CBO's rear strut replacement (full write up)

[CBO]

In my opinion the strut replacement link in the "DIY master list" sticky is missing key information necessary to actually remove and replace the strut. Here is a FULL write up for the i4 sedan.

::: Caution, wear gloves, use eye protection, and make sure vehicle is firmly supported when wrenching. :::

(Step 1) fold down rear seat.

(Step 2) Remove the side cushion by removing the bolt at the bottom inside the crease. You have to pull the seat back to access it. Use a socket extension or 2.

Once the bolt is out push upward. It will come off.

(Step 3) remove the plastic trim piece running along the top. It has 2 pins that you push on from inside the trunk area. Just reach your hand around in there and push them out. If you just pull on it it will break.

(Step 4) Loosen the nuts on the top of the shock. The one in front and behind. Not the middle taller one. These can vary in nut size. I took off 14s and my struts came with 15s. Take off the rear one completely. Leave the front one just barely still on to hold up the strut when you undo the bottom bolt.

(Step 5) loosen wheel lug nuts.

(Step 6) jack up the corner of the vehicle until tire comes off the ground. Put car on jackstands for safety.

(Step 7) obviously remove the tire/rim and set aside.

(Step 8) Remove the bolt holding the lower shock on. I sprayed it with penetrating oil and use an impact.

You will need to use a drift or punch to get the bolt out. Don't use a smaller bolt it will get stuck inside. Wrestle the shock out of the mount. The strut assembly will now be hanging from that top nut we left slightly on.

heres where the other write up left out key info. If you were to undo the top remaining nut and try to maneuver the strut out.. well you wont be able to. So we need to do these next few steps to be able to remove the assembly.

(Step 9) Remove sway bar bushing mount bolts.

This is easy on the drivers side. More difficult on passenger side as the exhaust is in the way. But I used a ratcheting crescent wrench for the tedious job. If you're V6.. i feel sorry for you.

(Step 10) remove the bolt holding on the shock mounting bracket. The sway bar also connects to this. Once the bracket comes loose we can push the sway bar out of the way.

(Step 11) remove the top nut holding up the strut assembly. In order to get the strut out you must use a foot or arm to push the knuckle downward. It can be a pain but you can slide it out.

(Step 12) slide your new strut assembly in and push the top bolts up through the holes in the vehicle. I was able to hold the strut with one hand and reach up to fasten a nut on the top of the tower. Or use a helper.

(Step 13) is basically just reassembly. I put the shock mount bracket on loosely, then had someone push down on the knuckle while I lined up the bottom shock mount to slide the bolt in. Then I fully tightened the lower shock bolt and mount bracket bolt. Then put the sway bar bushing bolts back in. Next you can tighten the 2 upper strut bolts. Throw the tire on. Lower the car down. And I double checked the upper bolts again.

(Step 14) Go repeat steps for the other side, or reassemble your seat and test drive it. You're done.

I hope this write up makes it easier on people. Because following the other write up I had a helluva time and had to figure out the need for sway bar removal myself. Good luck, be safe, have fun.

-CBO

 

[Accordx]

This is great considering I just replaced the fronts, working on getting some rears. Thorough write up as well, thank you.

 

[604ACCORD]

Good job bro very well done

 

[SupraGuy]

Nice write-up. Good photos, this will be very helpful when I get around to replacing my struts.

A couple points which might help:

For an 8mm thread, Japanese manufacturers use bolts/buts with a 14mm sized socket, North American manufacturers use a 15mm size. the thread will still be a standard 8mmx1.25mm thread, so you can use the original nuts, which you sometimes need to for clearance. I like to anyway for consistency, so that I hopefully don't need to go get one more wrench or socket.

I haven't seen the specs for the Accord rear coil springs, but most of these kinds of procedures are made easier with a coil spring compressor, to take any spring load off of the assembly. This could make removing that 17mm bolt from the bottom of the strut assembly easier, so that you don't need the drift punch to do so. It would then also be easier on the threads.

 

[CBO]

An expensive tool to buy for a job that doesnt require it. I rented one when I had trouble removing the strut before I discovered loosening the sway bar. I thought I could compress it enough to slide it out, but couldn't. The bolts on the tool stick out just as far, lol. I was beyond frustrated.

 

[RedRyder]

Added to list, thanks for contibuting.

 

[mycarifix]

Nice write up! I’ll be doing the same later this winter.

 

[Rusty Accord]

Nice write up. I would like to add that if you live in a state where they salt the roads in the winter, that you might want to have a Hot Wrench available.

 

[jumpncrash]

I know this isn't new writeup or anything, but I would just like to say it was quite helpful.

Since I am in an area where there is salt on the roads in the winter and the car has quite a bit of mileage I opted to disconnect the link kit from the stabilizer bar instead of removing the stabilizer bar bracket bushings. Since I had replaced the link kits recently they were much easier to remove.