Parts for your 2009 Honda Elysion-Struts

2009 Honda Elysion — Struts or not?

Short answer: MacPherson struts aren’t used on the 2009 Honda Elysion. Technical sources including the Honda Elysion Service Manual (RR1–RR4, 2004–2010), Honda’s original product/press information for Elysion, and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue all specify a double wishbone suspension at both ends. Those documents list separate shock absorbers (dampers), coil springs, and upper/lower control arms with a steering knuckle — there’s no structural strut assembly or strut top bearing like you’d see in a MacPherson setup.

Why no struts? Honda engineered Elysion as a low-floor, premium people mover. The double wishbone layout controls camber change through travel, giving steadier tyre contact for better ride and handling when fully loaded with passengers and gear. It also helps achieve a low step-in height and flat cabin floor, which is tougher to package with tall MacPherson strut towers. For a large MPV that needs smooth, predictable behaviour on mixed roads, double wishbone is a tidy bit of engineering.

What to service instead of “struts”: while some aftermarket listings loosely call any front damper a “strut”, the Elysion uses conventional dampers within the wishbone assembly. If the ride’s gone floaty, crashy, or clunky, attention should go to:

• Shock absorbers (dampers) and coil springs
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Top damper mounts and bump stops (not strut tops)

Good practice for Aussie and Kiwi roads: inspect suspension every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Dampers often need replacement somewhere around 80,000–150,000 km depending on load, road quality, and towing. Look for uneven tyre wear, nose-dive under braking, extra body roll, or a chattery front end over corrugations. After any suspension work, a four-wheel alignment keeps the Elysion tracking straight and protects those tyres.

Technical references consulted: Honda Elysion Service Manual (RR1–RR4, K24A/J30A), Honda Motor Co. Elysion product technical brief/press info (double wishbone suspension front and rear), and Honda EPC parts listings for RR-series Elysion showing separate dampers, springs, control arms, and knuckles with no MacPherson strut assembly.

Popular questions about 2009 Honda Elysion “struts”

Does the 2009 Elysion actually have front struts?
Not in the MacPherson sense. It runs double wishbone with separate dampers and springs. Some catalogues label the front shocks as “struts”, but they’re not structural members of the suspension and don’t locate the wheel like a true strut does.

What should be replaced to fix a bouncy or crashy ride?
Start with front and rear dampers if there’s bounce or float. Also check control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links for play. If the Elysion sags, inspect coil springs. Replace worn mounts and bump stops while you’re in there and finish with a wheel alignment.

How often should the Elysion’s suspension be serviced in AU/NZ conditions?
Have it inspected every 20,000–30,000 km or 12 months. Many owners see best results replacing dampers between 80,000–150,000 km depending on use. Rough roads, heavy loads, and towing push that interval earlier. Watch for tyre wear and braking stability as early warning signs.