Two400

Hi. About a month ago, I was told that certain struts were leaking and that I needed to have them replaced. This is an Accord LX 2005.

Does that have anything to do with why the tire on the back looks like it's too close to the car and why the tire looks too far away from the car in the front?

What are the implications for not changing the struts? Would I need to change them soon if they do need to be replaced?

joec44

A leaking strut will affect handling and tire ware becous it can not dampen the springs.It will not affect wheel pos. unless it is bent badly I say replace the struts and get a good 4 wheel alighn. Good luck

GoLowDrew

On the Accord, the front track is wider than the rear. This is in reference to your comment about too close at rear and too far at front. To make things simple, it improves handling. A narrower rear track would often mean a narrow rear body, so it helps with aerodynamics. Imagine a water drip.

Struts are meant to be replaced so no real questions there. If you wait too long, they can damage tires by causing bumps in them. These tires with bumps can then turn around and damage your new shocks. So the damage between the two can be directly related.

So it's important to get the shocks replaced as soon as you can. After you have that done. Have a tire shop check your tires, just in case.

It's not like the power window switch. It's ok, if you don't fix it.

P.S. Make sure the shop is telling you the truth. Do you see oil leaking from the shocks? I beleive it on a 2005 model car. So even if it's not, it'll be time soon.

DCFIVER

It does not. unless there has been severe damage.
Poor handling, clunking or knocking noises, poor braking and accelerated tire and possibly other suspension component wear. Depending on the mileage of your vehicle, you are likely already experiencing all of the above. But the deterioration happens so gradually that you likely dont notice it. Struts do have a service life, though there are no OEM guidelines for replacement. The common sales pitch is 50,000 miles. I think that is a little soon for most struts. Personally, I recommend replacement around 80-100k. Sooner if the tires have a story to tell. You should also get an alignment afterward. Following strut replacement is one of the best times to have the vehicle aligned.

gwiffer

Please replace all four of the struts together. This will help the whole car brake and handle more predictably; also, you will only have to pay for a single alignment.

What is the condition of all of your ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends?

Looking at the picture, I assume you have an I4 Accord. They are noticeable softer on suspension pieces (especially front suspension) because of the lighter engine and stock 15" 60-series tires.

Two400

I have one more question.

How much should it really cost to have the struts replaced? The place I had went to a month ago said it would be over $900 including labor and wheel alignment.

Two400

I don't know the condition of my ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends. I don't know too much about cars to be honest.

gwiffer

It took me many hours to replace my suspension, but I definitely read the manual thoroughly, took my time, anti-seized every bolt, replaced rotors & pads, flushed the brake fluid and did some other maintenance. Dealerships will charge $100-150/hr for labor; independent shops will hopefully be half that, so $50-75/hr. A proper 4-wheel laser alignment usually costs $75-150. $900 including parts ($300-400? for all four shocks) & labor sounds about right.

Surfing around this site and various other sites will help you learn a little more. Check out driveaccord.net and v6performance.net. Also, your I4 Accord is very similar to the 04-08 Acura TSX, so check out tsxclub.com and acurazine.com.

gd.driverz

i don't know about your 2005 but i have a 2002 and needed new struts in the rear and it didnt cost me ANYWHERE NEAR 900 bucks. Buy the whole assembly online somewhere and just swap out the whole unit. I did mine (all four) for like 400 bucks. I will try to track down the site i found. not sure if they have parts for an 05. will research.

gd.driverz

http://www.completestruts.com/2-1528..._Bundle_2.html
Thats the site I bought from. they shipped it all free and i swapped out the struts in my garage in like 3 hours. super easy.