I have a 1990 lx, 123k on it. My work wants me to drive once a week from Mobile Al where i live to New Orleans to work one day a week in New Orleans. That's 300 miles roundtrip. I've been trying to decide if my Accord can make it.

The two issues it has are both springs on the front struts are broken and the rear brakes have been leaking fluid so there's some corrosion in there (and the drums are very rusted on the outside). Any opinions on safety and highway driving with those issues? And if its worth it to fix everything to just make that one trip a week for work?

 

Brakes then tires are the most important components on your car. Having properly working brakes is important regardless of the distance you drive.

Find where you are leaking fluid on your rear brakes to determine the fix. I'd suggest pulling off the drum to inspect the inside of the drum. A rusted outside portion of the drum is just cosmetic. Also inspect the hydraulic cylinder for leaks.

Broken springs will cause a rough ride. Poor handling when hitting bumps. I'd suggest replacing the springs. Replacing the springs can be a pain, because compressing the spring takes a lot of force. Honda did sell the strut assembly and that would be very easy to replace.

You'll have to determine the cost of fixing your accord. I'd recommend fixing the brakes if you plan on driving the car any distance.

 

Thanks PA for the advice. I'll take a look at the brakes again. Its really not leaking a lot of fluid, like visible outside the drum and I haven't had to refill the master cylinder at all. The struts I can probably manage if I buy the whole assembly new, the drum brakes seem a little more complicated for my level.