Acura MDX: How to Replace Shocks and Review
The shocks absorbers are critical components to comfort and handling, and with time they will lose their effectiveness. Read on for recommended replacements and a how-to guide.
This article applies to the Acura MDX (2001-2013).
The Acura MDX uses normal shock absorbers in the rear, and MacPherson struts up front, but for the sake of this article, we are just going to call them both shocks. The shock absorbers are important parts that affect your comfort, control, and handling of your Acura MDX. Even if your shocks are not obviously blown or leaking, they loose their effectiveness with time. Replacing the shocks isn't a hard process, it just takes some patience, basic tools, and a spring compressor to install them. This guide will show you how you can replace the rear and the front shocks on your Acura MDX, and if you keep reading, we will shine some light on the most popular shock absorbers out there, so you can make the right purchase for your needs and budget.
If you have the rare Advanced Dynamic Suspension (ADS), your only real option is to use the factory parts when/if they fail and those cost more than $500 a piece. It is possible to swap the ADS shocks for the standard units, but you will likely get an error code on the dashboard unless a resistor is wired into the old plug, and even then it will throw a code if you switch from Comfort to Sport mode. See the post here for more information: ADS Shocks to Regular - MDXers.org
Table of Contents
How to Replace Your Shock Absorbers
Materials Needed
- Socket set
- Ratchet with extension
- Jack and jack stands
- Flat head screwdriver
- Tire iron
- Wrench
Rear Shocks
Step 1 – Jack up the rear
Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, then jack up the rear and secure the car on jack stands. Remove the wheel to get started.
Step 2 – Replace rear shock
The rear shock absorbers are very easy to replace. Simply remove the two bolts, the one on top and the one on the bottom of the shock absorber, then remove the shock absorber. Install the new one in its place and torque the two bolts to 47 ft-lb. To make it easier, you can jack up the rear axle a little, until you can easily slip the bolts into the holes. Install the wheels, then lower the car back to the ground.
Figure 2. Acura MDX rear suspension diagram. 
Figure 3. Top shock bolt. 
Figure 4. Lower shock bolt.
Front Shocks
Step 1 – Jack up the front
Jack up the front of your car and remove the wheels. Be sure to always secure your car with jack stands when you're working on it.
Step 2 – Disconnect end link, speed sensor and brake line
Before removing the front strut, you have to disconnect three components from it. Start with the sway bar end link, which is held in place by one 17mm nut. Then disconnect the speed sensor by removing its 10mm bolt. Finally, move your brake line out of the way by disconnecting the 12mm bolt holding the bracket to the shock.
Step 3 – Remove lower bolts
Remove the two 22mm bolts that are holding the steering knuckle to the strut and pull the knuckle out of the way. Once you remove the two lower bolts, the only thing holding the strut in place are three nuts on top.
Step 4 – Remove nut covers
To reach the three nuts holding the top of the strut in place, open the hood, then remove the three nut covers right in front of the windshield. Use your flat head screwdriver to pop them off.
Step 5 – Remove three top nuts
Use your 14mm socket and extension to remove the three nuts holding the top of the strut in place, there in the holes you just pried the covers off of. You will likely need an extension to reach them. Remove the shock by moving the bottom out of the bracket, then pull the whole thing down.
Step 6 – Swap over spring and strut mount
You can decide not to do this part yourself and still save a significant amount of money. A shop will likely charge you $50 for the change over. The MDX is a heavy vehicle and the springs are pretty stout, so you will need a heavy duty spring compressor in order to take the tension off of them. Use an impact gun to take the nut off the top of the strut, then remove the strut mount. Install the old spring on the new strut. Install the hat on top and tighten the nut in the center. Carefully remove the spring compressor. Now your new struts can be installed.
Step 7 – Replace the strut
To install the new strut, slide it back into place, making sure to get the three bolts at the top through the holes, then slide it over the steering knuckle. You may need to raise the axle with your jack to install the lower bolts easier.
Featured Videos: Shock Replacement
The Honda Pilot SUV, Odyssey minivan, and Acura MDX use a very similar suspension design, as they are on the same platform. These videos are for the Odyssey, but should be 90% the same as the MDX proceedure.
Shocks Review
Unfortunately, there are not all that many different options for MDX owners who need new shocks, but the good news is all of them are okay and none of them are expensive. The price differences listed reflect the different part numbers between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Acura MDX, which use slightly different parts.
KYB |
Monroe |
OEM | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price/Each |
$65-95 front, $35-65 rear | $70-90 front, $30-50 rear | $165 front, $100 rear |
Ride |
Stiffer than stock |
Softer than stock |
Stock |
Lifespan |
50,000 Miles | 40,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles |
Purpose |
Spirited Driving | Daily Driving | Daily Driving |
Warranty |
Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | 1 Year |
Best Value: Monroe
KYB
Price – $65-95 front, $35-65 rear
Ride – Stiffer than stock
Lifespan – 50,000 Miles
Purpose – Spirited Driving
Warranty – Lifetime
The KYB shock absorbers are popular amongst Acura drivers, and with their fantastic warranty as well as sportier ride, you can't go wrong with these shocks. These shocks come with everything you need to install them onto your Acura MDX, including the small rubber bushings. Although these shocks are designed to replace your OEM shocks, some feel they enhance the ride quality, with all the comfort and a bit more sport. When it comes to pricing, one cannot help but be drawn to these shocks, so why spend more if you don't have to? Best for those who like the sportiness of their Acura MDX sport utility.
Monroe
Price – $70-90 front, $30-50 rear
Ride – Softer than stock
Lifespan – 40,000 Miles
Purpose – Daily Driving
Warranty – Limited Lifetime
The Monroe goes above and beyond to provide comfort, perhaps even more than the OEM shocks on your Acura. Some forum users claimed these can make the rear of the car a little firmer than the OEM, which wasn't the most pleasant experience to them, but most felt they were softer than stock. Monroe has been in business for many years, making smooth riding shocks that live in harsh environments. These may be the brand you want if you need a smooth ride on a rough road. Recommended if you're looking for comfortable shocks.
Acura OEM Parts
Price – $165 front, $100 rear
Ride – Stock
Lifespan – 50,000 Miles
Purpose – Daily Driving
Warranty – 1 Year
Although the Acura MDX OEM shock absorber is nothing fancy, you still can't go wrong with it. Many people are afraid to try the aftermarket parts, because they don't want to alter the OEM ride they love. The Acura MDX is designed for comfort and handling, which means the OEM shocks do a fantastic job. It's hard to find complaints regarding the OEM shocks, especially since the factory spent numerous hours testing them out, so you know exactly what you're getting; however, if you really want to hear a complaint, the warranty will always come up. Many enthusiasts hate the idea of a one year warranty; they claim the company doesn't stand behind their products. If the warranty isn't important to you, the OEM shocks will make your Acura feel like it just rolled out of the dealership. Recommended if you want to restore the OEM feel, and you don't mind the price.
Related Discussion and Sites
- Shock Assembly - AcuraZine.com
- ADS Shocks to Regular? - MDXers.org
- KYB vs. Monroe Shocks - MDXers.org
