Suggestions for Struts and Shocks?

[azonicbruce]

First off, I'm so glad I found this place. Just bought an '06 EX-L. So far, love it.... except the suspension. I'm convinced the front right strut is blown. Way too bouncy, and bottoms out way too easily on bumpy roads. I've taken it to countless numbers of shops. Some say nothings wrong with them, others agree that at least the front struts need replacing. Took it to the dealer we bought it from, but was told probably nothing wrong with it, that the Pilots by nature are a bit soft.

Am about to take it to another dealer. However, what concerns me is that even if I replace both the front and rear, if I replace them with stock stuff, it will still be too soft for our liking (making me think we should have spent the extra $3k for the '05 MDX we test drove, judging from comments on this website).

SO, my main question is, what do I need to do to really give the Pilot a more controlled, firm, "sporty" ride?

From what I've gathered in these threads HERE , HERE , HERE , HERE , and HERE , I'm still not quite sure what to do. I'd like to see if there is any more RECENT feedback as to what the best route is in getting a better ride (on the road/highway, almost no off-road) out of the Pilot.

So far, it seems like people are saying that the KYB will have the firmest/slowest damping of the available aftermarket shocks/struts. It also seems I should look at ditching the OE Goodyear Integritys and look for something with a stiffer sidewall. Any ideas on what's a better replacement? What about the Michelin LTX M/S? What about the GY Wrangler/Fortera/Eagle?

Also, I was told at one place that I took it to, that if only one strut really is bad, that I'll probably need to replace the spring as well, since it will more than likely be more compressed/worn than the other one. Sounds like it might be true, but then where the heck do I find aftermarket springs for this? Looks like the only option would be the dealer for those.

Any other input would be appreciated.

[belundy]

I like KYB's. True, firmer than OEM, but not harshly so. They were less expensive that Monroes and seem to be durable--my Highlander has had KYB's for about 20k miles now.

Replace rear shocks while you're at it--cheap and very easy to do.

Unless the *empty* ride height is different left to right, the spring is fine....really.

There are plenty of tires out there. Tirerack.com and CR both rate ride, braking, etc. Look at the top 5 to 8 rated tires for that size at either site.

I put Kumho KR21's on our '03 a year ago, keep em at 32psi and like em fine.

[dustino8]

As far as tires go, I've wore through a set of tripletreds, and they definately have a stiffer sidewall than stock integrities and the Nokian Vatiivas I replaced them with.

[jcantanixon]

How many miles on it? The stockers should be good for 50k at the very least. Most users on here get way more than that out of them.

If they're not leaking, then there isn't really a specific test, but this is how I check for strut/shock wear. Bounce the car at each corner and release. If it bounces more than 1 ½ times after you stop, then they're not doing their job.

I agree that unless there is a height difference between two sides when empty, the springs are probably fine. Also, I have run KYBs in previous vehicles with great results, but I don't have any experience with aftermarket struts on a Pilot.

[azonicbruce]

Originally posted by jcantanixon
How many miles on it?

Sorry, forgot to clarify. It has 97k on it. So, most people have mentioned it's about time anyway.

Yeah, I did the bounce test, and everthing seems to check out except the front-passenser; rebound 3-4 times before settling. Have no clue on any height differences/sg between the right/left. Seems to look equal to me.

Then next thing is whether or not the upper mounts/springs need replacing. Some people say might as well if you're taking it apart, other say it should be a case by case basis.

I'm taking it to one more shop tomorrow. Either way, though, I think I'm just going to take the plunge and get both the struts and shocks replace. I might even do the tires while I'm at it. The GY Integrity's still have alot of tread, though, seems like a waste. Do you think I can get some type of credit from the shop, or just try Craigslist?

[jcantanixon]

Replace the struts, strut mounts, and rear shocks and you'll be happy. You're not going to get any credit back on the GYs unless they're almost new.

[azonicbruce]

Thanks for the help guys. I went with the GR-2s, and boy did they make a difference. Much better. I think if I got the new tires, it'd be icing on the cake, but as it is, it is a much better improvement over how it was before.

Thanks again for the help. This forum is great.