beachglass

Hi,
Took my daughter's Si for an oil change/multipoint inspection. The garage recommended a serpentine belt, both front lower control arm bushings, and said both front struts were leaking. She got the car from my in-laws at 92K miles. I'm skeptical because they had already replaced the serpentine belt (and trans oil) three years ago at 72.5K. I assume that it is still okay. The car bounces around like crazy when I hit a rut or pothole (hey, this is New England) regardless of speed, so I assume the struts do need something. I've looked at the recommended services at 100k, doesn't look like a routine replacement of the belt. Any recommendations? And any recommendations for a good Honda repair shop in the metrowest Boston area?

Thanks!

ezone

What is the value of a FREE inspection.... ?
I've got several rants about these.


You SHOULD be skeptical on that one.

Grab a flashlight and go take a look. What kind of shape is it in?
Obvious cracks in the ribs/grooves?
Weather cracks on the flat side?
(Brownish color is normal, nothing to worry about IMO.)

What brand was it?
OEM belts last a damn long time.
Aftermarket belts are a crapshoot.




Verify these with a quick visual check?
Probably does need them.

If you did NOT see the struts have been leaking, then bounce the front of the car with your body weight... Does it bounce too easily?

repeat the same for the rear.

No scheduled interval on that.
"As needed."


HTH

beachglass

Thanks for the advice. Took it back to the same place, and the mechanic showed me with the car on the lift what was recommended. The belt is brown but has no cracks. He showed me what he said were leaking bushings and struts, but since I don't know what they look like when not leaking, I'm still taking his word on those. There was a note from the in-laws' mechanic back in 2012 that they should look to replace the left front strut by the end of the summer.

ezone

I'd leave that alone.

Multiple votes now for struts, so do it.

100k on the bushings, they probably are tearing of not torn all the way by now. I'd say do them too.
Might need sway bar links?

Do all the suspension work at the same time so you only need to pay for wheel alignment once.

Then the front end will probably be good for another 100k.