Ask the Car People.SM


Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair

5868 messages,  Last post on May 07, 2013 at 7:55 PM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Sedan

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 537 of 587

#5359 of 5868 2004 Accord front shocks replacement by daveturner

Aug 15, 2010 (6:34 pm)

I have a 2004 Accord EX 4-door automatic (75k miles); I went to my usual Honda dealer for my 5000 mile service and the service adviser said that my front shocks were leaking fluid and need to be replaced at a cost of $695! I did some research such as looking up repair estimate in my area via the web site repairpal.com, and the price range is $321 to $497 in my area (east of Los Angeles suburb), so it seems what the dealer wants is way above typical repair prices. I asked the adviser why did the shocks fail so fast, he said it might be due to running over potholes...but I don't remember running over any big potholes since my last dealer maintenance visit about 6 months ago.
 
I bought a Honda because i wanted to avoid these high repair costs--especially at such relatively low mileage (75k miles), and I feel disappointed that I face such a high repair bill for what is supposed to be a reliable car; and my Honda has had all the maintenance done at Honda dealerships but I am currently quite upset with the dealer's quote of $695 and I am looking at possibly getting the repair done at an independent shop (there's a repair shop in my area that specializes in Honda/Toyota so I'm going to get a quote from them).
 
Has anyone else had problems with their Accords front shocks leaking fluid and needing replacement?

#5360 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Aug 15, 2010 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 15, 2010 6:34 pm)
75K-80K is about normal lifespan for shocks---I mean, that's not to say they all leak at the mileage, but on most cars, they are tired at 80K.
 
Many people will insist otherwise, but that's usually because they have no basis for comparison. Since shock absorber degradation is so gradual, it's hard to notice the deterioration unless the shock absolutely collapsed--which they rarely do. Once NEW shocks are put on, the difference becomes apparent.
 
75K is a lot of bouncing up and down through potholes and who knows what else.

#5361 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [Mr_Shiftright] by jonahdog

Aug 15, 2010 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 15, 2010 7:14 pm)
Shocks can certainly wear out by 75K. And 75K in some areas (usually the northern states) is a lot more punishing than in others. I've seen shocks go bad (leak fluid) with only 10K (in this instance a Ford). My current stable has 3 accords: 2002 with 175K 2003 with 135K and 2007 with 40k. None has needed shocks/struts replaced. In fact the 2002 drives and looks as nice as any brand new accord.
 
Did the dealer show you the leaking fluid? I would get a second opinion.

#5362 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [jonahdog] by daveturner

Aug 15, 2010 (10:01 pm)

Replying to: jonahdog (Aug 15, 2010 8:09 pm)
Thanks for the quick reply...the service adviser at the dealership did not show me the leaking fluid, but I am quite mad that they are charging what seems to be $200 above market price for the repair. I used to be "scared" to have my Honda done at an independent repair shop because I thought they might use inferior fluids or parts...but I refuse to be gouged... so I am looking at "higher tier"/better-rated independent repair shops to get the shocks replaced...
 
I will definitely get a second and third opinion (I am awaiting for their repair estimates)--if their prices are good, i think i will have my tires changed, alignment, and front brake pads changed too (hopefully save some money for these maintenance services compared to doing it at a dealership).
 
Also, not sure if the dealership is desperate for money...but I have always changed my cabin air filter at the 30K mile major service...I had my 60K major service done back in late June 2009, and my most recent visit (75K) the service adviser says my cabin air filter needs to be replaced soon...I have been driving the same streets/freeways for the past 6 years and all of the sudden my cabin air filter gets dirty so fast? Do you think I should just ignore them and just get my cabin air filter replaced during my next major service (90K)? What's the worse that can happen if the cabin air filter gets too dirty?

#5363 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by elroy5

Aug 15, 2010 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 15, 2010 6:34 pm)
The struts lasted 75k miles. Well some last 150k miles, some leak before 50k. Chalk it up to bad luck. I do think you could get a much better price, if you shop around. That Honda/Toyota shop sounds like a good one to try.

#5364 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by elroy5

Aug 15, 2010 (9:06 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 15, 2010 10:01 pm)
...I have been driving the same streets/freeways for the past 6 years and all of the sudden my cabin air filter gets dirty so fast?
 
If there is road work in the area, it could easily increase the dirt in the filter. I've always changed my own filter (easy, no tools required $20), and I have never left a filter in that long (30K). My filters are usually too dirty for me by 15k miles, but our situations may not be the same. In the owner's manual, there should be instructions on how to check the filter, if you want to see for yourself.

#5365 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [elroy5] by daveturner

Aug 15, 2010 (10:06 pm)

Replying to: elroy5 (Aug 15, 2010 9:06 pm)
Did you buy the cabin filter from a Honda dealer parts department for $20....or did you buy a generic brand cabin filter from an auto parts chain store?

#5366 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by colkid

Aug 16, 2010 (4:03 am)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 15, 2010 10:01 pm)
daveturner, We have an ex-Honda repair shop,worked for local dealer for 25 and 12 years. They replaced mine, with Honda shocks at $129.99 each = $260 + labor 175 + tax 18 = TOTAL $452.40.
    Don't put anything on but the honda shocks, a friend of mine had a
2000 accord v-6 for 320,000. Changed the front shocks with Monroe or some other good brand and the car didn't ride correctly. He immediately put on Honda standard shocks on the front and the ride was correct again.
    Get quotes with them using original honda shocks or buy then and
take them to them. I am in Northern Colorado.

#5367 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [colkid] by jonahdog

Aug 16, 2010 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: colkid (Aug 16, 2010 4:03 am)
I agree, stay with Honda Brand shocks. If you like the Honda Ride, stay with OEM... I had a 93 and replaced the rear shocks with "Monroe" junk. Hated the ride, way to mushy and no control.
 
Starting with the 2003 and later, the cabin air filter is a cinch to check and/or change. If you want to see a demo, check out Youtube. How often you change it is really up to you. Is the pollen / dust severe in your area? I change mine every 6 mos or so.

#5368 of 5868 Re: 2004 Accord front shocks replacement [daveturner] by elroy5

Aug 16, 2010 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: daveturner (Aug 15, 2010 10:06 pm)
I do all my own maintenance, so I usually order a year or two supply of items from HandAaccessories.com. There prices are much lower than the dealership, but if you only buy one or two items, the shipping will negate the savings, so I will usually order wiper blade refills, six pack of oil filters, cabin and engine air filters, and any fluids etc. I will need for a while. I was thinking about trying the new cabin filters they sell at Walmart. They have charcoal in the filter to eliminate odors. I don't like the Fram engine air filters, so I will probably keep purchasing them from HandA. If all you want is the cabin filter, I'd say try the new one Walmart has.

Messages Page 537 of 587

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement