Has anyone used the FCS loaded front strut assemblies on the 2G RDX? How do they compare to OEM? They would clearly make the job much easier than buying the strut and swapping them out with the existing springs, but I don’t want to cheap out and need to do the job twice. Thanks!

 

I’m also wondering if anybody has used this because I am in need of new front struts and this is pretty much the only available option for complete strut assembly.

 

Oh man I was literally just about to make a thread on this. Apparently I need new struts as well for the front end. My driver side is leaking. Tbh, I had no idea I even needed them until someone pointed out to me while I was getting inspected for a stupid clanging noise (issue resolved btw) Car seems to drive fine and not shaky or bouncy. Couldn't tell a difference, really.

My mechanic says there's a backorder on the KYB (which is OEM). Front left is available but I think the front right is out of stock and he wouldn't get an update for another few days, even through his connections apparently. I looked on Rock Auto as well and saw the same ones you're pointing out and it's the whole assembly (which would be easier for sure to install) but I wasn't sure if that brand was any good.

So, do I hold off until the KYB's come back and reinstall them on my old springs/assembly or just purchase the full FCS assembly? Wonder if they're any good? Also anyone know if the rubber bellows are reusable? Or are we supposed to purchase those as well when doing the struts? I think my mechanic says one of mine is torn but I think it just moved up or something... I could be wrong though 😅

 

Did you ever replace your RDX front struts??
Thanks,
Ralph

 

Yeah I did. I went with the KYB struts only. My mechanic just replaced it and kept my original springs/assembly.

I bought some bump stops and rubber bellows from Rock Auto and it did not fit at all. I think the bump stops did but the rubber bellows definitely did not. I was super upset but in the end I was over it.

There are some in the auto community that say it's not a big deal. I live in socal so I don't drive in dirt or mud. And it also doesn't rain much at all so I think I'll be fine. My mechanic was able to salvage one of them while the other was ripped but he kept it on anyways.

You reminded me to check my struts now lol. Good luck.

 

Thanks!
I agree you barely know a strut is shot on this car. The springs must be super heavy duty. I have 97K and an Acura mechanic told me one was leaking back at 93K. I notice it bottoms out on bad bumps, but it's not drastic so I'm like eh... but, I don't want to stress the spring anymore... so, it's time to bite the bullet. I bought my 2014 RDX new ten years ago this coming October. Best car I've ever owned.
One independent shop told me Acura has a patent on the strut/spring assembly and that's why you can't buy it from a reputable manufacturer. I think I'm going to buy the KYBs, other Acura rubber parts and have an independent mechanic put it all together.
BTW, if your AWD light comes on, it's most likely the sensor (I wrote the details recently in an AWD thread here). Acura (Wappinger Falls, NY) told me I'd need a new rear diff for $5K! Brought it to my trusted local Honda dealer who found the Acura Tech Bulletin and fixed it for $800. Will never go back to that dealership! Great that Honda does Acura non-warranty repairs. I've saved a lot since 2004 with my first MDX.
Thanks again for your reply!
Ralph