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'07 Type-S: changing my front shocks, suggestions?
Well, about two months ago when changing my oil I noticed that my front passenger side shock was leaking, and about a month and a half ago I had a sharp decrease in ride quality and corner stability (Guessing the last of the oil leaked out and it just went kaput?) and lots of rattley/ gross noise coming from that side of the car. It has 205K miles on it, and I've had it since 173K so I have NO idea how old these shocks are. I'm finally in a position to look into getting the issue addressed though , but I'd like some feedback about what all I should replace while I'm working on it!
As of right now, I am replacing the front shocks (I don't think my rears have any problems, so I'd like to save that money until it becomes more necessary) with Koni STR.Ts and after reading a little more I figured it'd also be a good idea to replace the strut mounts. I'm guessing OEM mounts would be the best choice, since the cheaper KYB alternatives seem just that, really cheap. The problem I'm having with that is that I'm not sure WHICH parts I need to order since there isn't a mount kit and I've been a little confused in reading lots of contradicting posts. So, off the diagram, what all should I be able to be re-used and what ought to be replaced?
I was also reading about the #18 Type-S bushing being a big improvement and negating the need for the 5,6,15, and 9 parts, but since I HAVE an 07 Type-S, I should already have those and not need to get new ones if they're not messed up, right?
This is my first time messing with anything suspension-related, so any tips at all are more than welcome too! Thanks!
honestly, you should be fine replacing only the shock itself. That's what I did on my 2004 with 180K. I used a set of 2005 TL shocks with 20K on them that I got for $100 in the Black Market. You might be able to get a set with low miles for cheap if you search there.
Other than that, make sure you have an impact gun to remove the bolts for the strut tower. I didn't at first and it was a nightmare. Also I would suggest for you to get a helper.
Don't over compress the spring! The factory service manual scans in the garage were very helpful.
Also while you are down there, take a look at your compliance bushings and see if they need to be replaced. I did mine also a few miles ago and it made a great difference along with the new shocks.
Typically you can get away with just replacing the shocks as long as the springs aren't damaged or corroded. The KYB GR-2 shocks are a great oem replacement and pretty high quality. I would stick with these or a Tokico HP replacement. In that diagram, you can most likely reuse some of the hardware like the upper nut and mount with studs. You'll really just replace the shock itself. I would check the oem rubber mounts and see if they're good before replacing. You can PM me for details on pricing if you're interested.
I just finished the job tonight! The only issue I had was that the strut mount and spring must not be lined up quite right on the driver side as I couldn't get the little divet on the shock to fit into the gap on the damper fork like I could on the passenger side. Is this anything I should worry about?
06-23-2015, 09:17 PM
