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.

Can you share a picture of the bolts in question?

Clunking in your suspension could also be lower ball joint or swaybar links.

This time, Honda took care of us and made service caps.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b87270f0e8.png

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.