My Low-Mile Acura Integra Finally Gets New Struts!

[@uteking]

As a fellow terrible mechanic I totally feel that sense of satisfaction/relief when something goes back together correctly. And, best of all, solves the problem!

[@HelloRoad]

Terrible mechanics unite!!!

[@jordanh.2998]

@@HelloRoad Can't be that terrible if everything goes back together without any extra parts lying around 😉

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Here here! Another dude joining the "Terrible Mechanics Unite" club!

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@dna59]

I love how clean this Integra is

[@61chickens]

I'm mighty impressed Ethan - compared to my skills, you're a fighter plane engineer....and that Integra's lookin' tres cool....

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@marcperras9072]

You made it look easy enough for me to try it when the time comes to change struts. I am a so-so diy guy at best. I am the original owner of a 94 Integra GSR that has almost 90,000 kilometers. I am slowly starting to replace parts as they become defective.

[@bakbay2076]

The music you use in your videos is really good and different

[@HelloRoad]

Thx! :) :)

[@john5389]

Great job Ethan! Well done on the car and the video. Very creative with editing and sound. Those Integras were, and are still my favorite Acura, san the NSX! I remember seeing the commercial back in college where it was going like on a track or something. I was drooling over the design! I'm going to look up that commercial...

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! :) Oh I remember that commercial!!

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@carlseiler6441]

I did the front struts on the Fit. Got a quote from an independent shop and they wanted over $800. Saved a lot. Didn’t use a lot but borrowed the spring compressor from the parts place. Then the front wheel dropped and bent the CV axle. Argh. Wasn’t clear what the problem was at first, but it drove horribly. Getting my regular mechanic to fix that was still cheaper overall than getting the first shop to do the struts alone. Gave me a good boost of confidence, and I learned not to let that wheel drop when you remove the old strut. I spent more by buying good brand of struts, but saved by using the old springs instead of the kit. …And of course the ride was SO much better.

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@ChristopheZ]

back in the days, I really likes that integra!!!!

[@HelloRoad]

And the design has really aged nicely :)

[@ChristopheZ]

@@HelloRoad yes indeed.....however , I would love a TSX Wagon!!!!

[@jbr3rd]

Very helpful video, thanks. I'd been procrastinating on doing mine because I feared I had to remove the front knuckle to get the strut out. Now I will get started. I understand the desire to keep video shorter, but audio saying " I skipped the part about torquing to spec and preloading suspension before tightening would help others not forget or make those mistakes after only watching your video. FYI, ridiculously clean, nice looking, rust free example of a used Integra (DC2). New England'ers can only dream of old cars that nice!

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@htownandi6263]

That is one good looking car.

[@sneaks01]

Great job!!! BTW.. love your yellow ASICS!! 😀😀

[@sneaks01]

If you ever want to sell em’ let me know! :-)

[@RetroCarsForever]

Satisfying fix! Im curious how "floppy" the old struts were (were you able to compress them easily with your hands, or against the ground?)

[@HelloRoad]

I didn't take the springs off the old struts so I can't really tell. Though I can say I've never driven a car with struts that bad!!

[@chrish352]

You should probably get an alignment, great job

[@HelloRoad]

Yep, probably going to do that next!! :) :)

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@big2868]

Greetings from Glenn in Cleveland! YAY, job well done! I have to do struts on my 2009 Civic coupe. Now I can see how easy of a job it is. :) BTW I like the your cars stance.

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks!! :) Yes it was pretty easy, even for a hack like myself! Not sure how different the job would be on your Civic but I would imagine it's not that bad! :)

[@thebluexb]

Good on you for wearing gloves! So many KZbinrs don't wear them and I always wonder how bad their hands must feel after working on a car for a while

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah I wear gloves about 50% of the time when working on a car. When I don't my hands get beat up! So I should probably wear them more often! Plus I can swap them out and not get my camera so grungy!! :)

[@Jame6999]

It's not that bad. Only time time gloves are need is dirty used oil

[@tomeng6733]

I hope you torqued everything down behind the scenes.

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah should have probably shown that in the vid. Everything is torqued, just left some stuff out to keep the vid from getting too long :)

[@mariahcavazos2037]

Gonna do struts on my integra soon too I just ordered some 🙏

[@ryanm.3681]

Dude I love your channel! that car is awesome too! keep up the good work!

[@HelloRoad]

Thank you!! And thanks for watching!!

[@TakuroSpirit77]

Whew, almost missed SHOCKTOBER!

[@HelloRoad]

We all know you can't strut your stuff in November

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

@@HelloRoad Touché! You need to be PUNished for that one!

[@HelloRoad]

@@reallyrandomrides1296 🙃

[@andrewhopkins1010]

Great video. I probably need new shocks/struts for my Crown Vic.

[@NarfBLAST]

(Doing my best Jeremy Clarkson impression) YOU'VE DONE A THING!

[@HelloRoad]

😆😆😆😆

[@300DBenz]

“He’s mended something!”

[@bigmac2385]

Made a video on my probe just the only fact it’s not a great one I need help from other people as it has a pretty bad idling issue also great video btw!

[@ChrisBaker-d9h]

where did you purchase the struts from if you dont mind?

[@chrisj3661]

Do you have a link to the ones you purchased?

[@codymuraviov7954]

Did they get settled in and lower down a little bit?

[@HelloRoad]

They did. But still had a squeak that I couldn't diagnose

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

If you ever sell this car, I'm sure you'll have a lot of interest in it. Very hard to find a stock Integra (or any Honda/Acura of that vintage) still totally stock. I just hope that the person who buys it appreciates that and keeps it stock and doesn't see it as a blank canvas to lower, put on a fart can exhaust, 22" wheels, stickers, etc.

[@esbino5815]

Tried doing the same, but when I try taking off the bottom rear 14mm bolt that goes on the strut it just breaks off Not sure how to take it off now

[@brandonmorris2513]

I love that car!! Really awesome. Also, at about the 3 min. mark, suns out guns out. LOL. Were you pleased with what the Turbo Pontiac sold for? I thought it did well!

[@HelloRoad]

Haha yeah still warm here in SoCal. :) Yep was pretty happy with the Turbo Grand Prix sale price. Kinda sad to see it go but it does open up a new parking spot in my yard. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

I hope you keep the original suspension components and eventually rebuild them with a gas charged OEM replacement from Bilstein or Koni. I will definitely take genuine Honda springs over random aftermarket. Plus they are OE, I love the pre 1999 Honda double wishbone front suspension over the Macpherson strut cost cutting that replaced it.

[@Jame6999]

Agreed. Koni is better. Had Bilstein though they were ok

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah I did keep everything 😀👍

[@integravahan5791]

I'm in need of new shocks. Would I be able to use stock springs with koni yellows? I just don't know much about adjusting. I just want it to ride smooth for the most part

[@guvermintcheese9348]

How are they working out ? And what brand did you go with

[@HelloRoad]

I think they were the Unity brand. They were way better than the worn out struts that were on the car, but they did introduce a squeak that I was unable to diagnose. I might end up going with a different part if I were to do it again.

[@mandoman5]

Looks like you installed the first strut 180 degrees out. The alignment tab goes toward the inside of the car and seats in the pinch bolt gap.

[@noxgore5400]

While I drive my integra , it drives rough and I feel like the hits when I’m driving and it’s not really a comfy drive , but I was looking , and I wanted to know if I should get coilovers or struts? I know coilovers are for performance but do coilovers also get the job done? Or should I just go for struts

[@HelloRoad]

Coilovers can be fine for certain situations and needs but if you're primarily concerned with ride quality I'd absolutely just opt for replacement struts.

[@terryorcutt8739]

Nice job!

[@HelloRoad]

Thx! I MENDED SOMETHING 😆

[@dave11686]

That Integra is beautiful

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks! Yes it's a suuuuuuper clean example!

[@karwinchau4684]

Where did you get those struts?

[@unstablebobgable]

DIY all the way!

[@HelloRoad]

Yesssssssss! Unless I can't figure it out 😆😆😆

[@300DBenz]

How far did you get before you realized that the brake hose was on the wrong side of that first strut?

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah editing mistake. I originally had the strut facing the wrong way.

[@noxgore5400]

Where did you get the struts

[@HelloRoad]

I got them from partsgeek.com. They were Unity brand. I might actually suggest going with something else-these ended up squeaking quite a bit.

[@oglokzAntrax]

Whats the part number for the struts

[@nelsonpadilla6474]

Which strut and shocks are those

[@mc3films]

I’ll visit you soon with my Camry.

[@HelloRoad]

Yessssssssssss

[@stussels]

love that car

[@victorbaird8220]

What brand of struts did you use

[@HelloRoad]

These are budget struts. Brand name is Unity, but other companies make pre-assembled units too.

[@sleepyhollow783]

If anyone needs a good brand to use, may i suggest KYB. They are well made and not expensive.

[@kelemenkaban2505]

Keeping the car as stock as possible? Nice idea, but... How about installing a modest rear spoiler on the trunk? For me that is missing. Maybe I have played tooooo much with Need For Speed Underground back in the day... :D Very inspirational video BTW, I have to tell you.

[@NarfBLAST]

I disagree! The lack of spoiler is extremely rare and awesome!

[@mexicanspec]

Stock is always best.

[@zmelli]

On the rears, its easier if you would have removed the lower control arm bolt.

[@HelloRoad]

Yep you’re right

[@zmelli]

I just did that job, surprised you got that shock out that way. I had to go get the book. as long as the long lower control bolt is not rusted, you are good. This allowed the lower are to unbolt from the knuckle.@@HelloRoad

[@jeffreyvillegas8336]

Where did you buy them?

[@HelloRoad]

Found them at Parts Geek

[@btrdangerdan2010]

I have new KYB struts stored in my garage for my 1989 Nissan Sentra

[@HelloRoad]

Doooooo it

[@btrdangerdan2010]

No threadlocker?

[@HelloRoad]

I didn't use any. I know some people do. I just torqued them to spec. :)

[@btrdangerdan2010]

@@HelloRoad ah I see. No worries just curious.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

And if that had been a car from out east/rust belt it would not have been anywhere near that quick and simple! In that case, best to take it to a mechanic to fight with seized nuts and bolts.

[@ZOOOTV72]

wheel alignment ??

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah probably need to do that next :)

[@angeldiaz-lg3id]

Yeah the rear was easy for you cause you didn’t have rust and ended up with a bolt breaking off. This can turn into a project.

[@HelloRoad]

All you have to do is move to a place with no snow! ☃️

[@Jame6999]

Your bushings need replacement as well

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah the bushings are likely the originals.

[@jslagle6445]

No PB blaster? No torches? No neverseize upon reassembly? California has no clue how the rest of us live

[@HelloRoad]

Haha! I grew up in Massachusetts so I know what it's like! I'm very fortunate to have rust free cars now!!!

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

@@HelloRoad I hear ya! I moved out west too, just beautiful finding old rust free cars!

[@calebcain1419]

You used the drill to torque the wheels on. Wrong very wrong. & The reason the car was sitting like it was jacked up was because you didn't preload the lower control arms before you tightened the lower shock bolt. This will make your alignment all wrong and can rip out the lower rubber bushing that the shock is bolted to & you didn't torque or check any bolt that you tightened with the impact gun. Not safe. & Since the rear shock didn't have the bolt welded on you need to use a lock washer or it can loosen as the car gos up & down it's can & most likely will because you didn't preload the suspension & as it settles back to where it should be it will either rip the rubber or that the bolt turn. I think it's great that people work on there car either because they can't afford to pay a shop or because they want to learn how to work on cars or in my case because you can't trust anyone else to do it right (which is sad because I paid shop to fix my car & got screwed more then once including a tuner at a Dyno that I paid $500 for the Dyno time & tuning to have him not tighten my distributor after timing my timing on a big cammed high compression port & polish DOHC ZC with ever bolt on there is & a 75hp shop of nos. Well the first launch after leaving the Dyno ended up being taking off in 1st & so soon as I shifted into 2nd & floored it the jdm 30k engine that I had bought not 6 month earlier blow-up before I even hit 4000 rpm. Totally destroyed the engine, Lq A

[@HelloRoad]

Thanks for the comment. I did preload them using a jack, and torqued everything down. Just didn’t film it to keep the video from being way too long. Wheels were torqued with a torque wrench. 😀 Lock washer is probably a good idea.