Honda Civic Shock Absorber Replacement?

Question

I have a 2001 Honda Civic EX (coupe) at about 133,000 miles. I brought it into good year for a check-up. Why goodyear? $15 sounds a h**l of a lot better than $75 at a dealership. They reported that the only problem is that the shock absorber (Front Left AND Front Right) is leaking.

Hence, my first question: How can I check if it is really leaking and they're not trying to pull a fast one on me?

Second question: They quoted $320 for two front struts and $90 for labor. Does this sound right? They said they guarentee using Honda parts, and I'd like to do that as everything I replaced are origional OEM (except some internal equipment).

On that note, does anyone know where in the world is Honda's parts website? Every time I visit their service center, they have this website where you type in the year, make and model and you can look at every single little part from the cover caps for the seat belt to the engine. Every employee I talk to does not know the website. I cannot find it anywhere.

Answer 1

Usually OEM parts are only available through dealer service centers. I'll bet that website is Honda's corporate intranet, and not open to the outside world.

If they only quoted $90 for labor, you're probably not getting struts - it's probably an assembly with struts, springs, boots, mounts, and bearings all installed. You pay more for the parts, but it's a good deal - you pay less for labor so the cost comes out around the same, and you get more new stuff put in.

Bounce your car up and down, by the wheel where they say the strut is bad. Really get it going, then step back. Does it keep bouncing, or stop pretty fast? If it keeps going, you definitely need new ones. If not, new struts might give you a better ride, but if you can live with a bad ride, don't bother until they get really bad (and fail the 'bounce test')

Answer 2

1.  Look at the shock. If there is oil all over the outside of it then it is leaking.

2. Yes.

3. I don't know if such a creature even exists.  I'd use it if it did since I order parts on a daily basis.

Answer 3

check the links below, I don't know if these are going to help you or not!

Answer 4

You should be able to see the leaking struts by looking right over the front tires. There you will find the coil spring. In the center of that spring, is the strut. There should be moisture around the large nut that holds the strut cartridge in place. That price sounds about right. Make sure you get the front end aligned after the strut replacement. I would also think about after market struts. They are much better quality and maybe a little cheaper.

  As for the honda website, I can't help you. Good Luck!