Shocks and Struts recommendation?

[Jim_NH]

I did search the archives, and there wasn't too much information on this.

I have an '03 Pilot, and the shocks and struts are shot. The front end rattles going over any bumps at all. I didn't really notice until we bought our new Ridgeline, and the difference in ride quality is remarkable. The shocks kind of sneak up on you, though...gradual failure.

I have three choices that I know of: Monroe Sensatrak, Gabriel, and KYB. They are all in the $650 to $750 range installed with an alignment.

Any preferences out there? I have used Monroe in the past on other vehicles, and I know they have a good warranty.

Jim in NH

[rockman19762001]

When I replaced the Shocks on the 03 Pilot I used the Monroe Sensatrak shocks, they seem to work just fine. The ride quality really improved I have not replaced the struts at this time. I have 85,500 miles on the Pilot, replaced shocks at around 50,000 miles.

[netman88]

Appears to be the same one that the Big O tire shop recommended for the MDX before also.

[Jim_NH]

I decided to go with the Monroes...$629 installed with alignment, vs. $759 for the KYB's.

Thanks.


JIM IN NH

[netman88]

The price sounds about right.

I inquired on that same thing for my MDX a while back from a Big O Tires shop.

How many miles do you current have on your vehicle?

[Jim_NH]

Job is being done now...will let you know tomorrow how it came out.

I had 96K on the truck before replacing the shocks. They have probably needed replacement for the last 5000 miles or so -- just a guess, since I was the one who took it in for it's 90K service, and didn't notice it then -- and I just haven't been driving it enough to notice (and my wife would never notice...)

JIM in NH

[N_Jay]

KYBs on order now for $229.06 (all four)

Will definitely do the rear install myself.
I have to look to see how much time I have to see if I do the fronts or take them somewhere.

[Jim_NH]

Went to pick up the car today.

1) the strut tower top "bearings" were destroyed and had to be replaced. They were $128 each. I would recommend looking at these carefully before just replacing the struts. Mine were toast...I saw the old parts.

2) The Monroe right rear shock was an out of box failure...made horrible noises as soon as I drove it. Car is still there and they are replacing it now.

JIM in NH

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Jim_NH
Went to pick up the car today.

1) the strut tower top "bearings" were destroyed and had to be replaced. They were $128 each. I would recommend looking at these carefully before just replacing the struts. Mine were toast...I saw the old parts.

I will have to check them.
Usually I have only seen them fail in much older cars. Maybe the Pilot is hard on them, or maybe Honda is designing them to be replaced with each strut change.

[Dano]

I replaced the rear shocks on my pilot at 130,000 miles. DIY job. Didn't notice much of a difference with the new Monroes on.

I still have the original struts, now with 145k and counting on them. I'm not sure they need to be replaced. The car tracks well and it doesn't bounce up and down after hitting a rough patch of road.

How can you tell when the struts need to be replaced? And is it something that can be done by a DIYer? I always thought you needed a special tool to compress the strut . . . not something I have in the tool kit.

[netman88]

From what I heard, Honda struts and shocks are not high quality.

I guess that mean around 50K for some to fail.

Great sharing your experience with us.

Monroe has 2 choices for the Pilot from what I heard.

KYB is performance ones (more firm).

Is that right?

[rockman19762001]

The bounce test is all I know to tell if struts or shocks need to be replaced. Go to each corner of the Pilot, start bouncing it up and down, then step away. The Pilot should go up or down once then stop, if it travels more than that struts need to be replace.

If you have a spring compressor to compress the struts springs safely then you can diy them. I do not have a compressing system, plus I am to lazy to go to all that work. It is easier to pay some one.

[N_Jay]

Now where the heck did I pout my spring compressor.

Last used it about 15 years ago and 2000 miles from here.

[CMasten]

I have to find some time to get mine into the dealer, I have 28,000 miles and all my shocks are so noisy that they sound like they are have no lube at all... its been progressively getting worse the last 6 months... sheez... 28,000 miles and they need to be replaced. The silicon spray is of no use, its clearly the shocks are shot at this point. Mine is an 05

Wasnt there a TSB for this? anyone else have their shocks replaced under warranty? I am guessing they are covered for 3 years or 36,000

[macphanatic]

I don't think that the bounce test really works. I tried it on my truck and the wife's Explorer. Both passed the test. Replaced the rear shocks in the Explorer and noticed a huge improvement in ride quality. Same thing when I replaced the shocks on my truck a few years ago. I replaced these as I noticed a little bit of fluid leakage on one rear shock. It still passed the bounce test though. Wish I knew a better way to determine shock condition.