Front Suspension Problem

Tiny
JEREMYB777
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA PILOT
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Hi, I have a 2007 Honda Pilot with about 75,000-80,000 Kilometers on it. I don't know how many miles that is, but I know that they have been very rough on the suspension because I live in Nicaragua and there are many bad roads. A couple months ago, I noticed a strange sound when passing over speed bumps with the front wheels. I can tell that the camp bounced more than normal and seemed to not handle speed bumps well at all. Even at very low speeds. Anyways, I asked a mechanic at a shop to take a look at it. He said the front right "amortiguador" was bad and recommended changing the two front ones. The translations don't really work, but I'm pretty positive that this is the struts. There seemed to be liquid or oil leaking out of it (not just a tiny bit). Here in Nicaragua, getting service done at the Honda Dealer is very expensive, not to mention it is 1 hour away in the capital city. The usual process is to buy the parts, then take them to a local garage. The price of the two struts at the dealer is nearly $800, and after a quick look online at Advance Auto Parts, I see that the parts are much cheaper from the states (About $105 apiece). My first question is: Are the front right and left struts two distinctly different parts, or are they the same part? Advance auto parts had a listing for the front right, but not left. I am assuming the parts are different and that I would need to buy a right and left strut and not two of the same. This led me to go to the KYB brand struts online catalog. They had listings for five parts for my vehicle. Front left strut, front right strut, back struts (assume left and right are the same), "suspension strut bellows, " and a "suspension strut mounting kit." My question is this- If I were to get my 2 front struts replaced, what parts do I need? The left and right strut is assumed, but would I also need the "suspension strut bellows" and "suspension strut mounting kit?" Also, the back suspension feels fine on the vehicle. It would not be necessary to change these at this time. Right? Thank you so much!
Tuesday, March 1st, 2016 AT 8:57 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes, the right and left strut is the same, the strut mounting kit is the same right to left as well, please get back to us so we can help others
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
JEREMYB777
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Okay, so the struts are the same. Do I need to buy the "suspension strut bellows" and "suspension strut mounting kit?" I don't know if these are necessary, and if they are necessary, I would like to have them before starting the job.
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
The bellows are separate and its a good idea to get the mounting kit as well.
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
JEREMYB777
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Okay. I know it sounds like I'm asking the same thing again, but it was not really clear if you were saying to get the bellows or not. You said they are separate, which makes me think they are unrelated or not needed. Then you said to get the mounting kit "as well." So, at this point, it seems clear that I need the two struts and the mounting kit. Will I need to buy the bellows: Yes or no? Thanks for the help.
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,643 POSTS
The bellows help keep the dust off of the strut ram which helps them last longer so if yours are no good you should replace them
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
JEREMYB777
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Okay, I'll try to find out if they are still good or need replacing. Thanks for the explanation. I've never had to work with struts before and didn't really understand the different parts.
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Just wondering how things worked out?
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Monday, March 7th, 2016 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
JEREMYB777
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Hi Ken, Thanks for the response. No, I have not purchased these parts yet. I will likely purchase them in the near future and have them installed at a later time.
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Monday, March 7th, 2016 AT 7:18 PM

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