Buy Acura MDX Suspension Struts

The Acura MDX's suspension strut-also called a shock absorber, damper, or coil-over assembly-cushions bumps, guides the wheel, and carries part of the SUV's weight. Early MDX generations (2001-2020) use a MacPherson strut front suspension, while the 2022-2025 redesign moves to a double-wishbone front layout but still keeps strut-style dampers at the rear. Typical service life is 50,000-100,000 miles, and a full front-pair replacement averages about $1,734-$1,904 including labor. Common warning signs include clunking, fluid leaks, extra bounce, tire cupping, and longer stops. Alignment is recommended after installation, and key torque specs-such as 116 ft-lb on the lower pinch bolts-help the new hardware stay tight. Acura and NHTSA have posted service bulletins for squeaks and several recalls, so checking your VIN is smart. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver, Kbb.com, RepairPal.com, Mdxers)

A strut is a heavy-duty tube filled with oil and gas. Inside, a piston moves through the oil to slow down bumps and stop the body from bouncing. Unlike a simple shock, a MacPherson strut also holds the coil spring and acts as the upper steering pivot. (Wikipedia)

• 2001-2020 - Independent MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear. (Car and Driver)
• 2022-2025 - New double-wishbone front, still multi-link rear; rear dampers are often called "struts" in catalogs. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver)
• The switch improves cornering but front strut parts still apply to pre-2022 models, which make up most used-MDX sales today. (Mdxers)

• Front struts fit left and right; replace in matched pairs for even ride height.
• AWD and FWD trims share the same basic assembly, but active-damping or air-suspension variants (Type S) need specialty units. (The Center for Auto Safety)
• Always match year range-2007-2013 struts differ from 2014-2020 even though both are MacPherson style. (Wikipedia)

• Mileage - Plan inspection every 50-60 k miles; many fail by 100 k. (Kbb.com)
• Road feel - Excessive nose-dive on braking or floating on the highway. (Strutmasters)
• Leaks & noises - Oil seeping down the tube or a harsh "clunk" over potholes. (Mdxers, NHTSA Static)

1. Safety first - Park on level ground, chock wheels, support frame with jack stands.
2. Remove wheel; note orientation marks.
3. Detach sway-bar link and ABS wire clips.
4. Support knuckle, then undo the two strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts (tighten to 116 ft-lb on re-assembly). (Mdxers)
5. Unbolt top mount nuts from under the hood (33 ft-lb center nut; 43 ft-lb trio).
6. Swap assembly, re-use dust boot if sound.
7. Torque all hardware, reinstall wheel, then get a four-wheel alignment; ride-height changes alter toe and camber. (Reddit)

Tip: A spring compressor is mandatory; never loosen the center nut on a loaded strut.

RepairPal quotes an Acura MDX front strut job at roughly $1,734-$1,904, with $363-$533 for labor and the rest for parts. (RepairPal.com)

• Inspect tires for scalloped wear every oil change.
• Wash wheel wells; dirt shortens boot life.
• Rotate tires to balance load on each strut.
• Check recalls with Acura's VIN tool at owners.acura.com. (Acura Owners)

Enthusiasts sometimes switch to adjustable coil-over kits for firmer handling, but these can raise NVH and may void factory warranties. Always verify spring rate matches stock weight to avoid bottoming. (Mdxers)

• Acura has recalled certain 2016-20 MDX models for engine bearing issues that could increase suspension load after stalling. (Kbb.com)
• A separate stop-sale in 2023 covers potential engine failures that might indirectly stress mounts. (NHTSA Static)
• Owners have reported air-strut bag failures on 2022 models; NHTSA complaints highlight sudden ride-height drop. (The Center for Auto Safety)
  Always check current campaigns before buying parts.

Old struts are pressurized. Most county recycling centers accept them once the oil is drained; never throw them in household trash. Return cores when possible to keep steel out of landfills. (NHTSA)

Q: What is a suspension strut on an Acura MDX?
A: It is a shock absorber wrapped in a coil spring that also supports steering parts and vehicle weight. (Wikipedia)

Q: Are front and rear struts the same?
A: No. Front units handle steering loads; rear MDX dampers are simpler shocks in many years. (Car and Driver)

Q: How long do MDX struts usually last?
A: About 50k-100k miles, depending on road quality. (Kbb.com)

Q: Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
A: Yes-ride height changes alter wheel angles. (Reddit)

Q: What torque specs should I follow?
A: Lower pinch bolts - 116 ft-lb; top center nut - 33 ft-lb; three mount nuts - 43 ft-lb. (Mdxers)

Q: Can worn struts damage my tires?
A: Yes; extra bounce causes cupped or scalloped tread. (Strutmasters)

Q: Why did Acura switch to a double-wishbone front end in 2022?
A: To improve cornering grip and ride comfort. (Car and Driver)

Q: Are aftermarket coil-overs worth it?
A: They allow height and damping tweaks but may ride harsher and need more upkeep. (Mdxers)

Q: What noises point to a bad strut?
A: Clunks, squeaks on bumps, or a hollow thud over speed humps. (NHTSA Static)

Q: Is there a recall for MDX struts?
A: No direct strut recall, but NHTSA lists bulletins for suspension squeaks; check VIN for related campaigns. (Acura Owners)

Q: Can I drive with a leaking strut?
A: Short trips are possible, but stopping distance and control worsen; replace as soon as you can. (Reddit)

Q: Why replace struts in pairs?
A: A fresh unit on one side and a worn one on the other can pull the SUV during braking. (Strutmasters)

Q: What tools do I need?
A: Spring compressor, 14-22 mm sockets, breaker bar, torque wrench, and jack stands. (YouTube)

Q: Are struts covered under warranty?
A: Factory bumper-to-bumper coverage is 4 years/50k miles; extended plans may add time-check your paperwork. (Cars.com)

Q: Does the MDX Type S have air struts?
A: Yes, the adaptive air system uses air-spring struts that need OEM-specific parts. (Car and Driver)

This guide gives everyday drivers clear, trusted facts so they can care for their Acura MDX suspension with confidence.