2003 Odyssey - Front (right-side) bumpy vibration

[heydawgg]

Any idea what might cause a bumpy ride/vibration on right-side of my 2003 Odyssey? Have had the wheels balanced....feels like a suspension problem...I've also heard motor mounts can go bad on these vehicles?

[BullShifter]

Yes mounts go bad but that wont affect the ride. Is the strut leaking? I have seen the Ody's blowing out front struts.

[heydawgg]

Thanks Bullshifter, that's exactly what I believe is the problem now.
I removed the two front wheels again, and took both to a shop to have balanced....both were in balance...no issues.

I took a look at the struts, and just under the rubber boots, it looks like a sheen covering the strut...which looks like a leakage in my eyes...both struts had the same look, and when I touched that gunk, it felt oily....so guess is the struts are done.

Any idea what a shop would charge to replace those...and should I go with a heavier duty set to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Thanks!

[BullShifter]

It's hard to remember every thing but I'm pretty sure the labor time is 3.0hrs for front struts + alignment. As far as struts go, if it were me I would stick with OEM stuff. The only other struts we have installed on an ODY is KYB and it sat funny. The front was very high(correct parts) but drove ok. You can check www.hondaautomotiveparts.com for prices. For just the struts they want $103.08 each while a regular dealer will charge you $147.26 each. There is another option and that's getting the fully assy which includes the strut, spring, mount, etc it's complete and ready to install not spring compressor or switching parts but it's more $$$ $268/$271 each.

[heydawgg]

Originally Posted by BullShifter

It's hard to remember every thing but I'm pretty sure the labor time is 3.0hrs for front struts + alignment. As far as struts go, if it were me I would stick with OEM stuff. The only other struts we have installed on an ODY is KYB and it sat funny. The front was very high(correct parts) but drove ok. You can check www.hondaautomotiveparts.com for prices. For just the struts they want $103.08 each while a regular dealer will charge you $147.26 each. There is another option and that's getting the fully assy which includes the strut, spring, mount, etc it's complete and ready to install not spring compressor or switching parts but it's more $$$ $268/$271 each.

Thanks Bullshifter,

This will give me a good "ballpark" number for when I'm talking to my mechanic....I'll probably get both sides done, just to be safe, so it's looking like a $500-$600 bill with labour included....give or take $100.

Thanks for your help on this!

Heydawgg

[BullShifter]

Yes definitely do both sides. It's possible the rear shocks might be leaking too, we have seen a lot of those. The rears are simple to change.

[heydawgg]

Originally Posted by BullShifter

Yes definitely do both sides. It's possible the rear shocks might be leaking too, we have seen a lot of those. The rears are simple to change.

Thanks Bullshifter,

I'll get them to check the backs as well....guessing those might be leaking or worn (but I'll change those out myself...pretty easy to do...struts are a different animal though).

Thanks for the help!

H.