Parts for your 2012 Honda Elysion-Struts

2012 Honda Elysion — Are struts used, or not?

Short answer: the 2012 Honda Elysion doesn’t use MacPherson struts. It runs double wishbone independent suspension at both the front and rear, so the dampers are shock absorbers rather than structural “struts”. This layout is repeatedly documented in technical references describing the Elysion’s underpinnings.

• Honda Elysion sales/catalogue literature for the Japanese market notes “four-wheel double wishbone independent suspension” for the model range (2009–2012 brochures).
• Honda service/repair manual coverage for the Elysion details “Front suspension: Double wishbone, Rear suspension: Double wishbone”.
• Technical summaries (e.g., automotive encyclopaedia entries and marque histories) describe the Elysion as employing double wishbones front and rear, rather than a MacPherson strut front end.

Why no struts? Double wishbones let Honda dial in precise camber control and stable geometry under load, which suits a large MPV carrying people and gear. The layout helps keep the floor low for easy entry, improves ride comfort and tyre contact over bumpy roads, and manages body roll without making the ride crashy. Because the steering knuckle is located by upper and lower arms, the damper doesn’t act as a structural member, it’s a shock absorber with a coil spring, not a strut.

What owners should service instead of “struts”:

• Shock absorbers: Inspect for oil seepage, dented bodies, or reduced rebound control. If the Elysion bounces more than once after a sharp push on the guard, or feels floaty over undulations, the shocks are likely tired.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints: Worn bushes cause shimmy, tyre edge wear and vague steering, clicking or clunks over bumps can point to tired ball joints or stabiliser links.
• Springs and mounts: Check for broken coils, sagging ride height, or perished top mounts/isolators.
• Wheel alignment: After any suspension work, a proper alignment is a must to protect tyres and restore straight-line stability.

As a rule of thumb, have the suspension inspected every 20,000–30,000 km or 12 months, and replace shocks in pairs on the same axle. Quality aftermarket or genuine parts, correct torqueing at normal ride height, and using the proper jacking points will keep the Elysion riding quietly and tracking straight on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

FAQs

Does the 2012 Honda Elysion have struts or shocks?
It has shocks. The Elysion’s double wishbone layout means the damper isn’t a structural strut, it’s a shock absorber with a coil spring. So when shopping for parts, look for front and rear shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts.

What suspension does the 2012 Elysion use?
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear. That design improves camber control, ride comfort and handling balance, especially with passengers and luggage aboard.

When should the shocks be replaced on a 2012 Elysion?
There’s no fixed kilometre limit, but many see noticeable wear by 80,000–120,000 km depending on roads and loads. Replace if there’s oil leakage, excessive bounce, nose-diving under brakes, or uneven tyre wear, and always align the wheels after fitment.