Hey everyone I have 13 RDX, I need to change my front struts out. Outside of factory replacements what are your experiences with aftermarket. Looking at factory level or better as I tend to be a more...let’s just say spirited driver. However I don’t want to lose ride quality and have an absolutely stiff suspension. Looking to find that happy medium.

 

To be honest I would go with OEM. You get the peace and mind, plus you already know what to expect from them performance-wise.

 

There are no alternative replacements for front struts on the 2013 RDX. There were no "assemblies" available nearby either, so I essentially had to pay $900 in parts and labor to get them replaced.

 

On my old 1999 Honda CR-V that I bought new and replaced all 4 original struts at 118,171 miles (front) and 119,783 miles (rear) with KYB aftermarket, I was definitely not impressed. OK, so they weren't Motons, but the old stock shocks were better than the new KYBs. You would think original shocks at that mileage were toast, but they were still good.

I was going to suggest Koni FSD, but they make nothing for an RDX. And I doubt you want to spend $2000+ on suspension on a daily driver SUV.

 

Are the struts hard to replace or are they on par with a 'typical' replacement? One of my shocks is leaking so I need to replace.

 

They look a lot like those on my old Honda CR-V. I have replaced a few struts in my 40+ years. All basically the same and a no-brainer to replace. The toughest part and it depends on the vehicle, are the corroded fasteners if you run into those. These appear to be a bolt & nut type. If you snap them, who cares, replace them. Then you have the nut on the sway-bar link.

You'll likely need coil spring compressors.

 

I've done a few on older cars, but wasn't sure if there was new fangled magic stuff on the RDX. I'm fairly mechanically inclined with a ton of tools.

 

Could not be easier...

 

That's super awesome, thank you! I just got done doing rears on a Subaru, and this looks nearly as easy!

Does it make sense to purchase new parts from the dealer vs from Autozone or something? I love this car and don't want to put garbage parts in. Do I need to do both, too?

Thanks for your help, I appreciate you taking the time!

 

I use factory parts for a good reason. They last and work just like the ones that wore out over the years. I used to buy jobbers when I had a beater in school and they are usually junk parts. Of course you can buy upper end aftermarket as well. Replace what need replacing. Check Acura on-line like Bernardi and some others.

 

This is what I'm trying to avoid. I haven't had my car long and it's now out of warranty. So I'm figuring out where to get parts and such that aren't garbage! Thanks again for the help

 

I ended up buying OEM struts and getting them swapped out. What a big difference!