Front Strut DIY on Honda Pilot

When your shock absorbers begin to leak, it’s time for a replacement. Struts should always be replaced in pairs and, in this case, it will need a front-end wheel alignment when you are done.
We’ll show you how we replaced the struts on our 2007 Honda Pilot. The front strut replacement should be the same procedure for all Honda Pilots from 2003 to 2008.
Tools I used (you may not need all this, I’m just sharing what I used in this video):
Floor jack
Jack stands
Penetrant spray
1/4” ratchet
3/8” ratchet
1/2” breaker bar
Wrenches and/or sockets of various sizes: 24mm, 22mm, 19mm, 17mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm
I also needed 15mm for the new strut nuts up top and 18mm for the nuts on my newer front sway bar end links
Wrench extender
3/8” impact wrench
1/2” impact wrench
Locking pliers
12” pry bar
Headlamp / worklight
Safety glasses
Ear protection
WARNING: working with strut assemblies includes coil springs that are under immense pressure. NEVER remove the top center nut that is holding the assembly together. This nut holds the coil springs under pressure and can be very dangerous to mess with if you don’t know what you’re doing.. If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with coil springs and the dangers related to the pressure the coil springs are under, do not proceed with work that involves strut assemblies and coil springs.

[@jasonlombera7096]

Thank you. I’ve got a 2018 that needs front struts replaced. Been watching a lot of videos and learning.

[@lmsdiy]

Right on! Love DIY and best of luck! Let me know how it goes. :)

[@jesterxfan]

Very well done video. I need to do this on my 2017 pilot. Also need to do the swaybar links. I see you have a video for that too, that’s up next for me. Local mechanic wants $2100 to replace both.

[@lmsdiy]

Oh my gosh, really? So easy to save money on those jobs! Good on you. Best of luck and comment if you have any questions!

[@cosasquenohacemosnidecimos3419]

Thanks a lot for your video. I have a question. Do you have any tips for restraighten the steering knuckle?

[@lmsdiy]

Maybe I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but adjust the strut and knuckle slightly before/as you tighten the bolts but otherwise need to do the wheel alignment and you should be good. Is that what you mean?

[@krawfish1000]

Very nicely done! Good useful information included in video. Going to attempt to do it on my 2007 pilot. Thanks!

[@lmsdiy]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck on your struts! Please comment back to let us know how it goes.

[@rebadaddy]

Doesn't the new strut comes with some strap or something to keep it compressed in the shipping box? I didn't see you do anything to release the strut. Or maybe I am wrong. Please confirm. Thanks for this very informative video.

[@lmsdiy]

Hi @rebadaddy you are maybe referring to the shock absorber. Those come with rubber straps to keep them compressed. The strut is an assembly of shock absorber and coil spring all in one, making it easier to replace as one unit with no need to compress springs or remove a rubber strap from the shock absorber. Hope that helps!

[@redemptiverevelation]

Great video. Is this assembly the same as a Monroe? Who makes this? About to attempt on my pilot

[@lmsdiy]

It should be the same regardless of the manufacturer. These are from Macpherson www.macphersonride.com

[@vintagetrk]

It's always nice when your assistant is wearing yoga pants 😉

[@lmsdiy]

😂

[@avordshaw6244]

What did you do about the worn/damaged end link?

[@lmsdiy]

I went and bought a replacement and replaced it at the same time. Both sway bar end links on the front are new now. There's a video on that too 😁 Replace Front Sway Bar End Link on Honda Pilot kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoKvoZJjnd5-rMk

[@littlepepper4370]

Where did you get that strut assembly?

[@lmsdiy]

Aftermarket part through an auto shop that I do work at. But any auto parts place will carry them.. Napa, PartSource, etc.