Ok, so its time to replace some struts...when i go over bumps i notice a repeated thumping sound...its pretty fast paced...anyway the stealership wants

147 per strut part # 51601-SEP-A16

Ive checked around local auto stores and unfortunately there is only one I can pick up an aftermarket strut...

advanced auto parts has some:

Monroe sensa-Trac Suspension limited lifetime replc for 81.99


I know I probably need to go with OEM parts but has anyone here ventured into the other parts and how successful was it?

 

acuraoemparts.com? Or you can just say fuck it and do all 4 struts. Honestly I would change both of whichever side you choose...Such as both fronts or both backs to keep it even...not just change one.

 

I've had great success with Curry Acura parts in New York. They seem to have the best prices and ship for free. Also, if you dont live in New York you wont pay sales tax either.

 

well i am definitely replacing in pairs...

thanks for the sites, i will give them a checkout...

I have another question to add to my original post...

When changing struts...should i be concerned with anything else getting changed out? Are there any other inexpensive bushings or parts I could change out at the same time?

 

off of acuraoemparts.com i found: 51601-SEP-A16SHOCK ABSORBER ASSY., R. FR.04 - 06TL Stealership price 146.94 Acuraoems.com price 110.21

 

If you're spending $400 and up for a set of 4 shocks, why not just upgrade to a full factory A-Spec suspension? Install will be much easier as you won't have to remove springs from the old struts as the A-Spec kit comes fully assembled ready to bolt in.

I think you can A-Spec susp kits quite cheaply now. Honda is clearing them out due to next gen TL being released. I got my 6MT A-Spec kit from a local dealer last Sept for $375Cdn (about equivalent to $375US right now as the current exchange rate is almost even right now).

 

Speedy, that sounds great! However, I dont plan on spending 400+

Right now i only need front struts...i might need rears who knows...but i know that my front left is bad for sure. Eventually I will buy teh Aspecs but for now money isnt exactly flowing freely.

So has anyone tried these monroe sensa tracs and would anyone know how compareable they would be to stock?
Perhaps they would fail sooner?

 

Ive used monroes on other vehicles and trucks and I have had no complaints from the end user.

 

The TL uses shocks, not struts.

For what the dealer charges, might as well go a-spec or Koni adjustables.

I've had experience with Monroes. They usually last a year or two and then it's replacement time.

The thumping sound can easily be a swaybar bushing or endlink.

How many miles are on the car?

 

say what? no struts? why and how could I get a part # from the acura dealership for exactly what struts i need if that were the case?

car has 75k miles on it.

Thanks for the input on the monroes...thats kinda what i was thinking someone would say..short life.

hmmm Well Ive already ordered the struts with the part # listed above in previous post...so uhh yea...

btw the reason i wanted to change the strut was becuase the left side seems to be showing some kind of leakage of some sort...collecting dirt on it as well where the leakage is occuring..the right side is dry and the sound is definitely coming from the left side of the suspension.

 

A strut is a stressed part of the suspension that is used to control motion. Remove it and the wheel will nearly fall off.

A shock is used only to dampen suspension motion. It is not a stressed suspension member. Remove it from the car and it may sink to the ground but everything will stay put.

If the TL used struts you would be looking at $300 a piece.

People commonly interchange these terms without knowing the difference.

 

i may be off here..but did you check your engine mount, i just had the same problem and bought an aspec kit from curry acura 625+tax all is good car looks great but the noise was still there lol it turned out to be an engine mount on the passenger side.....

 

is that the price for one or two pair?

 

My advice would be to avoid the Monroe brand shocks. Stick with OEM or go KYB, Koni, Tokico, etc. We have great pricing on an assortment of shocks:

KYB GR-2 / Excel-G Gas Shocks - Excelerate Performance - Japanese and European Performance Specialists!!

Koni Shock - Sport Series - Excelerate Performance - Japanese and European Performance Specialists!!