I have a 2018 Acura RDX AWD (V6 w/6 speed auto) that went into service in July 2017 and currently has ~95k miles. I'm not having any issues with ride quality or suspension, but I was wondering if I should be proactive and replace shocks and/or struts/springs given current mileage? Most websites recommend replacing shocks ~65k miles. Thanks!
I'm sure opinions will vary on this. For my part I'd say if you're not having any ride or control issues, no bad noises, the springs aren't sagging, and the struts are not leaking there's really no reason to replace them.
As others have said, if the vehicle still rides good then don't touch a thing. If you like the factory ride of the vehicle then try to reuse the original coil springs if they're not broken. Coil springs have the biggest impact on the ride quality of a vehicle such as how soft or hard the ride is as well as the ride height of the vehicle.
Most people buy quick struts because they're easier to install and throw the original factory coil springs away. Big mistake in my opinion. I'd even try to reuse the upper strut mounts if they're still in good shape or just replace the bearings in them.
The only thing I'd replace is the shocks. Unless I didn't like the feel of the OEM ride in which case I'd replace everything and hope for the best.
wondering if I should be proactive and replace shocks and/or struts/springs given current mileage?
No. There are so many variables. Quality of the parts, road conditions, vehicle load, driving style, etc. Lifetime varies a lot.
Learn to identify signs of worn suspension, like excessive bouncing. Body roll in turns. High speed instability. Loss of traction over bumpy surfaces etc.
Inspect your shocks/struts visually to make sure there are no leaks, dents, excess rust etc. Make sure fasteners are tight. Bounce test each corner of your vehicle (watch videos below to see how).
If yours are original, and have 95k on them, chances are pretty high that they are worn out.
Video: Scotty Kilmer - How to Check Shocks and Struts in Your Car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPh75zckPWE
Video: 1A Auto - How to Tell Shocks and Struts Are Worn - Guide to Test Signs and Symptoms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPI9beSabdI
Video: Ratchets And Wrenches - How to Diagnose a Bad Strut or Shock on Your Car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIYPi6-CS1Q
If the roads you drive on are fairly smooth, you're probably fine. My wife has a 2017 Mustang with around 125k miles on it, and our roads are hit and miss potholes. She hasn't replaced her shocks or struts yet. It's not like back in the old days, like my '79 Pontiac, where you could put your weight on the car and suddenly take it off and determine if you need shocks or not, based on the number of bounces.
If you do wind up replacing them, you will notice a difference in dampening, but not nearly as noticeable as with my Pontiac. It had around 105k miles when I got it. I replaced the shocks all the way around a few years ago, and what a difference it made.
