Parts for your 2004 Honda Elysion-Struts

2004 Honda Elysion struts — what’s actually fitted

For the 2004 Honda Elysion (RR1–RR5), “struts” aren’t the go. This model doesn’t use MacPherson struts, it runs double wishbone suspension at both ends with separate dampers and arms. So if someone’s chasing “Elysion struts”, they’re really looking for shock absorbers (dampers) and related suspension hardware, not a strut assembly.

Technical sources back this up: the Honda Elysion service manual (Suspension section, RR1–RR5), Honda’s 2004 product brief for Elysion, and Honda’s EPC/parts listings identify a double wishbone layout with separate upper and lower control arms and a damper-and-spring arrangement, not a MacPherson strut. Aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB/Showa listings for this chassis) also specify front and rear shock absorbers rather than complete strut cartridges or bearing-mounted strut tops.

Why no struts? Honda engineered the Elysion with double wishbones to deliver premium ride and handling while keeping a low, flat floor for easy cabin access. The geometry maintains better camber control over bumps and during cornering, helping tyre contact and steering feel. Packaging is tidier too: there’s no bulky strut tower intruding into the body, which aids space, NVH tuning, and that airy people-mover interior.

What owners usually mean by “struts” on this vehicle are the dampers and associated mounts. The practical maintenance focus should be on:

• Shock absorbers (front and rear): inspect for oil seepage, dents, or a floaty, bouncy ride.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints: look for cracking, play, or clunks over corrugations.
• Stabiliser (sway bar) links and bushes: common sources of knocking.
• Bump stops and dust boots: replace if perished to protect new dampers.

As a rule of thumb in Australian and New Zealand conditions, quality dampers last around 80,000–120,000 km, depending on loads and road quality. Replace in axle pairs, choose OE-quality units (Showa/KYB), and get a wheel alignment afterwards—while camber and caster are controlled by the arms, toe should be checked any time suspension work’s done. When fitting bushes or arms, torque fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading and premature wear.

If the Elysion’s feeling boaty, diving under brakes, tramlining, or cupping tyres, it’s time to book a suspension inspection rather than order “struts” that don’t actually fit this model.

• Does the 2004 Honda Elysion have MacPherson struts?
  No. It uses double wishbone suspension front and rear with separate shock absorbers. There’s no strut tube or bearing-mounted strut top as found on MacPherson setups.
• What should be replaced when refreshing the suspension?
  Do the front and rear shocks in pairs, then assess upper/lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, and renew bump stops and dust boots. Finish with a wheel alignment.
• How can they tell the dampers are worn?
  Signs include oil weeping on the shock body, excessive bounce after speed humps, nose-diving, side-to-side wobble in crosswinds, or uneven/feathered tyre wear. A proper workshop bounce test and road test will confirm it.