Parts for your 1999 Honda Accord-Strut mounts

1999 Honda Accord strut-mounts — are they actually used on this model?

For the 1999 Honda Accord, “strut-mounts” in the MacPherson-strut sense aren’t actually used. Technical sources including the Honda Accord 1998–2002 Service Manual (Helm Inc.) and the Haynes Repair Manual for Honda Accord 1998–2002 confirm the Accord of this era runs double wishbone suspension front and rear. In this layout, the damper (shock absorber) sits inside the spring but is not a structural “strut” that carries steering loads, and it doesn’t pivot on a strut-top bearing. Instead, it uses an upper shock mount/insulator bolted to the body, while the steering axis is managed by the upper and lower control arms and ball joints.

That’s why a traditional strut mount with an integrated bearing isn’t part of the 1999 Accord’s design. Some aftermarket catalogues still use the word “strut” loosely and may list a “strut mount” for this car. What they’re really referring to is the shock absorber’s upper mount/insulator (sometimes called a top mount, top hat, or mounting insulator). It cushions the body from vibration and holds the damper in place, but it doesn’t rotate with steering like a MacPherson strut mount would.

If owners are chasing knocks, creaks, or a dull thud over bumps, the likely culprits are the upper shock mounts/insulators, worn bump stops or dust boots, tired dampers, or worn control arm bushings/ball joints—rather than a failed “strut bearing”. When refreshing the suspension on a ’99 Accord, it’s smart to treat it as a damper and mounting service rather than a strut-top bearing job.

• Replace front and rear dampers if they’re leaking, bouncy, or past high kilometres.
• Renew the upper shock mounts/insulators if perished, cracked, or compressed.
• Fit new bump stops and dust boots while the assemblies are apart.
• Inspect control arm bushings and ball joints for play, replace as needed.
• Use care with spring compressors, follow Honda torque specs and recheck fasteners after a short shakedown.
• Get a wheel alignment after suspension work, especially if ride height changes or arms/bushings are replaced, to protect tyres and keep it tracking straight.

Technical references: Honda Accord 1998–2002 Service Manual (Helm Inc.), Front and Rear Suspension sections (double wishbone design, shock absorber/spring with upper mounting insulator), Haynes Honda Accord 1998–2002 Manual (double wishbone layout, no strut-top bearing). These sources describe the shock-and-spring assemblies with upper insulators rather than MacPherson struts with bearing-style strut mounts.

Popular questions about 1999 Honda Accord strut-mounts

Does a 1999 Honda Accord have strut mounts?
Not in the MacPherson-strut sense. It uses double wishbone suspension with shock absorber upper mounts/insulators. There’s no rotating strut-top bearing, steering loads go through the ball joints and control arms.

What should be replaced if there’s a clunk at the top of the front suspension?
Start with the upper shock mount/insulator, bump stop and dust boot, plus the damper if it’s weak or leaking. Also check the upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints, because they commonly cause knocks on these Accords.

Do I need an alignment after changing the upper mounts/insulators?
Changing only the shock mounts/insulators usually doesn’t disturb geometry much, but it’s still good practice to get an alignment—especially if dampers, springs, or any control arm components were also replaced. It helps avoid uneven tyre wear and keeps the steering feel tidy.