I have a 1998 Accord EX v6 3.0L. I changed the oil over the weekend and notice a suspension component that was so badly corroded that it actually broke in separate pieces in 2 different places. I could move the pieces slightly with just my fingers. See photos.

I don’t know what this part is called or its exact function but I want to know if it’s safe to continue driving the car? It must have something to do with the suspension/steering system but I never noticed anything driving the car. It drives and steers fine. If I wouldn’t have noticed it changing the oil I wouldn’t have known the difference. It actually could have been like this for a while. The same arm on the driver’s side is in much better shape than this one.

It’s so badly corroded I don’t know if it’s even replaceable. But what I first want to know is if it’s safe to continue driving the car or if I’m risking losing the wheel or something else very unsafe?

Thanks for any insight.

 

I probably wouldn't drive it as it is connected to your front sway bar and will affect the feel of your car.

I think there was an issue with 6th generation Accords where the drain hose for the A/C would drip on that crossmember and cause it to rust out and fail.

 

It's looking like the sway bar is attaching to that subframe and the function of the sway bar is simply to keep the wheels on the ground when going through turns. Can't really tell anything else attached to it from those pics but I still wouldn't drive hard or make hard turns as a result.

You might be able to get lucky and find another accord from the junkyard that you can pull from cause it will likely be fairly expensive from Honda.

 

Ahhh, in a word...NO.

 

50200-S87-A00 BEAM, RR. List 984.00 678.96(Majestic Honda)

Called 'Beam' from Honda, it would be the front rear beam.
I do believe there was a TSB on those rear beams for the 98-02 Accords, 19Accord97 comment is familiar. I would call Honda of America update owner information(if you are not the original owner) and explain to them the situation. They may do a good will fix or do a partial reimbursement for replacement.

I would not drive the car far as it is fairly mission critical.
That part has the sway bar, power steering rack, rear engine mount directly bolted to it, along with being the rear support for the front beams two legs. With the 'U' channel lacking the diagonal supports the weldment probably flexes a bit, I wouldn't be surprised if you have noted some unique handling characteristics at times.

Part #1

 

Thanks for all the help and great information guys. I don't post on here a lot but every time I do I get great help, so thank you. Still have not made a decision with the car. Might try to get a couple quotes to see if it's even worth repairing, the value of the car might not make a $1,000+ repair make sense. Might try some junk yards.

Question: Thanks to Mad_Mike for the part number and image. If I were to order a part 50200-S87-A00, I'm assuming that all the bolts, grommets, etc. will not come with it and would have to be ordered separate correct? Most of the existing bolts would have to be broken to get out I would guess because they are so old and corroded. If the beam came with all the necessary mounting hardware, that would be nice.

I called Honda America and they did say there was a TSB but not an official safety recall for the issue so they could not do anything for me.

Thanks guys.

 

I don't think any of the bolts would come with it, but the rubber isolators/grommets might. I know with cam belt covers they come with the rubber gasket(which is shown as separate in the diagrams), might be able to ask the parts counter fellow for a proper answer.
.
Car-part.com shows a few available but the prices range pretty wildly.
If you cannot find a good used one I would call HoA back up again and give them the 'I've always had Honda Accords(used if not original owner)' spiel, and see if they can get the price knocked down lower than the 680 you were 'quoted'. I didn't think they would do a recall, but a partial reimbursement I think could be had.

As for the bolts, spray the begesus out of them with AeroKroil. Make sure to get where the threads engage the body.

 

Thanks Mike. Had a couple yards call me over the weekend telling me they have one. Anywhere from $200 to $400. I haven't seen them in person yet but plan on checking them out soon to see if I can get a good one. I'll also talk to the parts guy about the bolts. Thanks again!

 

Hi NorthCountry,
I have the same deal with the Rear Beam (Cross Bean in rear of engine compartment) on my '00 v6 Accord.

How did you solve your problem?....buy new?, or used?

I live in NE so would be nervous in buying used in this part of the country due to so much salt used. Hover, I saw a cross beam on ebay from a JunkYard in Texas. Unfortunately, the part is off a 4-cyl Accord.

Any one know the exact difference between:
50200-S84-A00 (for accord w/ 4-cyl)
50200-S87-A00 (for accord w/ 6-cyl)

Can a S84 be reworked into a S87 ??

-LDC5

 

Short answer....NO. the V6 sits on the opposite side of the engine bay compared to the 4 cylinder. The mounting position will be very different.