Help: Front Struts - 2016 RDX

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 21, 2025 | 04:02 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
10th Gear
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, Ontario
Question Help: Front Struts - 2016 RDX

Hi - how do I get to the top three strut bolts on the 2016 RDX? I read I need to remove wipers and plastic covers, like a whole lot more intricate vs. a earlier year where it's just a panel.

Is there an easier way?

I've got major clunking and I can't see an issue with any bushings so I'm assuming struts. Any other ideas?

Finally - does someone have the service manual for this? I couldn't find in any threads. Got loads of other docs but not Struts job.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2025 | 07:12 AM
  #2  
EasyLoveRDX's Avatar
Pro
5 Year Member
Photoriffic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 615
Likes: 154
From: Lowell MA
Can you share a picture of the bolts in question?

Clunking in your suspension could also be lower ball joint or swaybar links.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2025 | 05:51 PM
  #3  
altair47's Avatar
Three Wheelin'
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 577
This time, Honda took care of us and made service caps.

Reply
Old Dec 22, 2025 | 08:15 PM
  #4  
Thread Starter
10th Gear
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, Ontario
That’s it

I didn’t realize at the time of posting how easy it was, I actually went back out to the car and it was a matter of just pushing on the tabs outer rings, not inside.


Originally Posted by altair47
This time, Honda took care of us and made service caps.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2026 | 06:08 AM
  #5  
ronvanr's Avatar
Instructor
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 12
From: Silver Spring, MD
Did you replace the strut or strut assembly? I'd prefer to replace the strut assembly and am looking for a good one. If I replace the strut, then I'll go with KYB.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2026 | 01:40 PM
  #6  
EasyLoveRDX's Avatar
Pro
5 Year Member
Photoriffic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 615
Likes: 154
From: Lowell MA
Originally Posted by ronvanr
Did you replace the strut or strut assembly? I'd prefer to replace the strut assembly and am looking for a good one. If I replace the strut, then I'll go with KYB.
KYB has a pre-assembled coilover line called strut plus.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2026 | 09:27 PM
  #7  
Thread Starter
10th Gear
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, Ontario
I haven't replaced, I still need to complete my diagnostic. If I do I'll likely go with pre-assembled. I have not interest in fiddling with coil springs.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2026 | 03:45 PM
  #8  
ronvanr's Avatar
Instructor
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 12
From: Silver Spring, MD
I just watched a Royalty Auto Service video on You Tube. The mechanic of course recommended KYB or Bilstein struts, but he also said for the DIY person - the FCS strut assembly is a good choice. He also recommended installing new sway bar links that attach to the struts when you swap them out. Take it for what it's worth.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2026 | 09:52 PM
  #9  
Thread Starter
10th Gear
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, Ontario
I’m in the midst of replacing sway bar links. According to garage I took it to they said struts are fine it’s just sway bar links.

I’m going with Sankei 555 for fronts and Acura OEM for rears. If I do end up replacing struts in summer I’m doing KYB.

I already did one sway bar tonight, driver side rear,
in -15 degrees Celsius. Lots of rust so I used vise grip on the inner ring to hold it tight while I wrenched the nut off. Took way way too long to find the solution. For the top I simply ripped off the end bar, double vise gripped the ball, wrenched off enough to get a Dremel cutting disc in the gap and cut it off the ball side. Top took about 15 mins. Putting the new bar on took like 10 minutes. Only one frozen digit, it’s thawed after about 10 minutes in the house.


Originally Posted by ronvanr
I just watched a Royalty Auto Service video on You Tube. The mechanic of course recommended KYB or Bilstein struts, but he also said for the DIY person - the FCS strut assembly is a good choice. He also recommended installing new sway bar links that attach to the struts when you swap them out. Take it for what it's worth.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2026 | 07:00 AM
  #10  
Enhale's Avatar
10th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
Recently replaced front struts with FCS assembly, the are great. Ride is smooth and stable. Previously had KYB struts which were also good but firmer than the FCS.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MJH511
2G RDX Tires, Wheels & Suspension
5
Jul 7, 2023 01:23 PM
D Monroe
2G RDX (2013-2018)
18
Mar 30, 2022 07:44 PM
XDR3102
2G RDX Problems & Fixes
3
Dec 25, 2018 09:40 PM
NeoGeoH
2G RDX (2013-2018)
1
Nov 5, 2018 06:26 AM
FreshMeat
1G RDX Tires, Wheels & Suspension
2
Mar 16, 2016 07:41 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:51 PM.