

IF I had to pick and choose, it would be the ball joint and lower control arm! that will give you back nice steering. your steering is probably chit!!

Longskate87

I think they're going overkill on the recommendations - the tech drove my car, and noticed a clunking on the left side over bumps. As such, he said "replace everything" - potentially I could just do this work on the driver's side?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

a ride along isnt confirmation. the tech needs to lift the vehicle and actually INSPECT components. I thought that's how he came up with the recommendations...but if all he did was ride along...then I agree.. OVERKILL

if car was inspected; you will see ball joints and lower control arm bushing DEAD/BROKEN/BEAT TO HELL. it will be cracked and not supporting anything.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

A few comments/questions:

• How many miles on the car?
• What is your typical driving environment like? Lots of stop and go? Lots of poorly maintained roads?
• The thing is, many shops recommend suspension components when they aren't really needed; that's how they manage to lighten your wallet more than they should.
• Long story short, it is time for a second opinion.

True story, a friend of mine, who happens to be the Mayor of a fairly large and affluent town in the San Francisco Bay area took her Lexus into her dealership for an oil change; in addition to everything your shop told you, she was told the brakes at all four corners required discs, pads, and calipers as well as four new tires. I told her to take it to a shop in a different town where she isn't known; the second shop said not a single item on the list was necessary, but she would need one tire replaced within a year.

Longskate87

Thanks, you're right I should get a second opinion - I've trusted the shop for years, but it seems they're just recommending everything instead of focusing on the critical parts.

BROlando

You probably just need sway bar links.

How many miles on the car?

Longskate87

Ended up doing the lower control arms and related bushings, which helped a lot. There's still a minor pogo stick feeling on the passenger side, probably due to that strut being more worn out than the driver's side. I have 230,000 miles on it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

again, mileage is funny. some components are lifetime components and others go bad shortly after the vehicle comes off the assembly line.
inspect and assess the shocks! if bad, replace!

Longskate87

Struts definitely seem like the next logical step since I can tell at least one is noticeably bad when driving. Should I go OEM or is there another cheaper comfort-oriented option?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i would always go OEM.
aftermarket companies do not spend nearly as much R&D as Honda does.

BROlando

^That is correct. The most simple, most proven solution is to buy assemblies from Acura. Bernardiparts or Curry Acura should have decent enough pricing.

If you plan on keeping the car indefinitely, Acura genuine may be your best bet.

If you're planning on only another 50K mile run...then KYB strut plus assemblies are a cheap alternative whose quality isn't bad at all.

Koni and Bilstein are a good aftermarket option...and the ride may improve as compared to stock. But the rust proofing is pretty awful. And you'll need to transfer all your components over.