Honda Pilot Front Shock Install DIY | 2003-2008 | 1st Gen

In this video I cover the process for installing a new set of front shocks on a 1st Gen Honda Pilot (2003-2008 model year). Installing shocks is potentially dangerous - please be sure to follow the manufacturer instructions specific to your shocks!
Rear Install Video:
• Honda Pilot Rear Shock...
Shock Kit used for this video:
airsuspension-...
#HondaPilot #1stGenPilot #ytmikec

[@tomc3550]

Well done, Mike .... I'm interested in how much this improves ride, especially off-road.

[@stout_tossme7541]

This makes me miss my Pilot. 15 years and well over 200k miles on our 05. We loved it. Never let us down. We didn't do anything but trimming belt (and fluids as the manufacture recommended). The new pilots are not even close to the first-gen. We had to get rid of our pilot as she developed rust on the right side to encompass the strut mount. We got a 2020 4runner in it's place.

[@CALISUPERSPORT]

Hey forerunners are great. I just bought an 03 on its original timing belt so definitely need to knock that out. Amazed it's lasted this long

[@enroute6955]

What are the torque specs?

[@ronysuazo6119]

Thanks for the super great video I will follow the steps on my 2007 Honda Pilot that already makes it like a boat

[@mattsedlacek9068]

I've always heard that it can be dangerous with the spring. I didn't see anything done or mentioned about the dangers of the spring releasing (if that is true). It all looked extremely simple, even for one person doing it by themselves. Thanks for making the video. Have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with 301,000 miles on it.

[@RubberChicken526]

That's only if you are replacing the strut or spring separately, he's using a kit that has everything together already which makes it easier (and safer). I'm about to do the same thing on my '04 w/260,000.

[@mattsedlacek9068]

@@RubberChicken526 Thanks Tommy. Ok. That's awesome. Definitely something I can handle then. The only thing I'm not completely positive about is how to tell if mine need to be replaced. I've got 301,000 miles but don't really recall the shocks or that front end assembly EVER being replaced. If I push down on the four corners of the vehicle it's not that bouncy like you see on the remodeling/modernizing auto TV shows. I suspect there is a video called, "How to determine if your 2003 Honda Pilot needs to have it's struts or shocks replaced." on KZbin right? :-)

[@Jacobowitness]

Mine just hit 350k lol these cars are insane

[@mattsedlacek9068]

@@Jacobowitness I sold ours in 2022 with 308,000 on it. I talked to the new owner recently and it's still going. Impressive 350k!

[@dorrclark6192]

Hey Mike, great video- especially the part where you warn to put support/a jack under the lugs to keep the wheel assembly from dropping too low and pulling the drive shaft out too far. Unfortunately for me, I watched the first video in my search list before doing this work, and it didn’t include similar cautionary advice. I pulled the old one off, but now can’t get the wheel assembly back in place to insert the top of the two mounting bolts (the big ones with 22mm nuts). There is some grease around that inner boot, and it seems like the shaft is extended somewhat and won’t move in far enough to get the hub assembly all the way vertical (the upper hole on the hub needs to go about 1/2” further inboard but just won’t go.)What do I have to do next? Do I have to pull that boot and pull the drive shaft and re-install somehow? I think that likely means towing it to the shop as I am evidently already out of my depth. Thanks for the reply if you happen to see this.

[@andyhamilton8940]

The fronts are struts not shocks. The Top strut plate needs to be reference to the proper orientation before reinstall or you’ll never get the alignment right. Thanks for the video

[@kcmann4152]

My strut assembly is not lining up with knuckle, is off by like 60 degrees? can I spin the cap of the assembly to line up the strut to knuckle?

[@DIY_AUTO_PHOTO]

I know the feeling when working by yourself on the car.. some times you do need the set of extra hands lol and I was going to ask where is Lauren to help but then I read the comment .. perhaps she might help later on ))

[@CoreyJ0E]

Awesome work. Keep up the good work sir.

[@soalsufer]

Do u need an alignment after replacing the struts and shocks?

[@turinturambar8622]

Recommended yes imo

[@stevenloudermilk7036]

thanks for this video man!

[@mateos8083]

Can you make a video of how the pilot handles the snow??!

[@DrivenCompanion]

That could probably be arranged at some point

[@stout_tossme7541]

I owned a 2005 for 15 years. I had well over 200k miles on it and live in Utah. It is a dang beast in the snow. We used ours for soft road car camping (nothing tough off-road, but we did get into some fun situations). I found Falken Wildpeaks or BFG KO2 to be the best all-around tire (we went through 6 sets of tires in 15 years). The first-gen pilot was, in my opinion, the best all-wheel-drive system out there. I put KYB shocks and struts on it with new springs all around (used the Moog rear springs). Made a big difference in snow and off-road handling.

[@mateos8083]

@@stout_tossme7541 thanks for the info. I have a 05 with 130k miles on it ive been wanting to take it to the snow but am a lil hesitate becouse ive never driven in the snow. For the pilots at what point in the snow does the vtm-4 button come into play? Or do you jusy drive in low gear. Transaction off??

[@stout_tossme7541]

@@mateos8083 I only used the VTM if I knew it was going to be tough going. The Pilot does amazing. But deep snow is not its friend. Be sure to go with other rigs in case you get stuck. There is a guy on youtube that has an 05 Pilot he modified. I can't remember his channel but search "Honda Pilot off-road" I am sure you can find him. Just be sure you have good tires.

[@mateos8083]

@@stout_tossme7541 ill look into that channel. I have new bridgestone duelers all around, there just not A/T.

[@jnt0424]

Thank you for your instructional video, very detailed video.🫡

[@kevbocometh]

Just wondering if those shocks are still performing as well as you thought they would?

[@eliassanjur6945]

LOS LINK PORQUE NO LOS PUSO NUEVO?

[@Jago94]

How have these struts and shocks held up over the years?

[@Jacobowitness]

My pilot is at 350k and they are barley going out

[@claudiayutko8440]

What is the end link torque specs

[@avowedindependent3934]

Thanks

[@mr.sierra4409]

Need to take to the alignment shop after this?

[@llamasplastics9966]

camber will be off

[@nickmedlock]

Any opinion on the 8pc Detroit Axle front/rear kits on Amazon for $239, vs. your kit link in the description? Thanks! (great video BTW 👍🏼)

[@DrivenCompanion]

Nope, those would probably be fine as well.

[@Redridininyohood]

Hope you didn't. They are trash. Used their kits on 2 vehicles. Professionally installed. Ball joint broke within weeks on both. One while it was driving.

[@nickmedlock]

@@Redridininyohood the 8pc kit doesn't include new ball joints. Perhaps your ball joints just failed and needed to be replaced as well? I'm not understanding how that would affect the quality of the Detroit kit (which btw, has gone up almost $100 in price! WOW!) Have you used another product instead?

[@1MORENO4]

Just installed Detroit kit and very noisy clicks and pops. I'm wondering now if I needed to tighten down the shock before installing the the kit.

[@Lonewolf3165]

Top nuts are 14mm not 15mm.

[@vintagetrk]

Those aren’t shocks they are struts but good video.

[@BDevi0us]

Where's Lauren? She should be turning the wrenches?!?!

[@DrivenCompanion]

She was going to join for this install and unfortunately didn't work out. Would have been better for sure!