My 95 Prelude SE has a noticeable clunk from the rear passenger side when going over pot holes or even man-hole covers. Road handling and braking seem unaffected.

The mechanic tells me I need a new strut, but that he probably also needs to replace the "strut mount bushing" and the "coil spring insulator".

Those last two parts are not available from Honda apparently. They are on back-order, but the expected delivery date is 6 Oct 2019. Yeah I know. Exactly.

In case its not obvious I basically have only the vaguest idea what any of these parts are and what they do. But my question is pretty straight forward...

Given that many Prelude owners have replaced most/all of the suspensions on their cars for reasons of style and/or performances, is it possible to just get the parts I need from another vendor? Even if I have to replace the suspension on all 4 wheels, that seems okay if it leaves my Prelude with a quiet, tight ride for the next 10 or 20 years.

If I wanted a factory ride height, and a smooth, well behaved Prelude, is there a vendor who sells OEM replacement kits, and what exactly am I shopping for? The mechanic I work with has a vendor who apparently only uses genuine OEM parts. I want to replace all the wearing suspension bits and pieces on all 4 wheels with replacements that maintain the factory look and ride quality, and will last as well as can be expected. How do I phrase that in mechanic speak, and are there any vendors you would recommend?

Would really appreciate some help!

Thanks

 

A 1995 Honda Prelude SE, so thats the H series, 2.3L motor, the H23A1.

The shocks (also called struts) are available from alot of different manufacturers. If you are looking to stay with oem performance your looking at getting just "oe replacement" shocks.
Look at brands like KYB or MONROE. A MONROE replacement for the rear is about $44 @ RockAuto.com. I would shop at RockAuto.com, they have a good selection, quick shipping, good prices and good customer service.
Here's a link to the RockAuto parts page for your car https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/....3l+l4,1170100
They have the "strut mount bushing kit" as well as the "coil spring insulator" there at RockAuto.
You may want to consider replacing all (4) shocks and their "strut mount bushings" along with "coil spring insulators".
As far as any other components, I would get your mechanic to closely inspect anything in the suspension and ordering parts either from RockAuto or a Honda dealer.
Ask him to look specifically at:

• Strut Rod Bushings
• Stabilizer Bar or "Sway Bar" Mount Bushings (Front & Rear)
• Stabilizer Bar or "Sway Bar" End Link Bushings (Front & Rear)
• Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings (On all (4) Wheels)
• Upper and Lower Ball Joints (On all (4) Wheels)
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
• Inner and Outer Tie Rods

If you want to go with genuine OEM Honda parts, I suggest shopping @ Majestic Honda - Link: https://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/
I have posted below a picture taken from the Genuine OEM Honda parts catalog of the "Rear Shock Absorber" illustration. I highlighted items (#14) "strut mount bushing" & (#9) "coil spring insulator"

• Illustration #: 14 - Rubber, Rear Shock Absorber - Part #: 52725-SS0-004 - $7.50/ea - (Order Qty. 8 For Whole Car)
• Illustration #: 9 - Rubber, Rear Spring Mounting - Part #: 52686-SS0-004 - $18.54 - (Order Qty. 2 For Rear)

Here are some oem parts illustrations that I have highlighted the different bushings and ball joints:

"Front Knuckle"

"Front Lower Arm"

"Rear Lower Arm"


Everything I highlighted should be inspected, these are your main pivot points and bushings for the whole suspension.