Hello All,

I just purchased an 04 accord in need of new front struts. I was happy to see that I could get OEM strut assemblies for under $200 about $25 more than just strut itself. Upon ordering I was told that HONDA USA does not have any driver side left in inventory so its discontinued. They do have passenger side. I was really excited about getting new OEM springs, damper, and top bearing, I am thinking about buying two passenger sides and rebuilding one to work on the drivers side. shock and spring are the same. I have two questions (1) Anyone done this and have any advice and (2) if possible just need to compress and rotate top bearing or do i need to other parts? Thank you in advance.

Shawn

 

Haven't done exactly that but I have compressed springs to replace the struts. On a 72 Datsun...

Got good spring compressors? That's not something I would do with makeshift tools because the spring can release with enough force to do some damage (& injury). Once you're past that warning, it's just a matter of convincing yourself that the parts are REALLY identical left-to-right.

 

Welcome

Everyone else's approach would be to buy good quality aftermarket units, left and right. Think about it ... simpler is almost always better.

 

I think there is a difference between the left and right strut, so I would not order to right struts.

I bought the components for my TSX and compressed the spring. Compressing the spring is the challenge. I did it with a rental spring compressor and got it done. The tool can get caught up once you get the spring on.

Your other option is to take the driver's components to a shop and let them use their spring compressor to assemble the strut. It is definitely safer than the diy spring compressor.

 

If you have never done it before or have a good spring compressor just buy the assemblies. The struts are different in the way they mount. I've done a lot of these on different makes and models, and it's just simpler to change the assembly. I always suggest assemblies because I charge more if it have to take it apart since it's more work.

 

Thank you JimBlake and UhOh for the quick replies. I have been there as far as spring compressors I have completed with aftermarket dampers on 89' and 91' accord and still have the tool basically two long threaded post with U-clamps, it is a bit sketchy, post were visibly bowing.. I just want to build it back to no worries as it will be my oldest sons learner. I am working on the assumption that the oem dampers (i believe Showa) are superior to aftermarket and new springs on a 17 year old car that we plan on leaning on a little bit are icing on the cake. Paying $200 for genuine honda assembly with spring, shock and bits, I would be willing to rebuild to correct configuration. I might be more inclined to pay some one to disassemble oem supplied right with spring and shock + (?possibly new upper mounting?) Part numbers look to be identical with the exception of the actual assembly. I am thinking that I can harvest oem spring and damper and add ( i am not sure to make it work) It looks like everything is same less build. I just dont know what else I might need to complete the task DIY or local shop.

 

Yes Agreed! So much simpler just bolt on! The issue is honda says only right is available i could purchase and build left but thats like $350 plus the labor to complete. I was hoping to modify right to make it left as all part numbers look identical. I am just not sure what would be involved

 

If your spring compressors were flexing under the force of the 1989 / 1991 springs, just consider that the 2004 car is a LOT heavier and so the springs are that much stiffer.

 

You didn't say all the car's details, so I looked at a EX 4-cyl coupe with automatic trans. Majestic Auto doesn't list the strut assemblies as being discontinued.
(www/dot/hondaautomotiveparts/dot/com)
There's other dealers out there that sell over the web, so look around.

 

Yes car is a 04' coupe K24 5 speed manual. i think its an ex has cloth sunroof and side airbags. So part number left side (51602-SDA-A22) is discontinued item the right is (51601-SDA-A21). Actually I ordered from Majestic. After I ordered they emailed to let me know left was discontinued. I got the same message after ordering from hondacarparts another east coast dealer. Ill try one of the west coast guys maybe a different Distribution Center. Thanks for the advice.