I’ve read a few posts from others with this issue. Our 2007 Fit, purchased in April 2006, just got hit with a broken axel, because of corrosion under the rubber damper. It must be getting somewhat widespread, as our mechanic tried to get the part from Honda, but they are backordered until December. So we are going aftermarket and with labor looking at about $200 repair. Not so bad. And luckily the break occurred on a turn out of a parking lot, so at low speeds.

 

I'm so glad I don't live in the rust belt!

Sucks for your luck but, that being said, 10 years isn't so bad out of an axle. It used to be common to need new CV joints long before that. Cars hold up better than they used to in most regards.

 

I would not even bother with the honda part, the GD is so old I'd be surprised if honda wasn't re-boxing a Omix-Ada or some other re-builders axle.. Or just sourcing a new one from some offshore supplier.. OEM are only required to support parts for 7 years after that many start re-packaging other source parts... Youd be better off getting one off rock auto... YMMV (Literally )

 

My semi-inside information is that, in most cases, the molds, blueprints, etc get moved to Mexico once a model run is done and that facility builds parts for as long as it's cost effective. I wouldn't consider it to be re-boxing necessarily, but there are often supplier changes.

I do agree with everything you said though. Rock Auto is probably the best choice.

 

OEM coils Hitachi (aka geniune Honda) are not made in Japan either.
In term of the broken axle, in my opinion is more dangerous than potentially unsafe airbag.
Mazda at least did TSB for rusted away rear shock mount.
Honda did nothing about rusted sub frame on 2002 Accords either