How to Replace Front Strut Assembly 03-08 Honda Pilot

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New Strut Assembly Set from 1AAuto.com 1aau.to/ia/1ASS...
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install , fix, change or replace your front struts with their loaded struts. This video is applicable to the 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2003 Honda Pilot
2004 Honda Pilot
2005 Honda Pilot
2006 Honda Pilot
2007 Honda Pilot
2008 Honda Pilot
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oyo/1AX...
• 19mm Wrench 1aau.to/ohe/1AX...
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/ouo/1AX...
• 12mm Socket 1aau.to/oxY/1AX...
• 14mm Socket 1aau.to/oxY/1AX...
• 17mm Socket 1aau.to/oxY/1AX...
• 19mm Socket 1aau.to/okE/1AX...
• 22mm Socket 1aau.to/obF/1AX...
• 7mm Socket 1aau.to/ouo/1AX...
• Strut Spring Compression Tool
• A Piece of Pipe (for leverage)
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oAa/1AX...
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oxY/1AX...
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/opC/1AX...
• Rust Penetrant
• 6mm Allen Wrench 1aau.to/oV/1AXA...
• Floor Jack 1aau.to/ohG/1AX...
• Jack Stands 1aau.to/og5/1AX...
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Check out our playlist:
How to replace Shocks and Struts with parts from 1AAuto.com: • How to replace Shocks ...
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/LL/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@romiguptatest]

Very helpful video. But one crucial tip is missing which I learned the hard way. At 10:50 when you are putting the top plate back, there is an arrow sign on the plate that needs to point towards the engine bay (so on driver side, the arrow should point to passenger side and from passenger side strut the arrow points to driver seat). This is needed coz top plate is not flat and it needs to align with the body at that angle. If not done properly, you can still get away with the install but people are complaining about rattling noise later and once you have driven few miles with the bad alignment, you will need to replace the bearing as well. So please pay attention to this step.

[@BLAZEPSI]

This...

[@rogerdevero8726]

Mike, your 1A Auto videos ARE THE BEST ON THE INTERNET. Thank you for producing fully professional productions. God bless you - John 3:16

[@1AAuto]

+@rogerdevero8726 Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@romiguptatest]

Tip regarding spring compressors: I borrowed spring compressor tool kit from Autozone but I realized one pair was not enough. People on honda forum were discussing using 2 pairs and that's what I did and it worked out fine. Basically if you can get 4 coils on one spring it gets easier but it's hard to get all 4 coils on opposite sites coz the tool rod interferes with the plates. So start with 3 coils on opposite ends and when you compress it enough, you can now use the 2nd pair to compress 4 coils from opposite sides. If it's not possible to get 4 coils, you can get top 3 in one compressor and bottom 3 (opposite end) on other compressor.

[@scottsample5536]

Thanks for calling out the stabilizer links and replacement, found these to be the cause of my clunking sounds that did not seem to be from the struts

[@D3athduo]

Thanks for the tutorial! I just finished both struts and end links. Left side took me 1.5hrs, right side 1 hr. Never done suspension work before but it wasn't too bad, just gotta be able to hammer/muscle parts around, somewhat.

[@Redridininyohood]

Hubby bought your strut assembly for me for the front. I'll be slapping them in today. Woooo!

[@kenniitran]

Great video, I will do 4 struts on my Ridgeline soon. Thx

[@leeb0g]

ty, looks easy, will be handling this on my own. dont need to compress struts either...buying the whole assembly. TY!

[@1AAuto]

+leebog Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/acura-mdx-honda-pilot-strut-pair/i/1assp00281?KZbin&CTA+Comment&Bd8qpxJmw-g

[@backtothewild1992]

Dude, spend the extra money and buy the entire assembly. The spring compressors are a pain in the ass. Also, thank you for this video. Super helpful.

[@1AAuto]

+Mike Smith Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@latorgator23]

Just putting it out there that for newer pilots, maybe 2009-2015 (mine is 2011), the big bolts on the lower portion were bigger than 22mm. I didn’t have anything bigger, but I made a 15/16” socket work.

[@makejava]

Great video, easier to follow than others. One question if anyone knows. The top nuts torque in the video is 30 lbf.ft. I saw somewhere mentioned it is 43 lbf.ft. In other videos, ppl just tight them whatever the way they want!

[@jaimerocha760]

Thank you so much for teaching.

[@y2k3c4]

Very thorough video. Had just the info that I was curious about.

[@1AAuto]

No problem. Glad to hear it helped you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@cesaranaya1495]

Thanks for the video, I have a question I have a Honda pilo 2003 and I ordered both front shocks I got them but they are short like 2 inches compared to the original, is that normal or something is wrong? Thanks.

[@jimarmentrout2959]

You guys make excellent videos

[@1AAuto]

+jim armentrout Thanks for the feedback!

[@boomboompao411]

Does the spring go bad too or just the shock/strut?

[@nerdsageentertainment9323]

I'm glad that I bought the loaded assembly from your site, else, I'd have to endure that extra punishment!

[@1AAuto]

+Nerdsage68 Thank you for your feedback!

[@AlvaroArrazola-kd6bx]

Thanks for the video. Where can i get the spring compressor set you are using on the video?

[@Leur-qd4gt]

Thanks for the video. Do you guys sell the complete strut and spring assembly for 2008 Honda Pilot? And how much?

[@ShakaTuloo]

I am having trouble aligning the three threads into the wholes, any tip?

[@ryeinn6971]

Thanks for sharing, now I’m taking mine to a shop

[@mds2465]

I ran into this same problem with the stabilizer links on my 06 when I did struts on all 4 corners. I had to grind them all off the car it was a royal pain. But luckily I did buy the quick struts from 1aauto so reassembly was fairly easy.

[@schifoso]

First I presoaked the threads and nuts and used a wire brush in the threads. Then I took a propane torch and heated the nut for a minute. It then broke loose with some effort and but the and nut spun off quite easily. If no torch, an impact wrench and a pair of vice grips usually works. And my 2007 Accord didn't have a place for a wrench near the joint. Don't know why this vehicle had it.

[@tigreperdido74]

best way is buying full assembly just in case of bearings or dust protector gone bad ... another thing always confirm torques specs for your car ...normally acura and honda wheels are tight less than 100 ft/p

[@hpiproceed97pcp20]

Gunna do this repair very soon thanks for the video.

[@1AAuto]

+Carlos Ortiz Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@LeoPazzo]

Great vid Doing this job this upcoming week. Hopefully everything goes smooth. I don't have one of those spring compressor tools. Going to need to get one. May need your help so please don't go far. Well done. Keep them coming. Oh and subbing!

[@1AAuto]

+Leo Pazzo Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@michael1294]

How does it affect the alignment as the mounting to the knuckle is just regular bolts, not crammed bolts. I did not see any area you worked on that has alignment adjustments.

[@tuanngnt]

FYI: Before you put the strut unit into your car, you need to prepare to deal with the weight of this strut. It is real pain in the **** to put it in. Removing from the car is very easy; but to put it in is hard because you have to align the strut unit to fit into the 3 nut holes and to make sure it does not damage the outer cv joint boot. I have to get help from my friend in order to install it successfully today. This strut is very heavy and I am not surprise because the SUV is weight from 4 tons to 4.5 tons.

[@jamesfederer5592]

Use a jack stand to support it from below

[@jobahe01]

after install these, do need a special rectification or aligment?

[@1AAuto]

+Jorge Barrios We recommend that you get an alignment. Thanks for watching 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@b854th]

I torqued the upper nuts on the struts before lowering the car. Is this a problem? Thanks!

[@everready19373]

I'm no expert but I think you want the suspension to settle into place before torquing them. I guess you could always loosen them a bit, see if the suspension shifts, and then torque them again.

[@martint766]

What’s the model number on that Craftsman ratchet you used to remove the link nut? It’s a nice one.

[@focusonthefocus]

Dunno if I'm dealing with some aftermarket struts, but the 2007 MDX needs a Torx after using the spring compressors. I foolishly used an allen, as you listed, and it stripped. Kinda SOL...

[@jamesworley5073]

@1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know I assume you have the Spring Compressor with the Hex Bolts ends opposite from one another. Was it because of having issues with getting the Compressor Tool to grab hold of 4 Springs or in my case the Compression Tool all thread rod is bottoming out on the Strut plate. Also did you have to do a lot of tightening on the Spring Compressor because I am having an issue on a 2007 Pilot with the Spring not Compression enough and I cracked down on the Compression Tool but could not get the four Spring coils like you did to install the Spring onto the new Strut. It is the driver's side which you said is harder

[@mikelinder32]

2004 Honda Pilot 220000 miles. I have replaced front cv axles, outer tie rods, front lower control arms. I have installed quick struts, replaced shocks. Front and rear seat links. I still have suspension noise on slight bumps in front end, what else do I need to look at?

[@normdeplume4082]

DONE! Thanks for the help!

[@Sunny-me1xq]

Is that strut assembly similar to Acura MDX 07 elite

[@Sunny-me1xq]

Do u sell complete strut assembly for 07 MDX tech pack

[@1AAuto]

+Sunny 1975 Thanks for checking us out! At the moment we do not have the correct set for your vehicle due to the electronic aspect of your set-up. We are constantly rotating our stock so we may have them in the future. Thanks for asking!

[@Redridininyohood]

Replacing the same struts hubby bought me just over a year ago. Not buying TRQ brand again after this. Ever.

[@redemptiverevelation]

Go with kyb strut plus full assembly kit, better than oem

[@gregulator2996]

Maybe a dumb question, but went to do both struts and shocks yesterday evening, and just grabbed the new assemblies and aligned the bottoms and got the top bolts through, didn't think to check the top plate with three bolts for front/back, just figured they only fit one way and that the new ones came ready to install. Is it possible to install the top wrong? There is a white mark on both aiming forward by the center nut, but I cant see the top plate now that they are installed and one strut makes a little bit of noise when turning, they are monroe. Wheels look seem to have good camber and it drives well.

[@1AAuto]

+Greg H Thanks for checking us out! Some struts do have a particular way they need to install to prevent any unnecessary stress on the strut itself. It is hard to say if that is the cause of the noise but it would be a good idea to check and ensure that they are lined up correctly and see if that fixes the noise you are having. If the strut has a bearing in the mount up top, you can install the top portion lining up with the mark and then rotate the bottom to line up with those mounting points. Check out this video for some more information on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6qoeIlpmZidmJo

[@hectorruiz1291]

The strut assembly already come with everything you need right? There's no need to use the top on the old one correct?

[@1AAuto]

+It's Your Boy HR If you purchase a complete assembly or quick strut this is correct, it is also possible to purchase each individual component of a strut assembly in which case it would need to be assembled before installation.

[@hectorruiz1291]

@@1AAuto will you need to do an Alignment when you replace the the front struts?

[@1AAuto]

+It's Your Boy HR Yes we always recommend an alignment with steering or suspension parts are replaced

[@1AAuto]

+It's Your Boy HR Yes, an adjustment should be done when replacing the front struts.

[@corneliogonzalez6715]

I really did like ur video

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@DatCarGuy350]

Is an alignment needed after replacing it?

[@1AAuto]

+DatCarGuy350 Thanks for checking us out! Yes, an alignment is needed after replacing the front struts.

[@alexnguyen1458]

great video...very helpful...

[@VAhockeyGuy]

Thanks for the video. Do you know how different this process would be with an '09 Pilot?

[@1AAuto]

+VAhockeyGuy We currently do not have an auto repair video specific to your vehicle. You might be able to apply some of the basic steps shown in this video to your application. Here is a link to the repair part that would fit your vehicle. Hope this helps you out www.1aauto.com/search?q=strut&year=2009&model=950

[@justsomeguy4319]

Do you have a video for 2015 model

[@1AAuto]

+guy witherspoon IV Thanks for checking us out! We currently do not have the installation video you are looking for.

[@justinho6922]

Would this works with the rental spring compressor from AutoZone? I tried this last year on my 05 MDX, compressed it with the AutoZone kit all the way, but when removed the top plate the spring pop out a bit more, there's no way I can get the strut assembly on it.

[@justinho6922]

Update, I had issue using the MacPherson strut spring compressor rent from AutoZone last year. Tried again this time, same issue. I had to go rent another set to get the job done, it requires lots of work. But looking at this video again, it seems this spring compressor is more compact and able to grip three coils each side while the MacPherson's design doesn't allow you to do 3 coils on one side but not the other side. Would you mind sharing what spring compressor was used in this video? Also there's a completed KYB assembly available on eBay now, this will cut down a lot of labor and the cost is reasonable cheap at $335 shipped for both. I think I paid $220 for KYB struts, $40 for new KYB strut adapter kit and $120 to rent the tools plus 2hrs labor just to assemble the strut.

[@1AAuto]

+Justin Ho Thank you for watching. There are multiple variations of a spring compressor available, and differences between manufacturer. 1aauto.com

[@positivesecret]

THANKS

[@1AAuto]

+positivesecret Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@LuchadorEMC]

Which compressor did you use? I want to buy the compressor so I can do this myself.

[@physicsofdemolition]

Luchador EMC you can rent spring compressors from orileys

[@tuanngnt]

None of tool from autozone or orileys works because I have tried them already. The problem is the base plate and the top metal is too big.

[@KipdoesStuff]

@@tuanngnt place the compressor on the spring and drive it into place with a mallet.

[@johnscott9347]

How come you don’t use preloaded struts

[@AP-514]

replaces my struts-whole assy. now I have a RADDLE(going over bumps)...any ideas ?

[@MrClintMontgomery]

AP514 AP514 did you ever find out what the rattle was from?

[@prioritizeyourpriorities3447]

Hey how long did that all really take?

[@1AAuto]

+mayra rivera You may be looking at around an hour per side. Thanks for watching. We carry the replacment struts shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them www.1aauto.com/acura-mdx-honda-pilot-strut-pair/i/1assp00281?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@prioritizeyourpriorities3447]

Thank you.

[@mack_titan]

Thank you.

[@bandmasterjf]

Is there a reason not to use air tools on this?

[@1AAuto]

+John nunya Thanks for checking us out! While it may be ok to use air tools for the removal, it is best to use a manual torque wrench when installing to ensure the exact torque spec is met. 1aauto.com

[@bandmasterjf]

@@1AAuto Thanks. Watched your videos on the back shocks and struts and changed both today. Second shock took about 5 minutes. 1st strut went on pretty quickly 2nd had some rust on some of the bolts, but your video helped tremendously since I didn't have to guess on tools, removal or installation. Did use air tools, but just kinda tightened down a bit and finished off with the torque wrench.

[@taylorkrumroy7629]

Thank you!!

[@boatsmith2858]

This guy's good but I was hoping Sue was doing this one.

[@nolangoldberg3845]

Same as Odyssey Generation 2 through 4 and Ridgeline.

[@guzman953]

Has anyone purchased from 1a auto parts, I would like to know if the struts they sell are good

[@ForeignerPhan]

Well, you can't go wrong with KYB which is one of the few reasonably-priced mfrs I trust...definitely make solid bang-for-your-buck struts/shocks. The only KYB part I stay away from now is their upper strut mounts since I've read waaaay too many problems with them over the last couple of years.

[@1thess523]

what happens if those two rods move? you didn't mention that

[@KipdoesStuff]

Replace them.

[@fontusmoise2721]

J'aimerais savoir comment taille un moteur Honda Pilot année 2004 / 6 cylindre

[@jasonalexander6417]

I wish you sold those stabilizer links

[@1AAuto]

+Jason Alexander Here's a link to them on our website. If you vehicle is different, reply back and we'll see if we have them. Hope this helps you out. goo.gl/7dxx9k

[@katarinapokrajac8994]

Why couldn't you just buy the whole assembly with springs that way you don't need to do spring compression

[@tsk227]

you can....unfortunately i did not find out till after watching video

[@justinho6922]

Last two years I search OEM and KYB doesn't offer complete assembly. OEM and KYB is the only way to go as far as stock. I bought the KYB, but I couldn't compress it with the tool rent from AutoZone. So I bought a complete set from UNITY for $135 ea ending at $270 but it the worse setup ever. My heart want to drop when I go about 25mph over a 1.5" drop on the street, I hear a big thumps like back in the days slamming the car down all the way on cheap coil over. Now a year over, I'm going to replace it with the KYB.

[@ForeignerPhan]

The whole assemblies are sometimes a mixed bag as the strut itself and/or mounting hardware are inferior. I like KYB and I was thinking about going with their complete assemblies for my '05 Pilot(although I've used my spring compressor a handful of times on my previous vehicles) until I learned waaaay too many people had been having problems with their upper mounts...both on the complete assemblies and the mounts they sell separately. I already have the KYB struts and I'm gonna go OEM in regards to the strut bearings and select upper mount hardware...stuff which I swap-out when it's strut replacement time.

[@jrg6809]

The whole assembly is actually supposed to save you time when installing but it's usually more expensive as it brings more new components, not just the struts, and this is where you pay more. Some people opt to re-use their hats, boots, bump-stops and springs if they're still in good shape.

[@jrg6809]

@ForeignerPhan: Try and apply some grease on your top hats if needed or if they have bearings and this usually extends the life of the top hats/bearings. Good luck.

[@antai1275]

How much a job like that will run

[@1AAuto]

+raymond martinez Thanks for watching! It all depends on the shop, but you could expect to pay for parts plus 2 hours of labor in most cases.

[@joaquinreyes2555]

I can't see nothing r u working in the Dark