Parts for your 2011 Honda Elysion-Struts

2011 Honda Elysion struts — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no. Based on technical references including the Honda Elysion Service Manual (YH1–YH3 chassis), Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, and period Honda Japan brochures, the 2011 Honda Elysion runs independent double wishbone suspension front and rear, not MacPherson struts. The factory documentation shows upper and lower control arms with a separate coil spring and shock absorber arrangement at both ends, plus stabiliser bars and links. There’s no strut tower bearing or integrated strut cartridge in the parts breakdowns, which confirms struts aren’t used on this model.

Why did Honda go this way? The Elysion was engineered as a premium low-floor people mover. Double wishbones allow better control of wheel camber through suspension travel, which helps stability, grip and tyre contact — handy for a tall MPV that carries the family and gear. They also let engineers tune ride and handling separately from packaging, keeping the floor nice and low while maintaining quiet, compliant behaviour over rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

So if there aren’t any struts to service, what should owners and workshops look at? Think shocks, springs and the arms and bushes that locate the wheels. Over time, dampers lose their punch, bushes crack, and ball joints wear — all of which can cause clunks, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, or a bouncy ride. A proper check during routine servicing goes a long way.

• Shock absorbers: inspect for oil seepage, dented bodies, or weak rebound, replace in axle pairs.
• Springs: look for sagging or broken coils, measure ride height left to right.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints: pay attention to front lower compliance bushes and upper arm joints for play or tearing.
• Stabiliser links and bushes: listen for knocks over small bumps and check for split rubbers.
• Wheel alignment: always align after suspension work to protect tyres and keep it tracking straight.

As a rule of thumb, many Elysions benefit from a suspension refresh somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, depending on road conditions and load. If it’s starting to float over undulations, dive under brakes, or chew the shoulders off tyres, it’s time to book it in.

Popular questions about 2011 Honda Elysion “struts”

Does the 2011 Honda Elysion have struts?
It doesn’t. The Elysion uses double wishbone suspension at both ends with separate shocks and springs. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly or strut top mount in the factory parts listings for this model year.

What should be replaced instead of struts on an Elysion?
Focus on shock absorbers, coil springs, control arm bushes, ball joints, and stabiliser links/bushes. These are the wear items that restore ride control, reduce noise, and keep tyre wear even.

Can MacPherson struts be fitted to an Elysion?
Not practically. Retrofitting would require major structural changes to the body and suspension pick-up points. It’s far cheaper and smarter to maintain the original double wishbone setup with quality parts.