The Complete Guide to Acura Legend Suspension Parts

The Acura Legend, produced from 1986 to 1995, remains a beloved luxury sedan. Over time, its suspension components wear out, affecting ride quality and handling. This guide covers everything you need to know about Acura Legend suspension parts: common problems, replacement options, and purchasing advice. Whether you are restoring a Legend or maintaining a daily driver, understanding these parts will help you keep the car riding smoothly.

Understanding the Acura Legend Suspension System

The Acura Legend uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both designed for a balance of comfort and handling. Key components include:

• Struts and shocks: The front struts and rear shocks control damping. OEM parts are often KYB or Tokico.
• Springs: Coil springs support the vehicle’s weight. Sagging springs can lower ride height and cause bottoming out.
• Control arms: Upper and lower control arms with ball joints connect the wheel hub to the chassis. Worn ball joints cause clunking noise and loose steering.
• Sway bars and links: Stabilizer bars reduce body roll. End links are common wear items.
• Bushings: Rubber bushings in control arms, sway bars, and subframes deteriorate, leading to vague handling.
• Tie rods: Inner and outer tie rods affect steering precision. Excessive play can cause wandering.
• Strut mounts: Upper strut mounts can squeak or fail, allowing the strut to shift.

Common Suspension Problems in the Acura Legend

1. Rear Strut Tower Cracking

A known issue on first-generation Legends (1986-1990) is cracking of the rear strut tower mounting points. This can cause misalignment and noise. Reinforcement plates are available to address this.

2. Worn Ball Joints and Bushings

The original rubber bushings harden and crack, especially in the front lower control arms. Ball joints develop play, leading to a clunk when turning or braking.

3. Sagging Rear Springs

Over time, rear coil springs can sag, causing the car to sit lower in the back. This affects headlight aim and ride comfort.

4. Leaking Struts and Shocks

Hydraulic fluid leaks from struts and shocks reduce damping performance. The car may bounce excessively after bumps.

5. Loose Sway Bar Links

Plastic or metal end links break or wear out, causing a rattling noise from the front or rear over bumps.

Acura Legend Suspension Parts: OEM vs. Aftermarket

When replacing suspension parts, you have two main choices: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket.

OEM Parts

• Pros: Exact fit, identical performance to factory, high quality from suppliers like KYB, Tokico, or Honda Genuine.
• Cons: Higher cost, limited availability for older models.

Aftermarket Parts

• Pros: Lower price, sometimes upgraded materials (e.g., polyurethane bushings, adjustable shocks). Brands like Moog, Beck/Arnley, and Monroe offer direct replacements.
• Cons: Varying quality, fitment issues on rare occasions, may differ from original ride characteristics.

Which to Choose?

For daily driving, quality aftermarket parts are often sufficient. If you value original feel or have a show car, OEM is recommended. For performance upgrades, consider coilover kits or adjustable dampers from brands like Koni or Tokico.

Performance Upgrades for the Acura Legend

If you want improved handling, consider these upgrades:

• Coilover kits: Replace springs and struts with adjustable height and damping. Brands like BC Racing or Fortune Auto make kits for the Legend.
• Polyurethane bushings: Replace rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars for sharper response. Energy Suspension sells master sets.
• Strut tower braces: Front and rear braces reduce chassis flex. Some aftermarket options are available.
• Larger sway bars: An upgraded rear sway bar reduces understeer, but availability is limited; custom fabrication may be needed.

Keep in mind that stiffer components may increase road noise and harshness. Balance comfort and performance based on your driving preferences.

Buying Acura Legend Suspension Parts: Practical Tips

1. Verify Model Year and Trim

The Legend came in two generations: G1 (1986-1990) and G2 (1991-1995). Many parts are not interchangeable. Also note sedan vs. coupe differences, as some components differ.

2. Check Part Numbers

Use online parts catalogs or forums to cross-reference OEM part numbers before ordering. This reduces fitment errors.

3. Consider Complete Kits

For a full overhaul, some sellers offer suspension kits that include struts, springs, mounts, and bushings. This can save money and ensure compatibility.

4. Inspect Related Components

While replacing suspension parts, also check tie rods, sway bar links, and steering rack bushings. Replacing all worn parts at once avoids repeated alignments.

5. Professional Installation Recommended

Suspension work involves spring compressors, alignment equipment, and torque specs. Unless you have experience, have a mechanic do the job. A proper alignment afterward is essential.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

• Always use a spring compressor when removing coil springs from struts. Never unbolt a strut without compressing the spring.
• Tighten bolts to factory torque specs. Over-tightening can damage bushings.
• Lubricate polyurethane bushings with the included grease to prevent squeaking.
• After installation, get a wheel alignment. Camber and toe settings will change.
• Replace strut mounts and bellows when doing struts. They are inexpensive and save labor later.
• Inspect brake lines and ABS sensors while the suspension is apart. They can be damaged if not handled carefully.

Final Recommendation

Decide on a budget and goal. If you want a comfortable, reliable ride, replace worn parts with OEM-quality aftermarket components from Moog or KYB. If you are restoring a Legend to showroom condition, use genuine Honda or OEM branded parts. For spirited driving, invest in coilovers and polyurethane bushings. Always purchase from reputable suppliers and verify compatibility with your specific Legend model. Replacing your Acura Legend’s suspension parts properly will restore its legendary ride and handling for years to come.