edwinbaby

Before anything, ride details: 2007 Honda Accord EX V6 (sedan) w/ 89,000 miles or so.


I went to the Honda dealer a few weeks back to change the oil, and asked the service person to check to see how my front suspension was doing (because I had been hearing a clicking noise every time the front passsenger wheel hit a bump or a valley). After everything was done, this is what the report had said:


Timing belt needs preventative replacement ($1000 -- drive belt cracked...)

Radiator flush (~$100-200)

Tranny flush (~$200)

Compliance bushings (~$550)

So um, how important are the above things to replace? I'm doing the compliance bushings first, because its annoying the crap out of me, and the service person said it's leaking (some kind of fluid). Your advice will be appreciated!!

MSchu

bushings don't have fluid...
if you want your car to handle well, get them done.

94vtecmn

If you have them do the timing belt (Recommendation is 105k or 7 years) the radiator flush automatically happens if they do the whole job right. Meaning, they replace ALL the parts associated with the timing belt: Belt, Tensioner, Tensioner Pulley, Idler Pulley, and Water Pump.

The belt they can see that they say is cracked is NOT the timing belt, that is the "drive" belt, a ~$20 part that takes less than 5 minutes to replace.

BLKFLSH

IMO, the timing belt can wait a little while, but I would start planning to have it done when it is convenient. It would be a good idea to do the coolant at the same time, since you have to drain the coolant to do the timing belt. I would get the drive belt done soon, if it really is cracking. Tranny flush is a very good idea.

NightHawk92

compliance bushings I would do first because if the bushings wear down to much. It will cause the lower control Arm to hit against the sub frame when ever you hit. a bump such as pulling in the drive way. or bump in the road. mine came close to that good thing I replaced both drivers and passengers front lower control arms as a set. But yea the Timing Belt can wait. And of course have the drive belt replaced as soon as you can. if its cracking

DELuth

Unfortunately, compliane bushings are a common problem and kind of a PITA to replace. You are stuck with that one. BTW, those bushings are not fluid filled, not sure what that is about.*

It's a bit early for a t-belt and you needn't worry about a few cracks in the drive belt. It will ride until the t-belt is actually due.

You don't need a radiator flush. A radiator flush is only needed after a major problem like oil in the coolant from a blown headgasket. You should drain and refill the coolant at around 120k. No need to do anyhting now.

NEVER NEVER NEVER allow anyone to flush your transmission!!!!!! It will damage it. The proper procedure outlined by Honda is a simple drain and refill. If your fluid became contaminated somehow, a flush procedure is several drain and refill changes in a row with test drives in between each one. Normal service does not require this, only one drain and refill is required. Honda recommends 120k intervals, but I recommend 60k, especially if you live in a warm climate or drive hard. Now way in hell should it be that expensive, but I would get it serviced, just NOT FLUSHED.

edwinbaby

Thanks for your imput -- it's been a great help.. Vehicle has been in the shop since Saturday (it's Tuesday). They had to replace the right (passenger) Lower Control Arm -- another $360. Dammit. Do you recommend changing the driver side LCA?

Sorry, as I did not know the difference between a flush and a drain & fill (thought they was the same). There is a delay in my tranny when I shift from N to D, before the transmission engages the gear. Should I still do a drain & fill?

NightHawk92

yea I would Replace the driver side lower control arm just so passenger side will wear together.

DELuth

Oh, dear. WHY did they say you needed a control arm? I'm betting they bent yours trying to press it.

If they replaced the control arm, they shouldn't have charged you for replacing the compliance bushing on that side since it comes already pressed into the arm.

No need to change the other side. The last guy is just talking to talk.

Servicing the trans won't hurt and may help. I would do it. How long is the delay? Some delay is normal.

edwinbaby

Damn.. wish you had said all of this before.


The delay is about 2 seconds... It's worrying me. I almost got into a new car last week. That's how bad I'm stressed about the tranny going. Any input would be great.

bigballer8526

what's the consensus on poly filled bushings?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181040889879...84.m1423.l2649

NightHawk92

I replaced both lower control arms on my car because the other side drivers side was starting to wear. And another reason why is because since the New Control Arms come with Brushings all ready installed. There's no need to press them out.