Parts for your 2017 Honda Accord-Bump stops

Bump-Stops on the 2017 Honda Accord: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Honda Accord, bump-stops are indeed a relevant and essential part of the suspension system. Bump-stops, sometimes known as jounce bumpers, are rubber or polyurethane components that play a crucial role in protecting your vehicle's suspension during extreme travel conditions. Although they might be small and often overlooked, they make a big difference in how the car handles rough spots and longer suspension travel.

On the 2017 Honda Accord, bump-stops are fitted both front and rear. They work by limiting how far the suspension can compress, preventing metal-to-metal contact that could damage the shocks, struts, or other suspension parts. When you hit a pothole hard, go over a speed bump fast, or drive on rough terrain, these bump-stops absorb impact energy and stop the suspension from bottoming out. Without these components, the suspension would have no physical limit to its compression and could sustain damage more easily, leading to costly repairs down the track.

The bump-stops on the Accord are made of tough, durable rubber material designed to withstand repeated compression and harsh conditions, but like any component, they do wear out over time. Exposure to dirt, heat, and mechanical stress means that the rubber can crack, become brittle, or even deteriorate. When this happens, bump-stops lose their ability to cushion impacts properly, which can result in a harsher ride, noise from suspension clunks, and potential damage to other components like shocks and struts.

Because the bump-stops are critical in protecting the suspension, it's recommended they be checked regularly during routine servicing or suspension inspections. Most mechanics will give them a quick visual check to look for signs of cracking, crumbling, or distortion. If any damage is detected, bump-stops should be replaced as part of maintaining the suspension system's integrity. Replacement is generally straightforward and not too costly, but it should not be skipped since bump-stops directly impact comfort and vehicle safety.

While the 2017 Honda Accord isn't classified as an off-road vehicle, it still faces enough road imperfections and rough driving conditions to require bump-stops. Australian roads, with their mix of sealed highways and less-than-ideal suburban streets, make having functioning bump-stops even more important. They ensure the ride stays smooth, reduce wear on other suspension parts, and help keep the petrol engine and transmission components safely mounted under the chassis by limiting excessive suspension travel.

During a service appointment, replacing or inspecting bump-stops might happen alongside shock absorber or strut servicing. If you notice a change in ride quality or hear knocking sounds from the suspension, it's a good idea to ask the mechanic to specifically check the bump-stops for wear or damage. Many Accord owners find that new bump-stops restore that quiet, cushioned ride feeling that might have been lost as the original ones aged.

Proper maintenance of bump-stops not only protects the suspension but also helps keep other parts of the car working well. For example, if a bump-stop fails, the shock absorber might experience excessive impact forces, leading to premature shock wear or failure. This could affect handling, braking, and overall vehicle stability. Considering how much confidence owners place in the Honda Accord's balanced ride and composed handling, keeping bump-stops in good order is a sensible move for anyone wanting to maintain their vehicle's performance and safety.

It's also worth noting that the bump-stops on the 2017 Honda Accord are designed specifically to match the suspension geometry and travel. Using parts not designed for this exact model could compromise ride quality or fail to protect the suspension adequately. For this reason, sourcing genuine or high-quality OEM replacement bump-stops is advised to keep the suspension operating as intended by Honda engineers.

In terms of lifespan, bump-stops can generally last quite a few years under normal driving conditions. However, wear factors vary greatly depending on how and where the vehicle is driven. Those regularly driving on rough rural roads, gravel tracks, or areas with frequent potholes might find their bump-stops degrade faster. As a rule of thumb, bump-stops should be inspected at least every 30,000 kilometres or during suspension-related repairs or servicing. Timely replacement minimises the risk of suspension damage and keeps the Accord's ride quality crisp and comfortable.

Ultimately, bump-stops might not be the flashiest part of the car, but they are a small piece with a big job on the 2017 Honda Accord. Making sure they stay in good condition helps protect the suspension system and preserve that smooth Honda ride Aussie drivers enjoy so much. If you're servicing your Accord, a quick check on those bump-stops could save you a heap of trouble and keep your daily drive feeling like new.