Rep Power: 0

Well,

As some of you remember my other post, I bent over and got raped at Acura in Markham for the 96k service....

I walked in with things to check before the 100k warranty expiration, but they wouldn't check my underbody for rust; I didn't get rust proofing from that particular dealership (I got it from downtown Acura.) ....

Anyway, asked them to check my front shocks, as I hear creaking sounds sometimes when I go over bumps... Told them to look at the driver side. Well, they found the passenger side to be blown, and will be replaced under warranty for free (absolutely free...) Yes, I'm happy it's getting replaced for free, but pissed that it's such bad quality; it's probably going to blow before I hit my next big tuneup...

So, if you're nearing 100k, go get em checked out....

I replaced mine at 24k under warranty (driver side blown), and now a second time at 98k (passenger side)..... WTF... Last time, and this time, they will replace both front struts, not just one side.

In terms of service, they did the 96k service, didn't lube all hinges as per the Type E service (gonna bitch on the wkend about it), and did an Auto tranny flush... All in all, cost me $450. This is with a 15% off discount (coupon I got in the mail.)

They wanted another $120 for spark plug changing, even tho at 96k they should only be inspected.... I opted not to do it, and bought some NGK Iridium plugs for ~$34 for 4 from Cdn Tire; getting a friend to do it.

UPDATE March 12:
Went up to Acura in Markham again to get my front shocks replaced...
- Got a (free) 2005 Acura EL loaner, sweet
- Went up at 8:30, picked up at 2...
- Replaced both front shocks, asked if I could keep the old ones, they said no because it's under warranty (which makes sense)
- New shocks carry new warranty: 1 yr/20,000km.
- Got a FREE 4 wheel alignment

Not sure why, but they did the alignment. Not sure if it's part of the procedure when replacing the front shocks. They did it a Acura in Markham... When I got my shocks replaced at 24k @ Downtown Acura, they didn't do any kind of alignment.

That 4 wheel alignment is worth $120+tax or so... Not bad. I feel like a king when I go to Acura in Markham, like a ham when I'm at downtown Acura....

 
Rep Power: 0

I had my fronts replaced about a week after I lowered the car. And they only had about 15,000km on them. They were very crappy quality. My next set is doing OK but I am getting tokico nevertheless.

But wow, $450 for service is so much. Good thing that one's not too soon for me,

 
Rep Power: 290

if anyone has their fronts sitting around, ill buy them from you
as long as they aint bent, im your guy!

 
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I had my 2001 civic's replaced shortly after I bought it.

 
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SiG...make sure its the right diammetre....

 
Rep Power: 318

120 for plugs? Dude can't you do that your self? It's quite easy.

And yeah, make sure they put the bigger struts in.

 
Rep Power: 290

so i basically need a 2003+ front set of struts which are not bent, correct?

 
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^^ yes...

if the person has em out already just have em measure

 
Rep Power: 290

ok cool thanks a lot rob

SO... If anyone has 03+ front struts that arent bent, ill buy them from ya!

 
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post it up in the forsale/trade thread....WTB.....goodluck man!

 
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$450 wow... what did they do for the brakes? all 4 pads/shoes changed?

 
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I've had to replace my front shocks once, since it actually hurt every time I went over a bump on the road, and the CD player would sometimes skip. (Other people int he car would think we hit something). I'm at 80k and I think they may need to be reaplced again.

 
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The Type E only comes with brake caliper/pad inspection.... They said I had well over 70% of pad front and back remaining...

It's the labour that killed me... I think it was like $300 in labour hours charged... I bitched about the greasing of hinges, and they did it for free the 2nd time around.

--> See original msg with updated content about my shock replacement.

 
Rep Power: 315

ANY time someone does any work on your suspension, you should get an alignment done. Things get knocked around and such.

ie: lowering spring install/strut replacement/coilover install.

The mechanics at Downtown Acura should have realized this. Any time you get your suspension worked on, demand an alignment. Especially from a dealership. If you know that they will be replacing shocks, etc, you should make them well aware that you won't leave the property until at LEAST a front alignment is done. Dealerships like to get lots of $$$ out of you, for doing as little work as possible!

example: I had put my rims on and took off my mud guards, but forgot to put those screws back into the plastic lining in the wheel well. When I went in for my 80K service, or whatever the hell it was I was going in for, (I knew they had to take my wheels off to inspect my breaks) I brought in my screws, and asked the service advisor if the mechanic could fire the screws back in for me. The S/A told me that they would CHARGE me for putting 6 screws into my car!!!!! ($15.50 which works out to like 15 minutes labour) obviously I didn't pay, I bitched and they did it for free

Anyways thats my story. I hate dealerships. Although it comes hand in hand with owning a car. You just have to go in knowing what you need done so they can't f00k you over!

 
Rep Power: 0

why dropped $450 at the dealer for service? the real work they did on your car was oil change and tranny flush...what a ripoff if you ask me

as for spark plugs, they are very easy on any 4 cylinders cars. try DIY and you will learn a lot from it

 
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when i got my front shocks replaced they did a front wheel alignment. so in the end you came out ok with the warranty work for free.

 
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Here at the Mississauga Honda (AUTOCENTER) dealership RIGHT NOW waiting for my oil change to be done, when I was approached with a list of things that need to get done.

1. My stock struts are leaking so they are being replaced and getting an alignment done = FREE, still under warranty. (Phewww!!)
2.Tranny Flush = $68.88
3. Flush ABS break fluid = $148.88
4. Front and Rear Brake SERVICE = $98.88 , they said the brake pads are fine, they just need to be aligned so they are flush, and lubircated.
5. Air Filter = $19.99 - I think I'll do that myself.

My 01 sedan has only 46,450Kms, is a strictly city car, usually add only 60km's a day to and from school. I was wondering if the tranny needing to be flush and brakes serviced after only 46,450km's is right given my current milage and usage? I thought it was a little early for those services?

 
Rep Power: 318

I would just do what the manual says to do.... I'm at work so I can't look it for ya, sorry

 
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Jeremy,

GEt the koni adjustables the yellows man their soooo goood i gotem and love every minute of them.....now i must excuse myself while i cream.byebye

 
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Im getting the Tokico's. I think they will suit me for daily driving.

 
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How was it that your struts are still under warranty if your car is a 01? I have a 01 LX coupe with all 4 struts leaking (front 2 were replaced once before) and they won't fix it under warranty anymore even though I've only got around 53,000kms and they've been leaking since 48,000kms. thanks.

 
Rep Power: 318

Uhmmm.... I think Honda extended the warranty for the struts... not sure, best to find out is go ask the dealer. He might have an extended warranty too.

 
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I think honda did extend the warranty for the struts because they are so shitty, im not exactly sure, but the honda said they were still under warranty.

 
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That's funny.

I asked at the dealership about getting my stuts replaced and was told they were out of warranty because the 3 years had elapsed.

 
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hmm, i guess i must be lucky then.

 
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Depends on your Service Advisor. If they know their stuff, and are nice, they will tell you, and show you, the 100k strut replacement. The word going around is this is a "silent", or unannounced, replacement.

This ONLY applies to the FRONT struts.... Once installed, the struts would have "new part" warranty, which is the standard 1 yr/20,000km warranty.

And, as a reminder, they will not replace your struts because you lowered your car; "the struts suck in the first place, that's why they blew when I lowered" is not a valid reason.

 
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Either Mississauga Honda is really diligent and helpful when it comes to servicing, or they are stealing your money: they shouldn't even be LOOKING at your tranny fluid at 4x,xxxk. It's not due for a change until 96k.

Mind you, if you take alot of short trips, not alot of highway, etc. etc. etc. it could mean more wear and tear on the tranny... After I had my ATF flushed, the shifts were alot smoother on the autotragic....

I have to look through all of my service records again, but I don't remember paying for brake fluid flushes, ever; I was just wondering about that the other day.

I don't know how to replace my air filter because I suck with a wrench Can't seem to take off the no-name upper strut bar without stripping the lug nuts... So I get them to do mine....

 
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Hi Furball,

Did Acura in Markham replace the shocks free? (ie: including parts & LABOUR) I just brought my car to them other day and they told me that it is covered under warranty but I have to pay for the labour to do both struts! Actually, it's 4 hrs worth I'm like wait a minute if it's covered then shouldn't it be completed covered, but I'm not sure . I'm closing in on 90K so I would fall under the "silent" bulletin coverage. They also said the price would include the alignment.

Thanks for any help.

 
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i got my car in 2003 and had to get new shocks on the front last year, well thats what the dealer said, but it was under warranty so they replaced them and did an alignment and i didnt pay a single penny. talk to the manager if they're telling you that you need to pay for labour or go to another dealership. anyone know where to get and install konis? does defcon give a good deal cuz i keep hearing about them.

 
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Just go in and tell them you know of a bulletin regarding Honda Civic front shocks being extended to 100k for warranty. You should not need to pay for parts, or labour.

Just make sure it is indeed the shock itself. When the car is parked, press down a couple times on the front shock area, and if it squeeks, you probably have a leaking shock.

They fixed/replaced by shocks, but now I have another squeek in the car; it's not the shocks/springs because when I press down manually, it's ok. But when I go over bumps, I still have squeeks... I think it's a bushing... I'm screwed, it'll cost an arm and leg if it's like the engine mount bushing