Replacing Honda Front Struts - EricTheCarGuy

Replacing Honda Front Struts - EricTheCarGuy
After posting the last video on replacing struts I thought I would post this one next. I shot this along with the rest of the Accord front end work that I did last fall. A couple of things are different, the most obvious is that the springs are a much smaller diameter so you really need to be careful when you work with these since the spring compressor doesn't have as much to grab hold of. Second, when you install the struts back on the car care must be taken to get the notch on the strut lined up with the wishbone, if you don't do this the upper wishbone bolt will not go in since it has to fit in a groove on the back of the strut.
For the second time I've shown you that I tighten the lower wishbone bolt with the car off of the ground, the fact is I shouldn't do this since I'm told it may ruin the bushing that goes through the lower control arm. I believe this to be possible but I have not experienced any problems doing it this way. For me it just seems like a pain in the butt to try and reach around the tire after I've put the wheel back on. But for those of you that like to point out my faults here is my excuse for not doing it the "right" way.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@911naimplate]

ERIC, just seeing this video for the first time now in 2018. If you still perform the strut changes like this, I would like to make one very safe suggestion. Always have a heavy line such as a boat line handy. Tie the strut compressors together at approximately the center line point of the threads on both sides facing away from you. You can use a bowline type knot so the rope is not too tight on the threads. If they ever release like they do in this video, they will be held together in sync and will just drop down versus popping out to the sides. Was taught this back in 1982 working on my 82 Accord by my buddy and local Honda shop foreman who taught me pretty much everything I know about cars for the next 30+ years after. Hope this helps.

[@MrSupernova111]

I'm pretty sure he wasn't supposed to release the tension without something to prevent the compressor from sliding around the spring under so much weight. He created his own problem from the beginning. You can see he install the compressor arms crooked from the start. Stupid.

[@railroaded1991]

​@@MrSupernova111it's only stupid if you get hurt. If you don't get hurt then it's a learning moment. I've found that none of these internet mechanics are experts in all things automotive mechanicals. They all make mistakes, none of them do it the right way all the time. The best part though is that when they screw up, you learn what not to do if you happen to need to do that job. And many persons, such as yourself included, offer excellent advice, making every viewer even safer. You should always learn from your mistakes, but it's much safer and less painful to learn from other people's mistakes.

[@desmondmendoza7905]

Im from utah and they use this guys videos on their tablets for convicts trying to straighten up their lifes and learn about automotive repair before theyre released.... Ive enjoyed these videos

[@MissouriMatthew]

Nice! Way to fight the system!

[@desmondmendoza7905]

@@MissouriMatthew thanks i figured when life gives u lemons... Fix a rear axle.. 😆

[@michaelgooodman8795]

Wow. I’ve never seen your bench look so messy. I do have to say I miss these old videos. But I’m happy you are where you are now. You deserve it. Thank you for all your great shows.

[@TheUltimateCrash1990]

what happened to him?

[@siclmn]

So glad that you are showing this method. I did this 30 years ago on a car and realized how dangerous it was back then. It was on a Datsun 510. Now that I am older and wiser I will take the strut to a shop and have them replace the spring for me.

[@armourdude1]

I struggled for three hours trying to get the struts off. Then I watched your video and I went and removed them in a fraction of the time. This video has save me a lot of aggravation and time. Thanks for the informative useful how to video.

[@michaelconnolly7408]

Whenever im looking up a Honda maintenance vid, and i see you have a one, i get happy and feel better about doing the job. Thanks eric

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the comment. Yea, springs letting go makes for exciting video. In a way I'm glad it happened on camera so that the viewers could see the potential danger.

[@danielleeveringham4244]

Couldn't figure out why the control arm bushing looked like it was binding. It wasn't until after watching this, that I realized the locating tab wasn't where it should be. I readjusted the fork on the shock and now everything seems to be in line. Thanks for sharing that little tid-bit. 😎

[@contactdandavis]

This is so handy and I will tackle this tomorrow. My car is very bouncy and unsafe. Eric the Car Guy Rocks! Thanks to him I've been able to do a lot of work on my Honda CRX. He's inspired me and showed me I can do so much for myself. I've found cordless Impact Tools are also great if you have a crappy compressor.

[@dr00andrew]

i bought my struts with the springs already preloaded. saved alot of time and is much safer imo. Spring compression tools are expensive and dangerous to use. Thank you for posting this video, instead of paying a mechanic to do my struts, my uncle and myself were able to do this with the help of this video and save 4 or 5 hundred dollars on labor

[@ericthecarguy]

@klfer Personally I'm not a fan of KYB struts for Hondas because they don't ride the same. To answer your question rear struts don't have nearly the kinetic energy the front struts do so it is possible to do them without a spring compressor but it's much easier if you do. If nothing else you might lock the coils with zip ties or something to make sure you don't get hurt though. Thanks for the comment.

[@Divebomburmom]

Can't tell you how helpful your videos have been. I've gotten stuck numerous times in my years with this Honda and it never fails you always have a how to video for it. This week it was struts. Thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

@syphilistic I've even seen these sold at auto parts stores, you can find them just about anywhere. They type you have is much safer and preferable. You can also use zip ties or vice grips to hold the tool in place so that it doesn't slide around. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Lafue108 Not true in my experience, if you only grab a couple of coils you will not be able to compress the spring enough to remove the upper strut mount safely let alone have enough room to install the new strut. Honda springs have always been an issue with this that is the reason I recommend using the wall mounted spring compressor as it is much safer. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@denelvo Thanks for the tip, I've mentioned that in some of the comments as well. Thanks for your input and comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@cagmito76 There are a couple of other tools out there that would work and do cost less than the $700 I showed in the video. I used the compressors that I did in the video because they are what I had and the most common that I have seen out there. I think there is a nice tool for around $50 that works very well and is much safer than the ones I used in this video.

[@seanfyodorovich5230]

It's fun going back to watch these old videos mostly to see how far Eric has come... back then he was practically working in a dungeon.

[@dicorp2000]

I've been cautioned by several techs against using air tools when doing this job, more specifically when installing the upper strut mount. Foolishly, I chose to ignore that. Lo and behold, when installing aftermarket KYB struts on my Prelude, my buddy used an air tool and snapped the strut.

[@ericthecarguy]

@syphilistic Good eye. I didn't replace them this time, there were many other more pressing things this car needed, runs like new now.

[@ltcolsin2025]

Say Eric I really appreicate and enjoy your instructional videos on the Honda, I've been the pitt crue for my wife for over 71 years. But you are the go to guy for me with her Honda Accord LX 93, thank you for KZbin moreover thank you dude.

[@ericthecarguy]

@DJYIC I'm not sure if water could get INTO a strut but if I've learned anything working on cars it's that just about anything is possible. There are a lot of things that struts do for you besides a smoother ride, they also help decrease stopping distance as well as help maintain traction, if you suspect a problem with them it should not be taken lightly.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the comment. Lubricants would be a great topic, thanks for the suggestion.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Iceknight905 Nice, I'm glad the video helped you. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BboyTechnica Not exactly sure what you are asking but there is a big difference between the front and rear struts on that car so they should be easy to identify.

[@ericthecarguy]

Sometimes you just have to concede your abilities and not having the right tools for this is very limiting and potentially dangerous. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@uncleboring I think I worked on one Peugeot years ago and was scared by the experience so I'm not surprised you need to go through such lengths to get a strut out. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

I told you this one was better than the other one, drama, makes for good viewing. I was worried it would come apart so I stood WAY back when I hit it with the impact. I've never been hit but I've know guys who were and they are scared for life.

[@ericthecarguy]

@syphilistic Not really, remember that it is also going to make contact with the top of the strut when it is compressed anyway so it really doesn't matter where it is placed as long as it gets put back in. Thanks for the comment.

[@Shramir]

Those spring compressors you're using are scaring the shit out of me D=

[@ericthecarguy]

@fastcars001 To be honest I don't know the brand but these are available at Harbor Freight I think, I've also seen them in some auto parts stores. I recommend locking them off with zip ties or vice grips to keep them from slipping to make them a little safer. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

No worries there, I still have a bunch to edit yet. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ltcolsin2025 That's quite a run you must be good at your work for sure. Thanks very much for your comment I really appreciate it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tookimonster333 Glad you got it sorted out, I think 3 would work a lot better, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheJackhammer81 Yes Acura's are Hondas, Acura is only in north america everywhere else in the world they just call them Honda's. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Jeffmtbr Exactly, they are not available for all makes and this is more of a way of showing what needs to be done should you not have quick struts. I've actually recommended them several times in the comments below. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MustangFan424 Not sure I agree with you because if you use a ratchet you will be applying a twisting force to the spring tool which might cause it to walk to one side, I think the gun applies an even consistent force thus helping to eliminate that problem.I've never cracked a strut tower putting them in but it is possible,after working with air tools a while I think u develop a feel for them and u know how much to tighten things without damage but it does happen on occasion as u pointed out.

[@ericthecarguy]

@nolly72 You are correct that is a camber angle issue and on that car there is no adjustment so it's most likely a ride height issue which would be controlled by the springs. If the springs are broken or not the springs that came on the car then this could be the cause. If the car is lowered then you might look into a camber correction kit.

[@ericthecarguy]

@EnzoElite Your very welcome. Thanks for that comment, it means a great deal.

[@ericthecarguy]

@nevarezga Yea having the right tools makes all the difference. You might also consider quick struts which come as complete assemblies that don't need to be compressed, you just take out the old assembly and replace it with a new one.

[@ericthecarguy]

No worries, still here. I did get lucky but I'm glad it happened on camera so you could see the potential dangers. As always thanks for the cool comment.

[@jonnymiskatonic]

Just picked up a 90 honda wagon. This video gave me a good idea of what's in store for me. Thanks again Eric, you are a youtube treasure.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the comment. I've also seen people use zip ties to hold the clamps in place. These are things I wish I thought of when I did the shooting. Too much in my head to keep track of.

[@ericthecarguy]

@akamyth88 I've seen those and your right, they are much safer. My preferred tool is the spring compressor that you saw a pic of in the video, nice leverage and very safe compared to what you see here. Thanks for the comment and weighing in.

[@completepropertycare]

I did a strut replacement(first one I've ever done I might add, lots of head scratching and trial and error, wish I would have found this video) on a CRV a month or so ago. I borrowed the compressors from my neighbor, he has the exact same kind you have. We had a terrible time with them twisting all over, but when we used 3 it was much more even, I'm guessing because the tension is distributed by 2 instead of 3. Thanks for the video!

[@uboredtoo]

Great video! I've done Honda strut installs many times as well. To preload the lower control arm at 9:05 for tightening the thru bolt, I jack the arm up. I found it to be an easy way to do so without lowering the car onto its wheels.

[@MrJGarcia13106]

Hey Erick, I just want to let you that this video helped me so much. I was able to install my front and rear struts on my 97 Honda Civic. Thanks a million!!!!

[@EnzoElite]

@EricTheCarGuy Thank you very much! And thanks for all the uploads, very well edited, narrated and I appreciate that you take the time to get in there and show what's happening up close. Sincerely, thank you.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jjashik7 If there was a rubber shim (and I don't think there was) you have to reuse it. I DON'T recommend KYB struts as they don't ride as well as OE. I hate to say it but OE struts really are the best and I haven't found a suitable replacement that doesn't compromise the ride on a Honda. I show in the Honda strut replacement video how to set up the strut to get it close for reassembly, you might want to check that one out for the answer to your second question. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@DJYIC They don't "collect water" per se but they are filled with oil, if the oil is cold or some of it leaks out then you may experience what you are talking about. I've also had issues with strange noises in cold weather because of ice buildup, once the ice breaks or melts away then then noise disappears.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AFrattz1 Struts control ride height and suspension travel, not steering. If you have bad upper control arms that's a good place to start, you might want to watch the video I did on the axle ball joint replacement, I show how to check the suspension for looseness. Once you get the new parts on it's not a bad idea to get it aligned. Don't forget to make sure your tire pressures are correct as well.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BaiaGirl77 I set out to accomplish 2 things when I started ETCG, teach people how to do their own repairs and second help those that were not interested or could not do their own repairs have a better understanding of what needed to be done. Your comment means a lot thanks.

[@ericthecarguy]

@HondaHowTo1 It's worked for me for many years. Thanks for the comment.

[@e24mpwr]

This video was a big reason I bought a plate-style compressor from ebay. Far more progressive and safer. I've used it a number of times now on family cars, and loaned it to several friends. Non claw-type spring compressors for me!

[@ericthecarguy]

Glad I could help, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@FITVANITY11 A camber correction kit is only necessary if the car has been lowered. When the car is lowered the camber is effected and those kit's provide the answer. After you install the control arms you will need to have it aligned to make sure the tires wear correctly. If you broke the screws off don't worry you don't need them. If you want to know how to get them out I did a video on it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@essmbee You can use quick struts but to be honest I haven't found an aftermarket strut for Hondas that work as well or last as long as the OE struts. Thanks for the comment.

[@mss829]

As in the past videos, I enjoyed every part of the video. Thanks for posting Eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

@jjashik7 Yea those links can be a pain, I should do a video on how to handle those. Your right, 12pt is really not the way to go unless that is what type of fastener your dealing with. Thanks for the comments.

[@ericthecarguy]

@texan176 Vigors broke springs all the time but they don't normally cause a noise over bumps. THAT is more likely one of 2 things, broken stabilizer links or a loose ball joint. As for broken springs look for orange dust or parts of the spring where the coating looks 'impregnated'.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hugobarreiraVTI Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@adrylena51]

Very nice video my friend . I am sure You made lots of guys happy out there, including myself . I am ready now to change one strut even in the front of an 747 jumbo jet witch is one of my favorites toys. Thanks for the great video .

[@ericthecarguy]

@mik22royal Thanks for the great comment. I don't get too many "DSM's" in to be honest, that doesn't mean that I won't work on them I just don't see them too often at my shop.

[@ericthecarguy]

@joshfig96 Glad you weren't hurt. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@uboredtoo Great tip thanks very much for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@pepsi30005 Glad I could help, thanks for your comment.

[@res1492]

dude i dont even own a car but i cant stop watching your videos.....great job

[@amcrae1]

Eric, Awesome as usual. The only thing I can add is that many of the strut compressors, like the one you used also come with a little set of hooks that wraps around the top of the compressor and keep it from being able to slip off the way yours did. Thanks again!

[@ericthecarguy]

@evo8FQ400 Sounds like it could be a bad ball joint, try pushing down on the side of the car you suspect the noise is coming from, if you hear the noise this may be a ball joint issue. For it's replacement see the Axle Ball Joint Replacement video. If it's not that check the brakes.

[@ericthecarguy]

@stephensusername That's a great idea, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Shazee083 Well I suppose it's how you look at it for how hard a job it is. You really don't use a torque wrench for this operation and the tools can be rented from auto parts stores or you can buy complete assemblies so you don't have to do any compressing of springs.

[@ericthecarguy]

@speck444 They work fine on the larger springs but on these small Honda Springs it can get tricky. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@adrylena51 I'm not sure if this video applies to that application but thanks for the comment. :)

[@touandsoua]

You are truly the best when it comes to auto. I wish to see more Honda/Acura models.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hugot231 A very big difference as on most cars the front springs are a lot heavier duty than the rear because they bear most of the weight. I would recommend comparing them to the old springs before installing them.

[@vanikagreen7]

Great videos!!! thanks Erick. Here is where i watched how to replace the disc rotor breaks and more. Thank you. Keep up with videos. Thanks again.

[@ericthecarguy]

@scottaner500 That sucks glad he's OK. I wish I would have mentioned in the video that you can secure the tool with zip ties or vice grips to help prevent that from happening.

[@ericthecarguy]

@livingaction Shocks don't have anything to do with ride height, they just control the "bounce" of the wheel. Springs hold the car up and are responsible for ride height, if you have a car that leans as you describe changing out the springs should do the trick to get it level again.

[@roadrunner40]

Eric The Car Guy is a pro and knows what he's doing. To the DIYSers don't ever use that type spring compressor on struts with a strong spring (most of them). i would only use those type if I had no other way out.I put a cable clamp (looks like a small muffler clamp) on the down side to prevent slipping. To tighten bushings place a jack stand safely under the control arm. Lower vehicle just untill ths suspension components are in alignment then tighten. I had a flashback when that thing flew.

[@JohnBarbourJr]

Eric, Great video! I have an 02 civic w/83K on it, and she's getting tired "legs". I was especially impressed with your ability to recreate the lousy lighting I typically have when working on her, haha. Thanks again and be well!

[@fleetkeeper]

Thanks Eric. I have been around car repair all my life but never really understood what struts are. Getting them replaced on my 2009 Honda Fit. I have zero intention of doing myself, but wanted to understand what they are, how they work and what my local (great) mechanic has to do.

[@jjashik7]

@EricTheCarGuy L spring was broken into 3 pieces, and the R into 2. The job's done- took ~12 hours. Took two pairs of compressors. Sway bar link nut was a major pain to remove as the lower nut wouldn't allow a ratchet to fit. Had to eventually dremel it off, after rounding the edges. (gotta get myself some 6-point wrenches - the 12 rounds too easily when stuck). The kyb struts feel fine, tho I'm sure you're right about OE. I still don't get why honda doesn't spec a bottom shim. Thanks Eric.

[@TomB1988]

You make the installation of the lower fork bolt look so easy. On my Integra Type R I had to get my Dad to push down on the whole suspension arm to make it so I could push the bolt through.

[@Y10Q]

yes, thats why you gotta do 75 pushups at the minimum.

[@hobieslug45]

one of your best Eric. or maybe I'm just partial to Honda's. when that spring let go it was like trick photography one second its there next frame it's gone. this part should be mandatory viewing for anyone doing Honda springs . thanks again you put your ass on the line on this one .

[@ericthecarguy]

@teawins21 It probably won't either, I've run into this may times before and it usually ends up with the same thing, replacing the lower control arm or the bushing within it as the bolt has seized to the inside of the bushing and will not likely come out no matter what you do.

[@ericthecarguy]

@SystemXpander You will need it to remove the stock springs but in my experience you can just put shorter springs in without having to compress them in most cases, it really depends on how much shorter they are.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BushDoctor626 Good luck and thanks for the comments.

[@ericthecarguy]

@3233656364 I don't recommend going more than an inch and a half. Yes the way you lower the car is to put shorter springs in it as for the struts you could also replace those at the same time but I've seen occasions where lowered cars go through struts quite a bit so be prepared for that. Good luck and thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MsMilkytheclown That sucks. FYI you really don't need to re-align the van after replacing those struts as they don't have any adjustments on them that would require adjustment. Good luck.

[@Sea2Ski1977]

Awesome Eric! Thanks for the excellent presentation - Honda Front Struts.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MileyCyrus192 If they are performance springs don't worry as with them many times you don't even need a spring compressor to get them off.

[@ericthecarguy]

Wise choice really, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the comment.

[@abrahamhdz]

EricTheCarGuy, I just replaced my struts on a 2003 Honda Accord. Virtually identical to what it is you just did. Your video was very handy and I would like to thank you for making it. I was able to reuse all of my internal parts because they were all in very good shape. However, I have a weird faint clunk when I am driving straight at slow speeds over rough road. It am sure that it is not the strut upper mount because the sound does not present when I am in neutral and turning the steering column hard right and left. If you have time for an opinion I would appreciate it. If not I also understand. Thanks.

[@ericthecarguy]

@rhinoa4571 I don't have a bearing replacement video for that model yet but the next time I get one in the shop that needs those bearings I'll try and shoot a video. As for your noise you might want to check out the video I did Finding a Noise as I cover some methods of finding hard to find noises that might help you.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ThinkerMister11 You could have a shop change out the struts but you might also consider a set of quick struts which come preassembled. I don't do price estimates sorry.

[@ericthecarguy]

@409na Suspension travel and ride quality suffer but it's a cheep way to lower a car but it often causes more problems than anything else.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BITE0ME9 I replaced the spring too, if your not replacing the spring you don't have to uncompress them.

[@virgilio123]

Great video, made me realize what I did wrong. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ericthecarguy]

@SanFranWay Yea, been there and to be honest your kind of screwed no matter what because when you go to heat that bolt it is actually encased inside of a rubber bushing that will catch on fire and get damaged as you go to remove it. I've actually had instances where I've had to cut the bolt out from the strut and replace the lower control arm, not fun. BTW not reverse thread.

[@ericthecarguy]

No, not at home. I've had this garage for years but it is across town from where I live. I hope to find a new place closer to home with more room and a lift at some point.