Acura/Honda Tubular Front Strut Replacement - MDX, TLX, Pilot, Accord, Ridgeline, Civic, CRV

Honda / Acura late model vehicles ( from 14' MDX, 15' TLX, 16' Pilot, 17' Ridgeline, 16' Civic, 17' CRV, 13' Accord) now use tubular front suspension struts. This means the lower rounded portion of the strut is fitted into the steering knuckle. Earlier MacPherson struts were bolted on were much easier to replace. With this new design, the steering knuckle must be detached and removed from the strut, lower control arm and stabilizer bar link along with the brake rotor, caliper and ABS connector; a much more labor intensive task. A pinch bolt holds the strut tube firmly in the steering knuckle. With the pinch bolt removed, there is not enough clearance to pull the strut tube out of the knuckle tube hole opening. The only way to remove the strut away from the knuckle is to remove the knuckle. The replacement struts I purchased are made by a company called FCS. Been using them for years with no problems.
Tools Used:
1/2" Impact Guns, crow bar, high mass hammer, punch, flat and phillips head screw drivers, pliers, 10 ,12, 14, 17, 19, 36mm sockets (or channel pliers/large adjustable wrench).
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Parts & Specialty Tools:
TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive x 36 mm 6-Point Impact Socket | SID22136
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Sunex 2645, 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Socket Set, 26-Piece, Metric, 10mm-36mm, Cr-Mo Alloy Steel, Radius Corner Design, Heavy Duty Storage
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Permatex 80078-12PK Anti-Seize Lubricant, 8 oz. (Pack of 12)
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Edward Tools Gooseneck Wrecking Bar - Extra strength drop forged steel pry bar
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Disc Brake Piston Spreader Tool
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Manual Impact Driver Set for Broken Screw and Frozen Screw, Stripped Screw Extractor Set, Made in JAPAN
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#struts

[@georgekurtz6189]

Seriously, one of the best videos that I have found on this job. Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrteach2429]

I agree with this comment

[@ryangonzales8748]

Almost 3 mins in and i have changed my mind about doing it myself

[@hardlymovingpro]

Auto repair not for everyone.

[@Afrattzz1]

Glad to see you back Hardly moving! Would love to see some new timing belt videos or electrical diagnosis one day. Thanks for the videos

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet! Most cars today are timing chain driven.

[@jjchino3961]

Great to view another one of your videos, Just so happens be a job I need to do to my wife's Honda. Thanks

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks and best of luck with the replacement!

[@jsniderhan]

Just happen to be doing this job on the mdx this weekend.. on both sides.. dreading it.. good video thanks.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Let us know how it turns out!

[@paulg3676]

Nice job! Parts don't come apart that easy in my area. We have alot of rust in the northeast,

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yup. The road salts in the North East rusts up everything.

[@douglasearp4685]

Do I have to remove the strut and knuckle like you did to change just the front wheel bearings?

[@hardlymovingpro]

You'll have to disconnect the hub from the lower control arm in order to slide the cv axle out of the hub. Watch this video to replace wheel bearings on FWD vehicles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q7q5-tpaaVmrM

[@ВадимЗакиров-ь8и]

As always great content!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Much appreciated!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@4Runner21]

Is Axle nut required to be removed on 13 RDX? I have seeing some folks don’t remove the Axle nut to do this job on this car. Ty.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Can't say since I haven't worked on the 13 RDX

[@wirosableng2623]

I have 2017 mdx and front struts need to be replace. And very hard to find monroe, kyb and others good brand. Maybe i shoud try FCS

[@hardlymovingpro]

FCS brand is excellent. Noticeable improvement in ride quality. Have been installing and using them for years. They come with a lifetime warranty. Never had to file a claim.

[@MrRickyp1129]

Hello, I have a 2019 Acura MDX that has a bad passenger shock absorber, when I change it do I have to align the steering? thank you

[@hardlymovingpro]

As long as the steering wheel stays straight and the there's no pull to the left or right when driving, an alignment won't be necessary.

[@map7463]

What brand of strut assembly did you use? I have a 2017 Ridgeline and although the struts haven't failed, they are both seeping oil at 86k miles. The only strut assemblies I can find are a brand called FCS on Rockauto but I have no idea if they are any good.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Been using FCS for years on many vehicles. Excellent struts with lifetime warranty.

[@map7463]

@@hardlymovingpro Thanks for the feedback. I am surprised how low they are priced considering it is the assembly with spring and bearing already installed. I will give them a try when the seepage gets worse. Thanks.

[@mightyducks5867]

Which way does the arrow point on the strut mount. Does it matter. I have an arrow on mine

[@hardlymovingpro]

You should use the arrow mark on the original strut mount to determine orientation before replacement with the new one.

[@mightyducks5867]

@@hardlymovingpro I took them apart already, don't have the orientation

[@maverick4123]

Where did you get the new struts?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Rockauto.com

[@mrteach2429]

Can you change my strut you made it look so easy

[@hardlymovingpro]

You live in my neck of the woods? I'm east of Memphis, TN.

[@FamilyAdventures6-g7f]

Be careful when putting cv axel on inner side of bearing there is a magnetic strip that can easily be damaged and will interfere with abs speed sensor which will make hub replacement the only option be careful

[@hardlymovingpro]

On Honda's and Acura's the outer wheel bearing race, which is pressed fitted into the steering knuckle, is magnetized. Never heard about a "magnetic strip"?

[@howardlevitt3641]

✌️ P R O M O S M

[@paulg3676]

quick strut? Never! The strut, springs, strut mount and other part are very cheap

[@hardlymovingpro]

Depends on the brand. Never had problems with KYB, Sachs, Monroe and Gabriel to name a few. Been using a brand sold by rockauto.com called FCS. Started using them around 4 years ago and been holding up very well. They come with a lifetime original owner warranty. Never had to make a claim. I got tired transferring spring seats, bellows, bumpers and upper mounts only for one or more of these parts failing due to wear. Also buying all these parts as a replacement amounts to the same cost as a complete/quick strut.