We have a 2007 MDX Sport/Entertainment with the electronic suspension.
It has 89K miles on it. Recently, we started noticing a clunking sound originating from the right front area whenever we drive over bumps.
I put a jack stand under the frame, and noticed that when I jack the front right suspension up and down, the top of the strut mount is moving about a 1/4 inch.
I removed the top strut nut and re-tightened it with an air impact. It is definitely tightening as far as it possibly can, but it is still moving. It seems like the bushing between the top of the strut and the underside of the strut mount is the culprit. Does this sound like a possible explanation?
Now I'm trying to decide what the appropriate course of action is.
Assuming I want to replace the bushing, I'm going to have to R&R the strut assembly, so I'm wondering if I need to consider replacing the strut while I'm at it.
The replacement electronic strut is rather expensive (DealerPartsDirect wants $588.66), so I'm wondering what my options are.
1. How many miles are these electronic suspension bits typically good for?
2. Is it possible and practical to replace all struts/shocks with their non-electronic counterparts (which are significantly less expensive)? We've never really been able to tell any difference between the Sport and Comfort modes anyway.
3. Does anyone make an aftermarket strut/shock for this vehicle?
4. If I don't need to replace the strut, what part(s) would need to be replaced to resolve this problem?
Thanks for your advice!
Alan
It has 89K miles on it. Recently, we started noticing a clunking sound originating from the right front area whenever we drive over bumps.
I put a jack stand under the frame, and noticed that when I jack the front right suspension up and down, the top of the strut mount is moving about a 1/4 inch.
I removed the top strut nut and re-tightened it with an air impact. It is definitely tightening as far as it possibly can, but it is still moving. It seems like the bushing between the top of the strut and the underside of the strut mount is the culprit. Does this sound like a possible explanation?
Now I'm trying to decide what the appropriate course of action is.
Assuming I want to replace the bushing, I'm going to have to R&R the strut assembly, so I'm wondering if I need to consider replacing the strut while I'm at it.
The replacement electronic strut is rather expensive (DealerPartsDirect wants $588.66), so I'm wondering what my options are.
1. How many miles are these electronic suspension bits typically good for?
2. Is it possible and practical to replace all struts/shocks with their non-electronic counterparts (which are significantly less expensive)? We've never really been able to tell any difference between the Sport and Comfort modes anyway.
3. Does anyone make an aftermarket strut/shock for this vehicle?
4. If I don't need to replace the strut, what part(s) would need to be replaced to resolve this problem?
Thanks for your advice!
Alan