old blue

What supplier actually makes the magnetorheologic shocks ?

How reliable are they likely to be, and
how expensive to replace ?

Mike

mrgold35

On the old 07-09 Sport MDX and 10-13 MDX Adv, the ADS (Active Damper System) would cost between $700-$1100 per corner to replace out of pocket. The system had no set pattern of conditions to cause a failure at any time and/or mileage. There wasn't any aftermarket direct replacement other than OEM from Acura. Acura recently provide an extended 100,000 mile warranty in the last year or two for the system for MDXs with the active suspension because of all the failures. Most folks would just convert to regular struts/shocks and disable the ADS warning light before the 100K extended warranty was offered. I still have Acura Care until 120k and I would just convert to regular struts/shocks if the ADS fails at +121k at 1/4 the cost.

I had my front struts fail at 35,000 miles in 2014 on my 11 MDX Adv and replaced under warranty (now have +103,000 miles). I've notice the ADS suspension isn't as "sporty" and tight compared to new; but, Acura tech said there isn't a problem with the system. Common issues if the ADS is starting to go are:
- bouncy ride
- leaky shocks/struts
- clunking sound with suspension travel like over bumps or dips
- sagging in one or more corners of the MDX
- bottoming out over bumps/dips
- handling issues with more dive during braking, squat on acceleration, and lean in corners

Excellent system when working for sport and sport+ drivers; but, it can feel like you have pogo sticks for a suspension if they go bad.

mellonc

I didn't think they were that expensive. It seems the dealer really takes you for a ride on those shocks. I know that full air suspension cost that much to fix (if not a little more). As I understand, the shocks themselves are about 3 times the cost of regular shocks. so, if the regular shocks were $150 each, if'd be $450 or so for each corner. Add the labor cost and it shouldn't be more than $2k to do the whole car. After a 100k miles, you'd have to replace these anyway. Perhaps an indy mechanic is a better option.

mellonc

they are $612 at online parts stores for the fronts and $160 each for the rear. Can someone confirm?

mrgold35

For the +10 MDX the parts were:
51601-STX-A58, $900 (down from $1300): https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...1-stx-a58.html
52610-STX-A54, $420 (down from $600): https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...0-stx-a54.html

You can always find the parts cheaper on-line if you are able to do the work yourself. Those were just the parts not counting labor, any extra parts, alignment, and down time if the failure happen after the 4/50,000 mile warranty was expired.

The same website list the sh-sh-awd dampers at:

51620-TRX-A03, $617 (retail $875): https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...-absorber.html
06521-TRX-305, $166 (retail $236): https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...​​

I would have to factor in labor and alignment since I don't have the skills to do the work myself. Hopefully, the new magnetic damper system is more durable than the 07-13 MDX system. I don't know if the sh-sh-awd MDX if there are aftermarket magnetic replacements OR if you can convert to regular shocks/struts like you could with the 2nd Gen MDX.