front suspension problems and struts?

Hi oshel,

Such symptoms are usually attributed to the front CV shaft inner joints, lack of lubrication causing imbalance.

Check if the shaft inner CV joint boots are torn or has Cv shaft grease splayed all over the surrounding area. That would indicate the joint has lack of lubricants.

2006 Honda Odyssey Automatic 45300 miles

The service department at my dealer says one of my back shocks has a leak. He says it is up to me whether I want just the leaky one replaced or both. What do you recommend?

Hi 123car,

Normally shocks should be replaced a set of front or rear. At the mileage shown, the shocks are neither new nor too old so replacing only the faulty pieces is also acceptable.

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
2003 Honda Odyssey Automatic 88000 miles

How can I tell if front struts need replacing? My dealer service is telling me I should have it done.

Thank you

John K.

Hi there,

If the strut is oily that is an indication that the top seal has failed, and you can do a bounce test, if the car feels soft and bounces more that 1 11/2 oscillations the struts would be suspect.

Mark (mhpautos)

when i step on gas i hear in the left side wheel area a dribbling sound.it stops at when i hit 40mph. i changed the these parts assuming this was the problem but it's still there.. Struts and mount, lower control arm, outer tie rod and still problems is there before i spend any more money can you please help me on this problem. someone told me to change wheel bearings but that can seem to make the dribbling sound.

Ok I would have the hub bearings checked and the front axles. I say have them checked because not everyone has the ability to raise the car and use an automotive stethiscope and listen to them for noises. Now if you take it to a front end or tire shop they should be able to do this for you and just ask them to check the noise and give you an estimate it shouldn't cost you to have that done. Let me know what you find.

I am replacing the struts on the van listed above. Since i am buying used ones i need to know the year range of Odyssey's that are compatible with my 2002. For example can i use struts from a 2004, 2005, 2006, etc Odysseys's?

Good afternoon.

The Honda body from 2002 is the same to 2006.

What are you paying for used struts? used suspension parts are never a good idea. Rock auto has new struts complete with springs for $65.00 each.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/honda,2002,odyssey,3.5l+v6,1429297,suspension,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174

Roy

I have been experiencing a vibration at various speeds. I first noticed it at 43 mph. It comes in around 40 and leaves at 45 mph. Then started noticing it at 20 and 40 and now at higher speeds. Replaced all engine and trans mounts, control arm bushings, turned rotors and put new pads on, flushed trans, replaced sway arm bushings, and swapped my wheels with a friend that has the same vehicle and no vibration issues. Jacked up the front right wheel then the front left wheel individually and ran the car through various speeds and felt vibration more on the left side then the right. Thinking it is a bad CV joint but boots are not torn. Any ideas?

Hi mdownesx@yahoo.com,

Check the inner CV joints. Most tends to have the grease inside spilled out due to weak/deteriorated boot bands. Look out for sings of grease spilled around the area.

When there ia a lack of lubrication, the inner joints would become unbalanced and cause vibrations.

I fixed it. We flushed the transmission with Valvoline Max Life ATF, which is Honda compatible.

Thanks for the input.

This is something new to me and it has never crossed my mind that the fluids can cause vibration. Will keep that in mind for future jobs.

I recently began hearing a creaking sound from the front end of my Odyssey when turning the steering wheel. I mainly hear it at slower speeds, (i.e. backing or pulling into a parking spot) It has my wife all freaked out. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi
Have the front struts been replaced ? If not good chance that is what your hearing. Bounce front end about 5 times hear the noise? Is it easy to bounce and does it continue for more than one bounce when you stop? Yes to this and struts are in order. If struts are newer then lower ball joint is a possibility.

The plastic splash guard under the front bumper is dragging on the ground. Is it necessary to get this replaced? My boyfriend's came off his Altima and he has not had any problems.
Some background: when i park in the garage at work
i would hear a scrapping sound sometimes and i guess the concrete block in the parking space would hit that plastic guard under my car. Last night as i was
backing out of a parking space my bf said he heard a scrapping sound. He looked under my car and saw that the guard was hanging down on the drivers' side and dragging on the ground. He managed to
push it back up and i drove 25 miles on the freeway
to my home no problem. this morning coming in to work i came into the garage and it came down again.
Thank you for your help!
Maggy

updated 10-25-09
Thank you for the info gentlemen! It turns out 7 of the 8 clips were off, and dealer put them back on for $63 total (parts $5.49/per clip plus tax and 1/2 hour labor. If the splash guard was missing that would have been $97 + tax, so it pays to get it checked out!
Maggy

Hi Maggy,

The splash guard is for keeping dirt from getting between the fenders and body and if it is removed, it would not cause any other problem except collection of dirt.

Check if any of the holding clips are missing/dislodged. Reinstalling the clips would solve the problem if it is not torn yet.

my Honda dealer says the front lower control arm bushing is torn and needs to be repair. first what is the lower control arm bushing? and 2nd, do you recomend that only a Honda technician fixes this problem or can a local mechanic do it as well?

Hi there, The lower control; arm is the main member that attaches to the bottom of the strut and the sub frame of the car (see Pic) the bush is the pivot at the end of the arm, any qualified mechanic can do this job, it is not that hard. mark (mhpautos)

Hello, I took my vehicle to get a tune up and while they were servicing it. They suggested that I replace the sway bar link. My question is, I am able to make general repairs on my vehicle and some other things as I am mechanically incled but I would like to know if with my genral know how would I be avle to replace the sway bar link or would I need a machine shop to snap anything in or can I get away with just the regular racket and socket tools? And if possible could you provide with general instrcutions on how to repalce it without having to take it to the shop?

thanks in advance.

Hi rolysr, To replace the sway bar links, you would need a 14 mm ring spanner and a 4 mm Allen key with a jack and stand. Removal is by unloosening the nuts and the link would come loose. Item # 4 is the link.

I bought a Honda Odyssey but the previous owner lowered it. What do I change? The springs or the struts?

you have to find out how he lowered it first it could be the spindles as well. if you know the previous owner ask him. if not try different springs.then get it aligned.

Thank you!

I have a 1998 honda odyssey and i want to replace the shocks, but i dont know if they have shocks and struts or only shocks?

Refer to diagram. Front strut, rear shocks. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed................................................................