CR50HC

Hi. Just trying to go the most cost effective route here. My wife's 97 RL base needs struts all the way around. I've heard rumors that possibly other Acura Model's struts will fit the 97 RL. Is this true? Can you please guide me? Boy are the OEM 97RL struts expensive at the dealership!

msu79gt82

Did you post this question in the First Generation RL Forum?

CR50HC

Not this specific problem. I did post a message asking about options. Now I'm after some struts. Anything that will fit the 97 RL other than the high dollar ones at the dealership. Never have I owned a vehicle where I couldn't buy struts over the counter. The dealership ones are very expensive. Sorry if I posted in the 2G forum but, I'm a bit desperate. My wife is on the highway alot so, I need to get her car repaired.

msu79gt82

I understand the post here; but I'd recommend one over in the 1G forum as well - good luck.

CR50HC

I guess it can't hurt to get more feelers out there. If I find any struts that fit the RL as well as any other Acura makes I'll be sure to post here. Do you think I would be better off going performance aftermarket? If so, who makes them?

CR50HC

I just called the dealer today... 300.00 each for the front struts!!! Not sure on the rears yet. Installation is 240.00 per side of the car. Please help me save some cash folks!

Karl_in_Chicago

Well I don't know anything about the earlier gen RL's so I can't offer any specific advice. But if installation is $240 per I'd be thinking about doing the work myself. Unless the design is such that serious disassembly of other components is required to access/remove/replace the struts that justifies (for me) the purchase of any specialized tools I might need for the job. Am I fully understanding your quotes correctly . . . 300 each for the struts, so 300 X 2 = 600 Plus 240/side install so another 480 to the 600 for $1,080? For just the front suspension? Wow.

Dealer markup on parts is typically pretty high - try one of the online parts retailers and comparison shop.

CR50HC

Karl, you're on track. The install is 240.00 total for both front struts but yes... the front struts are 300.00 each! It'll be another 240.00 to install both rear struts which are almost 200.00 each. Add in an alignment 60.00 at Sears and the toal comes to 1540.00. Not to mention tax, or shop supplies. I am rounding everything to 1640.00 total with tax and everything. To me, this is absolutely ridiculous. I just replaced all the struts (Tokico Blues) and my stock springs with Tokico Springs and installed an Energy Suspension Master Bushing Kit, and suspension tie bars on my CRX for 700.00. What gives with the RL? Is it because I can afford a luxury car, I too can afford luxury parts? Not the way to keep the customer coming back if you ask me.