Parts for your 2003 Honda Accord-Strut mounts

2003 Honda Accord strut-mounts: are they actually used?

Short answer: no, traditional strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2003 Honda Accord. Technical documentation shows this model (7th-generation, MY2003) runs double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link/double-wishbone layout at the rear, not MacPherson struts. Because there’s no MacPherson strut, there’s no rotating strut top with a built-in bearing — the bit most people call a “strut mount”.

References that confirm the suspension design include the Honda Accord 2003 Service Manual (Suspension section), Honda’s 2003 Accord technical/press materials, and contemporary road tests that note the Accord’s double-wishbone architecture. Technical guides from ride-control manufacturers also explain that “strut mounts” (with bearings) are specific to MacPherson strut systems, whereas double-wishbone setups use an upper shock insulator/top mount that doesn’t steer.

• Honda Accord 2003 Service Manual: front and rear double-wishbone layouts
• Honda technical press materials for the 2003 Accord: double-wishbone front, five-link/double-wishbone rear
• Industry suspension guides: strut-mounts (with bearings) apply to MacPherson struts, not double-wishbone shocks

What the 2003 Accord does have is an upper shock absorber mount/insulator (sometimes casually mislabelled online as a “strut mount”). This top mount sandwiches the spring and damper assembly to the body and isolates noise and vibration, but it doesn’t contain a steering bearing and the damper doesn’t locate the wheel like a true strut does.

If the goal is to fix front-end knocks or tidy up the ride, the relevant parts to inspect or replace on a 2003 Accord are the front shock top mounts/insulators, spring seats, bump stops and dust boots, along with control arm bushes and ball joints. At the rear, check the shock mounts and bushings. Typical symptoms of a tired upper shock mount include clunks over sharp bumps, a dull thud on rebound, vague steering feel, or visible rubber cracking/perishing.

Replacement tips: renew mounts in axle pairs, support the arm to safely unload the spring, and torque rubber-bushed hardware at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. A wheel alignment is smart practice after suspension work, especially if control arms, ball joints or ride height have been touched, even though removing the shock assembly alone doesn’t usually shift alignment on a double-wishbone Accord.

Popular questions about 2003 Honda Accord strut-mounts

Does the 2003 Accord have strut-mounts with bearings?

No. The 2003 Accord uses double-wishbone suspension, so it doesn’t use MacPherson strut-mounts with a steering bearing. Instead, it has upper shock mounts/insulators that isolate noise and attach the shock-and-spring assembly to the body.

What should be replaced if there’s a clunk from the front of a 2003 Accord?

Start with the front shock top mounts/insulators, spring seats, bump stops and dust boots. Also check upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints. Any cracking, perished rubber, or excessive play is a cue to replace. Doing both sides at once keeps handling balanced.

Will replacing the shock top mounts require a wheel alignment?

Often, no — just swapping the upper shock mounts on a double-wishbone Accord usually won’t change alignment. That said, if any control arms or ball joints are disturbed, or the ride height is altered, it’s wise to book an alignment to keep tyre wear and handling spot-on.