bigshot82

intermittent popping/clicking noise from right front (think of some metal balls in a chamber, free to move around) during light acceleration from stop or when coming to an stop. Dealer diagnosed noise to be coming from the strut; quoted $400 parts and labor for strut replacement. Any thoughts?

Bearcat94

Shock not strut.

That's just for one, right? Normally replaced in pairs.

Dealers being dealers, I'd just about bet it's just for one. And another $400 for the other. Which approaches being a complete ripoff.

So, $99 for the shock and they'll charge you $150. That leaves 2 1/2 hours labor at $100/hr (for a 1 - 1 1/2 hour job with a rack and air tools).

On both, they'll make $200 - $300 free-and-clear on labor alone (i.e. labor charged on time not used.)

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

I cant help diagnose the problem, but you can look on BM to see how much people are selling the struts + springs for....

you can get a complete setup for 150 bucks for 04-08 Base and ~250 for the type-s....or you can go for an aftermarket set up for 500-1500 depending.

Hope this helps and hey free bump to you

bigshot82

does the shock and strut come as an assembly? or separate?

TheDingo

The TL has a shock, not a strut. They are different things.

At $400, they are ripping you off big time. If you do replace in a pair (as recommended), you're obviously looking at $800. You could get new shocks in all corners with an OEM replacement shock (like the KYB GR2) for $300! Is there anyway you can do the work yourself, or do you know anyone who is mechanically inclined that could help you out? There is plenty of good information for the DIY on shock replacement for these cars. If you could use some information on the DIY, let me know. I'm going to be replacing my springs and shocks here in a couple of weeks and I've compounded a lot of good information for reference once I get started just in case I get hung up.

Bearcat94

As The Dingo said, there is no strut. It's basically a non-adjustable coil-over assembly (i.e. shock plus spring combined as single working unit).

The parts for the Shock/Spring combo are sold indivually.

There is a pic of the parts in the assembly here: http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal

That's for the front. Rear is similar.


If you just can't DIY, see if you can find a local Honda/Acura specialist that will install your parts for labor only. Then go buy some KYB or Tokiko Blue or even OE from the link above and get 'em done. Get new bushings too.

I'll bet you'd save 1/2 to 1/3 of the dealer rate.

bigshot82

while I am at it, I am thinking about getting aftermarket, "soft" shocks. Even though I am against messing with engineering details of the vehicle, the rough ride of the TL bothers me. Any suggestions?

tika

Check the pinch bolt that goes horizontally through the top of the yoke and holds the shock tube tightly in place. It passes through a depression crease on the tube of the shock. Is it tight? Also see if the top of the spring tower nuts are tight. Examine the "center" nut at the top of the tower....you should see maybe 8 to 10 threads above the top of the nut if it is normal. Lastly, check to see if the yoke through-bolt is tight at the bottom of the yoke.