Need to replace rear shocks?

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daveydoo
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Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by daveydoo »

2010 Honda Odyssey with about 70K mi -- spouse's daily driver and pretty gently used. It's hauled a lot of kids but not a lot of pounds. Starting around late 2014, at about 50K mi, we got reports from the dealer service (at oil changes) that one (or both?) of the rear shocks was leaking and they needed to be replaced for $600. We elected to wait. And for the last 2+ years, we have intermittently gotten similar feedback when they do their million-point oil-change inspections looking for something -- anything, really -- for us to spend money on. We've had no suspension or steering or handling symptoms or issues that I can tell. Is there any way to know if this is something that's required? Or something that could bite us if neglected? In our decades of car ownership, neither of us has ever had an issue with shocks.

As an aside, we're skeptical of this dealership (and stopped buying Hondas pretty much because of them), but it's close and there are few independents nearby. And convenience has been key for spouse. Thanks!

"I mean, it's one banana, Michael...what could it cost? Ten dollars?"

sport
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by sport »

I would suggest going to an independent mechanic that has been recommended to you by people you trust. You already said you do not trust the dealer, so a second opinion is definitely in order.

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bottlecap
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by bottlecap »

Can you look to see if they are leaking? You can see all sorts of stuff if you get under your car with a light.

I, too, would be skeptical of the dealer's claims. Bad shocks on a gently used minivan that started at 50,000 sounds sketchy.

Next time go to the independent to get on oil change. Ask them to check the tires and undercarriage while they do.

I (sort of) get the convenience factor of the dealer, but is it really worth it if you can't trust them?

JT

neilpilot
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by neilpilot »

Rear shocks are usually easy DYI, and OEM quality for your car cost about $40 each. Even if you need them, which is doubtful, I'd be really surprised if an inde mechanic would charge more than half the dealer estimate. You don't need a Honda mechanic to install new shocks.

livesoft
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by livesoft »

You might compare your minivan to someone else's minivan that does not have a shock problem:

Push the front and rear of both vehicles up and down. Notice any difference? Try to get the vehicles to really bounce up and down. You can have someone drive over speed bumps and stop shortly after while you watch from the side.

I'm sure there are youtube.com videos showing all this. Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qycP-LZKX10

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daveydoo
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by daveydoo »

bottlecap wrote:Can you look to see if they are leaking? You can see all sorts of stuff if you get under your car with a light.

I just can't get under there -- about 6" of clearance. The van spends about 70% of its life parked in the exact same spot in the garage and there's no drip mark(s) -- but I'm guessing if it were leaking, it might only leak under compression (i.e., on the road).

livesoft wrote: Push the front and rear of both vehicles up and down. Notice any difference?

Seems symmetrical and pretty well dampened to us -- but it's a big vehicle and I can't get a lot of motion no matter what I do. And it seems to "settle" equally rapidly on both sides. And in the front, for comparison.

neilpilot wrote: Rear shocks are usually easy DYI, and OEM quality for your car cost about $40 each.

Good to know -- thanks! I'm just not equipped/prepared to do it. I'm always bleeding somewhere after changing a halogen headlight. But it's a good starting point!

Our usual "fix" for these asymptomatic dealer hard-sell things ($150 "flush" of assorted fluid reservoirs) has been to say "Yeah, we'll think about it." I'll look for an independent but I'm guessing they also have $ in their eyes in our HCOL area. Was really hoping for an "If you can't feel it, don't worry about it!"

"I mean, it's one banana, Michael...what could it cost? Ten dollars?"

RudyS
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by RudyS »

I too would have suggested the bounce test. For something like shocks, I say if it ain't broke, don't "fix it." The only problem a bad shock could cause would be poor handling - which you don't apparently see. Having an independent mechanic check is OK too. There used to be a scam where a "mechanic" squirted some oil on the shocks, so he could show you the problem!

Katietsu
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by Katietsu »

You do not need a full service mechanic for most shocks. There must be independent tire places somewhere nearby. All of our tire places can handle all but the crazy shock replacements, e.g. the car that needed the fuel filter and multiple other parts removed to replace the rear shocks.

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daveydoo
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by daveydoo »

MoneyIsntEverything wrote:Next time the van is in the shop, you can ask the mechanic to put it on the lift and show you the leaking shocks with a flashlight.

The "stealership" gets around this by saying that no one is allowed on the shop floor "for liability reasons." I'm sure they have a point, vis-a-vis slip-and-falls, but still...I think it's more self-serving than that. Plus, you never actually talk to the person who looked at your car -- it's all filtered through an on-script PR "consultant."

RudyS wrote: There used to be a scam where a "mechanic" squirted some oil on the shocks, so he could show you the problem!

I think I remember that ol' 60 Minutes segment -- unsuspecting folks at a gas station! I guess it's gotten a lot easier now -- no need to even show the leak!

"I mean, it's one banana, Michael...what could it cost? Ten dollars?"

tibbitts
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by tibbitts »

sport wrote:I would suggest going to an independent mechanic that has been recommended to you by people you trust. You already said you do not trust the dealer, so a second opinion is definitely in order.

This is like saying go to a financial adviser recommended to you by people you trust. How well is that likely to end?

MoneyIsntEverything
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by MoneyIsntEverything »

OP, it sounds like you are in need of a mechanic you can trust. Even if they charged the same as the dealership, you'd probably be happier if they are not recommending (possibly) unneeded repairs. If you're not doing the work yourself, dealer or indy are pretty much the only options.

Ask around for a recommendation-- friends and coworkers, check reviews on Yelp, and see if a good shop turns up. They do exist, although maybe not on every corner.

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kelway
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by kelway »

I had the same report on my rear shocks and let it go for awhile, and then on a road trip to Cedar Point with my kids in the back, every little bump caused the back of the car to drop and pull it hard to the right... very dangerous.

We went to pep boys and had them installed very cheaply... free install coupon.

It's definitely easy DIY - no alignment to worry about or anything. So I wouldn't delay.

livesoft
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by livesoft »

Did you watch the youtube videos?

Any car, washer, dryer, boat, water heater, plumbing, lawn, weed, roach, pest, ant, rug cleaning, ..., etc problem resolution should start with youtube watching.

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danaht
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by danaht »

neilpilot wrote:Rear shocks are usually easy DYI, and OEM quality for your car cost about $40 each. Even if you need them, which is doubtful, I'd be really surprised if an inde mechanic would charge more than half the dealer estimate. You don't need a Honda mechanic to install new shocks.

+1 - Rear shocks are usually easy to replace yourself. It's usually more work to drive to the dealer and have the dealer replace these - than to order the parts on Amazon. Just be extra careful with your safety - and be sure you use the proper car stands, etc. to support the car while you work.

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nedsaid
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by nedsaid »

I would say replace the shocks. You tend to get used to your car's handling and it might be worse than you realize. Your life depends upon such things as suspension systems and braking, this is not an area to economize.

A fool and his money are good for business.

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daveydoo
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by daveydoo »

livesoft wrote:Did you watch the youtube videos?

Of course!

I never know if I'm googling overly-specific instances of more generalizable questions: "How to change a 75-watt light bulb." In this case, it would need to be the exact same vehicle. Same year. Probably even the same color, just to be safe. :happy

Oh, I'll take a gamble on an indy shop or a tire place!

"I mean, it's one banana, Michael...what could it cost? Ten dollars?"

ericinri
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by ericinri »

nedsaid wrote:I would say replace the shocks. You tend to get used to your car's handling and it might be worse than you realize. Your life depends upon such things as suspension systems and braking, this is not an area to economize.

This is true. My wife's 2009 Odyssey last summer had a leaky rear shock noted by the oil change guy. He wanted about $400 so you quote seems high. I came home and ordered four rear shocks (two for each car since I knew mine were leaking too) because there was a buy three get one free sale. About $150 and two hours later both cars had new shocks. The Odyssey took about 20 minutes a side.
When all was said and done, the car that I thought rode fine, felt totally different. If you don't want to do it yourself, call around because parts are cheap and with a lift I'd imagine you can do the Odyssey in under 30 minutes.

sport
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by sport »

tibbitts wrote:

sport wrote:I would suggest going to an independent mechanic that has been recommended to you by people you trust. You already said you do not trust the dealer, so a second opinion is definitely in order.

This is like saying go to a financial adviser recommended to you by people you trust. How well is that likely to end?

I would suggest that it is better than choosing one at random. If you don't already have a mechanic, a referral from a satisfied customer is a good place to start.

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munemaker
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by munemaker »

Anything is possible, but I find it very hard to believe shocks on any Honda need replacing at 70,000 miles. I have 191,000 on my CR*V and the original shocks are fine.

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nedsaid
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by nedsaid »

ericinri wrote:

nedsaid wrote:I would say replace the shocks. You tend to get used to your car's handling and it might be worse than you realize. Your life depends upon such things as suspension systems and braking, this is not an area to economize.

This is true. My wife's 2009 Odyssey last summer had a leaky rear shock noted by the oil change guy. He wanted about $400 so you quote seems high. I came home and ordered four rear shocks (two for each car since I knew mine were leaking too) because there was a buy three get one free sale. About $150 and two hours later both cars had new shocks. The Odyssey took about 20 minutes a side.
When all was said and done, the car that I thought rode fine, felt totally different. If you don't want to do it yourself, call around because parts are cheap and with a lift I'd imagine you can do the Odyssey in under 30 minutes.

Yep, that sore and aching back you experience might not be due to age but to your car's poor ride. It is amazing what you will get used to over time. Regardless of what "experts" tell you, springs can go bad too and after 15 to 20 years will need replacement too. I replaced springs in an old car after being told by an alignment and suspension guy that it wouldn't make any difference. My rear end and back told me otherwise. New springs and my back and rear end wasn't sore anymore. Funny how that works. There are also stabilizers and other stuff in the suspension system that should be checked too.

A fool and his money are good for business.

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Sandtrap
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Re: Need to replace rear shocks?

Post by Sandtrap »

livesoft wrote:Did you watch the youtube videos?

Any car, washer, dryer, boat, water heater, plumbing, lawn, weed, roach, pest, ant, rug cleaning, ..., etc problem resolution should start with youtube watching.

Ditto: "youtube" "DIY". You can fix anything nowadays. "Search, YouTube, Honda Oddesey Rear Shocks" diagnosis and repair. Shocks from Autozone, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/KYB-349105-Excel ... sey+shocks Tools from Harbor Freight, on sale, coupon. Floor Jack. Jack Stands.
Youtube How To:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xWoNn5EvS8
An air or electric impact is a lot easier/faster than a ratchet but both work.
Harbor Freight. . . . more toys.

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