Had my wife’s Honda Odyssey looked at by the dealer the other day. It’s a 2017 with 70000 miles. It’s been riding quite rough and getting worse over the last month. They say the shocks/struts need to be replaced. They’re telling me Honda recommends changing the struts every 60k miles??? Which coincidentally is when our warranty ran out. They want $1270.00 just for parts, and another $622.00 for labor. This sounds awful high to me. I’m no mechanic but I can change the oil and have change smaller parts before on our other vehicles. I have basic hand tools and a floor Jack. Do you think I could do the job myself and save the cost of labor, or should I go calling other mechanics. Should I trust aftermarket struts?
You don't need front shocks at 70k miles. Check your rear shocks, most likely they are blown.
Took it to a reputable shop this morning. Just as y’all thought. Front shocks are just fine. Rear shocks need to be replaced, need a new tire rod end. Total with labor a little over $500. More than happy to pay that!!! I can’t believe the dealer tried to sell me $1500 worth of repairs that would not have even fixed my problem!
@ajkweez
Told you. That's the stealership my friend.
@ajkweez
Yep - another one earns the "stealership" badge. All too many do.
I'd be surprised if the struts were worn out at that mileage but anything is possible, and you say the ride has deteriorated. Are they visibly leaking?
Changing struts is not rocket science but if you have not done front-end work before you should certainly be able to find a mechanic who will give you a better price than the stealership. Just make sure quality parts are used.
@chucktobias
Just looked real quick with a flashlight. I don’t see any obvious signed of leaking. We have a long gravel driveway and the ride on it is noticeably louder and rougher than it used to be. Bumps/holes in the road are just loud and hard too. On the road I feel the steering wheel wobbling, and at 75mph on the interstate you can see the wheel shaking. I’ve been told my tires look good. I know I need new/turned rotors. Was waiting till I needed new pads, but I thought that was only noticeable when braking.
With those kind of symptoms I'd have the whole front suspension checked by a good mechanic for premature wear or damage, and check that the wheels are true (not bent), and that tires are properly balanced. Maybe you hit a big pothole or some object that bent something?
@chucktobias
Totally possible. I work offshore in the Gulf of Mexico 21 days on/off. Could have happened when I was work. I love my wife very very much, but she’s been known to go weeks before letting anyone know a check engine light is on and that the brakes didn’t always work. (Not this vehicle though). Not that I’m pointing fingers or anything. 😁
Yeah, definitely get that stuff checked out. Struts may well be OK and something else got bent up or knocked loose.
You probably can do it. Not a greatest difficulty task. Just get KYB complete set, … about $350-400, … plus another $250 budget for associated hardware. Add 10% to this total. Reuse springs. You will need a spring compressor - I don’t think KYB has preassembled struts with springs for ‘17 just yet. Check with them. Watch a video or three on uTube folks performing this task. Go mentally through the process. Actual job will for sure tide up your vehicle for 2-3 days. If you lucky, … you may not even require alignment, … but probably it’s a good idea after you drive for a day or two - that allows the new suspension to reset itself.
Best,
F.S.
P.S. - there probably are cheaper shocks options, but I would pass them, … unless, of course, you are not planning to hold on to your van for much longer.
You don't need front shocks at 70k miles. Check your rear shocks, most likely they are blown.