The front suspension on Honda Accords uses MacPherson struts, while the rear relies on an independent multi-link setup with separate shock absorbers. In practical terms: struts up front, shocks in the rear.
Understanding this layout helps explain how the Accord balances ride comfort, handling, and maintenance. Here’s a closer look at how the front and rear suspensions are configured and what that means for drivers and service intervals.
Front suspension: MacPherson strut design
In the Accord, the front suspension is built around MacPherson struts. A coil spring sits around a single damping unit—the strut—that connects the wheel hub to the vehicle body. This compact design is cost-effective and provides typical steering feel and ride comfort for a mid-size sedan.
What the front strut means for maintenance
Front struts generally require inspection for leaks, wear in associated bushings, and proper alignment. Replacing a strut assembly can be more involved than swapping a simple shock absorber, since the strut assembly carries load and helps locate the steering knuckle.
Rear suspension: Independent multi-link with shocks
The rear of the Accord uses an independent multi-link setup. Rather than a single rigid axle, multiple arms connect the wheel to the chassis, with coil springs supporting the ride and separate shock absorbers damping the motion. This arrangement tends to improve ride quality and handling, especially over uneven pavement.
What the rear shocks do
Rear shock absorbers damp the motion of the springs, helping keep tire contact with the road and reducing bounce. They are separate components from the coil springs and links, making rear suspension servicing distinct from the front strut system.
Note: While the front uses struts and the rear uses shocks, configurations can vary slightly by market or generation. The common setup in recent Honda Accords is front MacPherson struts and rear independent multi-link with shocks.
Key points about the layout:
- Front suspension: MacPherson struts with coil springs; damping is integrated in the strut assembly.
- Rear suspension: Independent multi-link with coil springs and separate shock absorbers.
- Both ends typically include stabilizer bars to reduce body roll in corners.
- The overall design aims for a balance of ride comfort and predictable handling in a mid-size sedan.
In summary, Honda Accords blend struts up front with shocks in the rear, packaged in a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent layout that covers most recent generations.
Summary
Do Honda Accords have struts or shocks? They have MacPherson struts at the front and independent multi-link rear suspension with separate shock absorbers. This means struts in the front and shocks in the back, a common arrangement for modern mid-size sedans aimed at balancing comfort and handling.