Parts for your 2009 Honda Accord-Strut mounts

2009 Honda Accord strut-mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources agree the 2009 Honda Accord may be built on two front‑suspension layouts in Australia and New Zealand. The mainstream Accord (CP2/CP3, 2008–2012) uses a MacPherson‑strut front end, which includes a front strut‑mount with an integrated bearing at the top of each strut (as shown in Honda factory service information and widely reflected in Monroe and KYB catalogues listing front strut‑mount kits for CP models). The Accord Euro (CU2, 2008–2014) instead runs a double‑wishbone front suspension, which does not use a steering strut‑mount/bearing, it uses an upper shock mount/insulator. So, “strut‑mounts” are relevant for 2009 Accord CP models, but not in the same sense for the Euro CU2.

For CP‑series owners, the front strut‑mounts do a surprisingly big job. They secure the top of the strut to the body, cushion road harshness, keep noise and vibration out of the cabin, and, crucially, the built‑in bearing lets the whole strut turn smoothly as you steer. If the mount or bearing is tired, you can end up with clunks over bumps, vague steering, or that notchy, springy feel when turning the wheel at parking speeds.

Up front, think of the mount as both a hinge and a shock absorber for the strut tower. It takes a hiding from Aussie and Kiwi roads—heat, water, corrugations—so periodic checks during servicing are smart. A technician will look for torn rubber, rust marks around the top hat, play in the bearing, and uneven tyre wear that hints at excess compliance.

Replacement is best done in pairs left/right, and it’s common sense to fit new mounts when you’re already doing front struts—the labour overlaps, and a crusty old bearing can shorten the life of fresh dampers. After any front strut‑mount work, book a wheel alignment so camber/caster and toe are dialled back to spec, keeping steering true and tyres happy.

Tell‑tale signs it’s time:

• Clunks or creaks over speed humps or driveway entries
• Steering that binds, sticks, or “twangs” at low speed
• Shudder or vibration through the wheel on rough surfaces
• Visible cracking or separation of the mount rubber

Quality matters—go for reputable OE‑equivalent mounts with the bearing included for the fronts. Rear damper top mounts exist too, but they don’t steer, they’re mainly there for noise and vibration isolation, so their symptoms are more about knocks and rattles from the back.

If your 2009 Accord is the Euro (CU2), ask for “front shock mounts/insulators” rather than “strut‑mounts”—different design, different parts list, and no steering bearing up top.

Question: Do all 2009 Honda Accords use front strut‑mounts with bearings?

Not all. The CP‑series (VTi/V6) uses MacPherson struts and does have front strut‑mounts with integrated bearings. The Euro CU2 runs double‑wishbone, so it uses upper shock mounts/insulators instead—no steering bearing in the mount.

Question: How long do front strut‑mounts last on a 2009 Accord?

Service life varies with roads and load, but many owners see well over 100,000 km before noticeable wear. If you’re hearing clunks, feeling notchy steering, or seeing uneven tyre wear, get them inspected sooner rather than later, especially if the struts are original.

Question: Should strut‑mounts be replaced with the struts?

That’s the smart play. Labour overlaps, new struts can stress a tired old mount, and replacing both together helps restore steering feel and NVH in one go. Always finish with a wheel alignment.