I'm planning for front struts replacement (passenger side leaking) and plan on getting the struts and reusing the original coil springs. I know that shock absorber mount (9) and the bearing (14) are always recommended to be replaced. Any other strut assembly components are recommended to be replaced as well? Thanks you!
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'16 Honda Pilot Front struts replacement
- Thread starter parshisa
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I would probably replace all of the rubber parts. Don't want them disintegrating half way into the life of the new strut units.
i was thinking the same and have 4 and 12 added to the cart. Does upper spring seat (11) needs replacement as well?
I bet it's made of metal so it likely can be reused.
How many miles on car? I would probably just get the whole replacement. FCS brand on RockAuto is $85-$100 or so. I have used them in the past and they worked great.
89k. Right from is leaking, so I’m replacing the shock absorber/strut (KYB) and re-using the springs. What are you referring to as a whole replacement?
In addition to what I’ve included already?
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I think you're on the right track. Maybe the poster was referring to an all in one "quick" strut, where you don't need to compress the spring. I don't recommend that at all.
Not sure about Honda but with Toyota the rubber boot is prohibitively expensive ($71.55 each). It is high quality but unfortunately for me I got KYB boots as well ($14 and $18 ea).
Honda doesn’t sell the complete unit, so the poster just list all the components that go into the assembly. A bit confused about what you don’t recommend - re-using the springs?
And rubber boot, do you mean the dust cover or bump stop? Both dust boots are in a good shape, but can’t see the bump stops, and they’re 16$ each, so probably will replace those.
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My impression is the poster was suggesting this, which I do not. Tried it once on my '98 Maxima and jmoymmv, the car was a different height and rode badly.
I feel these are for the muffler shops of the world where it saves labor and increases the number of vehicles done in a day
https://www.kyb.com/products/strut-plus/
I think you're on track with your original assessment. I would inspect the isolators (cushions) before replacing them. I bought a floor mounted strut spring compressor and have done dozens and dozens of struts over the past 10-15 years. Only on very few occasions have I seen isolators that need replacement as they're generally very thick and very tough. In addition, they'll have a nice set of spring imprints to aid in reassembly.
In my experience, these are the types of parts which are of very high quality and durability from the factory. Aftermarket replacements will likely be a downgrade. Replace only if needed, otherwise clean and re-use.
Aftermarket jounce bumpers and bellows (13 and 2/3) are usually fine if needed. Otherwise just clean and re-use them as well. Clean up and shoot some paint (if needed) on the metal parts.
You're making the right call in rebuilding your OE assemblies. Steer clear of the all-in-one garbage.
In my experience, these are the types of parts which are of very high quality and durability from the factory. Aftermarket replacements will likely be a downgrade. Replace only if needed, otherwise clean and re-use.
Aftermarket jounce bumpers and bellows (13 and 2/3) are usually fine if needed. Otherwise just clean and re-use them as well. Clean up and shoot some paint (if needed) on the metal parts.
You're making the right call in rebuilding your OE assemblies. Steer clear of the all-in-one garbage.
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One thing OP revealed is leaking at 89k.
Our GM leaked in the 60’s and replaced under warranty (struts but not shocks covered with extended warranty). They leaked again within the same mileage. So likely OE is consistent. 60-90k was premature years ago. Maybe not anymore. The GM had bilstein B4 and B6 available so we went with B6 and it was cheaper installed than GM OE. Not sure if Honda has it available I tend to think maybe not
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
If available, Bilstein struts and shocks.
Thank you for the comments. I’m looking to get all OEM parts with exception of the struts
(KYB). There’s 160$ difference between the two, so I’m not sure if OEM strut will be superior to KYB?
Yes, I was referring to the whole strut assembly, spring and all.
Lot of people on BITOG are against them (as can be seen already since I posted this) but I used the FCS brand in my sons Rio and it was fine. YMMV of course. Nothing wrong with rebuilding OEM. Do what you're comfortable with.
Well, I haven’t done strut/shock replacement in the past, so can’t say I’m comfortable with either whole assembly or rebuilding. I plan on keeping this car for another 2-3 yrs/~30k miles, so trying to make it cost effective. Can aftermarket whole strut assembly provide reasonable ride quality/longevity for ~30k miles?
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Because OE failed at 89k, personally I’d do what you are, and save $160 per side and go with KYB. That’s what I did with the Lexus anyway.
I'm sure it varys widely between vehicles, but the Kia Rio has had them for around 40-45K so far. Still fine.
The OE strut will be correctly tuned for the application, not rapidly degrade in performance and will last another 89K.
Well worth the $160 over the KYB junk.
