I SECRETLY TOOK MY WIFES 2011 HONDA PILOT | UPGRADED THE SUSPENSION | HOW TO REPLACE STRUTS SHOCKS

[@gtrodgers1]

We still have our 2011 Honda Pilot here in Virginia. We’ve been to Minneapolis twice, Chicago, Disney, along with many trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and it’s been a great vehicle! Recently, a mechanic told me it needed shocks and struts and they price would be $1400. This makes me feel like it could do it myself. I would just need the proper tools first. Thanks for the great video, you definitely made it look easy!

[@weeverob]

Harbor freight carries great tools for the occasional mechanic and you’ll still spend a lot less than what the garage would charge.

[@Gilgo-Beach-Slayer]

Did you change them yourself?

[@flyingraider2151]

Man, you just saved me a lot of money! THANK YOU!. Awesome video easy to follow. I just replaced my wifes Pilot's Struts with your help. thank you again for taking that time to make these videos and for savings us some money!

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awesome my friend…it’s why I do these videos.

[@musicmanbc9613]

Thanks for the video! Did my 2014 Pilot tonight thanks to the video!

[@johnwiechel]

Man. Just what I needed, doing this on my 2012 this coming weekend. Doing sway bars and lower arms as well. Very much appreciated

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely my friend

[@liquidalloy]

I just did all 4 struts and coils on my 2010 Pilot. I went with Monroe. I also used a 1 inch leveling kit for the rear. No more droopy butt lol The alignment is off now though, as expected. Steering wheel is slightly turned to the right. No pulling though surprisingly. But the truck drives so much better. No more bouncing. I got 210K miles on my pilot. I just did all 4 rotors and brakes too. Ceramic pads with cross drilled and slotted rotors. I got new tires coming in also. The mount balance and alignment will all get done within a week or 2!

[@LiveYourBestLife-Ever]

I’m replacing the struts and shocks on my moms car and this was a super helpful video, thanks!

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely my friend that’s why I do these videos. Ty

[@kingrexmma4387]

I highly recommend the yellow Bilstein b6 for the pilot. I have had front and rear bilsteins on my 2011 pilot for about 1 year. Handles and rides so much better than stock. Corners so much tighter and car like. Ride is not bumpy or stiff either

[@Gasdieselgarage]

I actually agree with you my friend.

[@josiahley11]

Mind sharing where you ordered these from?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

@@josiahley11 yes absolutely I will update the parts link when I get back to my computer….that part was discontinued…but I have another for everyone

[@Gasdieselgarage]

@@josiahley11 I have updated the video link….they are from Amazon at a pretty good price considering what all you get in this kit here you go …amzn.to/3T2DiqL

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

Did you install the Bilsteins yourself?

[@averintonhanson6135]

Bro your video was very straight forward. Now am doing my Honda Pilot myself. Great job

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awe ty my friend…it’s why I do these videos…to help people

[@Jude-kq1jw]

Thank you for this detailed video. Will be attempting to do this myself.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Great video! Word of advice: avoid aftermarket full damper assemblies AKA "quick struts" like the one shown in the video at all cost for Pilots/Ridgeline/Odyssey/MDX. They are universally crap. Instead, buy an OEM full damper assembly, if you can (especially if you live in US, where there's plenty of online OEM Honda/Acura stores that have great prices and will ship to you). Basically, there is no reason not to get the OEM assemblies (unless thy have been discontinued, like for the MDX, for example), because the price you pay will be almost identical to the aftermarket ones (that will serve you for a decade or more). Good luck!

[@flipd2830]

Pilot OEM fully assembly struts have been discontinued almost a year now. We're screwed. However, Bilstein makes struts for this model.

[@norbertomontijo8673]

Discontinued for pilots now. Is there any aftermarket that are safe to buy assembled? It’s the only way I’d be able to do this myself. I sunk a lot of money into repairs and need to save where I can.

[@norbertomontijo8673]

@@flipd2830 is it a kit assembled or just the strut?

[@Blue56Mustang]

Thanks for the video ! I had the same issue with the strut being stamped as the right side. On the Front driver side strut, it was stamped “FR” I’m guessing Front Right? It was an OEM. I ordered the same kit you are using . But the new strut that matches driver side is labeled as FL. All bolted up the way it should.. 👍

[@mauricioarizmendi4655]

Definitely the next project on my Pilot. Thanks bruh!!!

[@gpsjohn6800]

Great job Señor mecánico, Bravo

[@4wbd]

First, thanks so much GasDiesel Garage, I got my wife's Pilot, Milly, all done this week. I did get the Monroe Struts you mentioned in one of the comments below, they are super nice. Both strut assemblies still had FR on the top of them. I was thinking I got the shaft, and someone shipped me two passenger side parts. There were part numbers underneath the rubber, those clarified what assembly went to each side. The manufacturer (Monroe) confirmed that both passenger and driver sides will have FR on them. I didn't ask, but maybe that FR is an indication as to which bolt goes forward? IDK. Thanks a million though, not only was this fun, but something to be proud of for this desk worker. Going on my resume' for sure. :)

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awesome my friend…congrats.

[@splice247]

Only difference for the fronts is the bracket locations for the brake hose and sway bar mount, strut, spring, and mount are the same, just have to flip the bracket mounts

[@holdouts]

Thanks for the video. I was able to change the struts and shocks on my 2013 Honda Pilot. Getting the nut off the left control arm was a bear. If I didn't have an impact hammer I don't know if I could have got it off. The bottom bolt on the left rear shock was even worse. I had to use a breaker bar with a 3 foot iron rod on it to get enough leverage to break that one before I could unscrew it. I discovered that my existing right rear shock was broken so glad I got new ones. Amazon is the way to go cause for a complete set only cost me about $300. Costs about that much for one strut at the auto parts store.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awesome my friend. I’m very happy to hear your success story, that’s exactly why I do these videos.

[@erniez1968]

Awesome video. Thank you for giving me confidence that I am going to be able to do it.

[@philjacks6954]

Thank you for this well planned and produced video 🙏

[@a.celvaron2205]

God job. Thank you for sharing this. That’s helping a lot.

[@geestrad67]

Hi, I'm about to take on this project this weekend on our 2011 Honda Pilot, too. I'll be using your video for guidance all the way. I just wanted to ask if we need to torque each nut? If so, do you what lbs torque for each? Thank you.

[@marksorlien983]

Love this video. My 2012 Pilot has 126k miles with original shocks and struts. Your video gives me the confidence to do this! Great lighting, clear imagery, and great explanation. My only recommendation is to turn down the music, or better yet, just keep talking through it. You're funny.😊

[@steves9293]

Great video! I have a 2010 Honda Pilot I am trying to preserve as long as possible and this video helps a lot. Thx!

[@hardworkfor5]

Great teacher and safety first!

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Ty my friend

[@ramilmanalo7059]

Thank you for sharing this. I just replaced the front shocks of my honda pilot 2015.

[@ColoradoGal1651]

Thanks for the vid. You made it look super easy. I just bought a used 2011 Honda Pilot EX-L and I think it might have issues in rack and pinion or sway bars. But if it's shocks/struts I know what to recommend. One thought as you are unassembling and reassembling is to write on screen what you're removing/adding and maybe numeric steps. Would help us newbs :)

[@Gasdieselgarage]

You’re absolutely right I have thought about doing that….ty for the feedback

[@dwighttyler2796]

I bet your wife was extremely happy!

[@adamthefallnone1817]

Great video, funny dude, "she shed" 🤣 and I'm about to buy one of these vehicles for my wife, so I very much appreciate seeing what you suggested. 🤘

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awe man thank you for awesome comment bud. Much appreciated!

[@828282mustang]

thanks and both of my strut mounts had right front marked on them but worked great

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awesome my friend…I’m glad it worked out for you🤙

[@XBillyMexicoX]

Bro you made that look so easy, great video. Just got a new sub.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Thanks for your feedback my friend

[@ramilmanalo7059]

Wow that was so easy to do. Thank u

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely my friend

[@JasonCarrington-x2y]

Thanks for the video, definitely feel like I can tackle this on my own now

[@1331tmt]

Well, I enjoy your video. Do you have a couple suggestions. Please include things like torque specifications, tips, or things to watch out for, when do use Loctite are Everease. Remember many of viewers may not be as experienced in making repairs. Every little bit of info helps. You can even add some info as on screen text.

[@royletort9586]

Thanks! Very educational! Will probably give it a try on my wife's 2013 Honda Pilot.

[@tvaughn5501]

You should mark the spindle so the strut will be in about the same spot. So when you get an ailment will go easer.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Good tip

[@mrgg5680]

Bro thx looks easy af 👍🏽

[@76heavydriver]

Great video. I think I’ll tackle this next week. What’s the torque on all of these bolts when reinstalled? Thank you.

[@luisvega238]

Thank you for the video. It was very informative.

[@luisivan1]

Great video. Very well explained. Thanks!

[@frankfehr2158]

These videos are great! I was able to do do all the work myself after watching, the ride on the truck now is not even comparable. Needed an alignment before hand so getting that done. I did have a question, the ABS and VSA lights come on, I seen a comment about the AbS and VSA needing resets? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Try to find out if there’s any “codes” stored in the car computer…if you don’t have a code reader…..Autoparts stores can tell you for free I believe…you’re always welcome to hit me back and I can help you further

[@snteevveetns]

You had me at she shed!

[@bravoswede]

Recommend Bilstein G5 or G4 of you actually want an upgrade vs just an improvement. ( Replacing any old shocks will be an improvement of course)

[@josiahley11]

I can't find these...do you mind sharing a link where you got yours?

[@ThanhTran-pb1yi]

Thanks a lot Brother, I’ll do myself!!!

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awesome my friend

[@carolripley2500]

Hey, this is a great video. I have the same vehicle and I'm done overpaying for shit. Thanks for making the video

[@Gasdieselgarage]

I can understand that

[@omararellano1277]

On the rear shocks replacement did you jack up the pilot at all?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

No sir I didn’t have to…remember the rear on front wheel drive pilots..the suspension is supported by the rear springs. So yes you can change the shocks without jacking it up.

[@ajaxborges]

I couldn't tell for sure (based on the video), but did you jack up the rear of the pilot to do the rear shocks? Thank you.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

No you don’t have to jack up the pilots too do the rear shocks. Ty for your comment my friend ❤️

[@williejaydavisjr3646]

Very well explaned ! Thanks

[@allenanthony4033]

One man Band Great Job

[@NotsoSharp]

Good time to replace the stabilizer/sway bar links with Moog

[@bernarddavis2872]

Very informative; thank you sir.

[@bigpoppapump4060]

That was awesome good video

[@madaim6665]

Thank you for the information it help a lot

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Ty for the kind words my friend

[@mattmcgraw7281]

Where did you place the jack when doing the rear shocks. Where is the best central lift point?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

With the rear shocks you can actually do it without jacking it up ..unless you’re taking the tires of but it’s not necessary. But if I were using the jack I place it in the middle of the rear crossmember and if you have the all wheel drive pilot…place the jack under the rear differential and use jackstands on either side…

[@bridgettewilliams8094]

I’m having problems with VSP on my Honda Pilot 2011 as well…. Can you do a video? And changing spark plugs and wires

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely and I will be doing more videos on the pilot in the near future

[@rd4k04]

The OEM strut will last infinitely longer than quick struts. I'd take a new strut with a reused factory spring any day over quick struts.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

I can’t argue with that…you’re absolutely right.

[@nilespj007]

Curious how the pilot drove after the upgrade? My 2014 pilot ride is a little harsh and would like to upgrade to something a little more forgiving on just regular New England roads. Suggestions for upgrades for a more comfortable ride? Just did new tires and ride is better but was looking for more

[@nilespj007]

Also, any need to use thread locker when installing the rears on the pilot?

[@ryanconley5978]

Great video! I just bought the exact same vehicle and really appreciate this in-depth information more than you know! How do you tell when it’s time to replace the suspension. For that matter you replaced the axels too. How can you tell?

[@jafirelkurd]

So looking in the factory service manual, both sides have FR on the top mount. It actually means that part goes towards the front. I was a little worried because I just bought some new aftermarket mounts, and they said they were the same both sides, but when I opened the box, they both say FR. Fortunately the manual set me straight.

[@juicebomb]

you're messing with the narrative, man.

[@kytsayyuriy2813]

Thank you for your video. It really encourage me to take tools and do the job. Couple suggestions if you want to do this job at the street or in your garage. 24 mill bolts are impossible to take with out the help of the 1/2 impact gun. 17 mill bolt or the sway bar usually extremely rusted and impossible to unscrew. Be ready to buy new sway bar. Ather then that job cab be done. Two thumbs up.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awe thanks for the feedback my friend.

[@Orisman9]

When installing the rear shocks did you jack up the rear end, or just put them on?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

You “can” replace the rear shocks “without” jacking up the vehicle. Yes i did not jack up the pilot

[@chucosmokezverses]

LETS GET IT MANEEE

[@lubsey]

We only get better with time

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely my friend

[@chicano1er]

Awesome details, thank you

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Ty my friend

[@overpricedsundown]

I had a shop try to charge me 2 grand. I bought a complete set for 300 bucks and did it myself

[@Gary25814]

I like your style. The video is nicely shot and you really explained things. What would be an indicator or two that you need to replace your front struts. I’m hearing some knocking when traveling over bumps and I have about 175k mi. Last year I changed the rear shocks bc they were shot. Thanks for the help and support

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely my friend it’s what I’m here for…ty for your feedback

[@Gasdieselgarage]

So sorry I miss read what you were saying…yes unfortunately the front struts were so noisy going over bumps and my tires were starting to get flat spots (cupping) is the official diagnosis term but yes because of those two reasons is why I replaced them. Yes my pilot was at 180k at the time of this video

[@abelortega9726]

Great video did my wife's came out great.....should I get an alignment?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

It couldn’t hurt to do an alignment especially if you haven’t done one in a while.

[@mrlaney79]

Bruh I have a 2016 pilot awd touring and trying to find front struts, I love KYB, however they don't make them anymore for '16 model

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Yes that sucks bud.

[@epicjamaicanjokes8279]

You can also get the hood struts mods instead of the hood prop

[@Greatoneguy]

Great job, man. 👏

[@krazy_soulja6043]

Maybe your next MOD will be an exhaust? 🤔.. If you do PLEASE make a video about it

[@Gasdieselgarage]

That will be epic

[@schulze420]

After i replaced my front and rear struts and shocks. I took it in for alignment and they said it is pulling right even after they set it to factory standards. They said to take it back to the shop that did the suspension and have them adjust it. Is there something i can do to adjust the parts to not pull right

[@shahinrohani4197]

What is the best strut assembly to use for Honda Pilot 2010? Are the struts you installed still working OK? Did the ride get softer/stiffer/or the same? Any other issues like noise or other by using after market assemblies? Thx.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

These struts are not bad for the economy price…the ride is better as I’m softer. But if I had the money to go better I’d definitely get these…amzn.to/3CbovAS (right front) and amzn.to/3zcieDb (left front)….these struts are as close to original equipment as you can get for aftermarket struts

[@americantopgunner5102]

@@Gasdieselgarage are these Monroe’s better than kyb? Where can I buy oem Honda parts?

[@americantopgunner5102]

How do I know how tight the bolts need to be I have no mechanical skills at all I just want to save 3600 the dealership quotes me. This seems fairly easy im only worried about torquing to proper spec. Also the link for the parts is that for a 2011 pilot also. Is there any higher performance struts and shocks I can put on to make the vehicle tow more or just last longer???

[@Gilgo-Beach-Slayer]

Just subscribed.. did you or should you change the sway bar links? Thank you for the video

[@nelsongomez164]

Great instructions, you made it simple🦾🙏🏿❤️

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Awe ty bud

[@eweteweb]

Question. After three years how have the struts and shocks held up?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Actually pretty good…no noise at all , tires still look good

[@meganjoy4167]

Epic mate!

[@victorblanco5435]

How did you change them without having to lift the car? Isn't it very risky?

[@MrDlsloan]

do you think these struts are better than factory ones?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Honestly I can say they are about the same quality. If that helps

[@howardshurst1302]

Great Video...Was there any damage to rubber boot on stabilizer bar link using vice grip pliers?

[@janeahlquist4895]

So how long did it take to do the struts shocks and the rear struts? were they oem? if i order these are they oem? I wish you could put mine on. Im 74 yr old lady/victim...if you get my meaning....i live in Billings Mt. Who can i trust to do what you did? thx

[@morganbaker3582]

Looks good

[@tonymoore9668]

When you’re wife demands service! 😂

[@TEJMCT]

and what about the coil springs in the back... how you change those????

[@luism.7668]

Great video , thank you for sharing !

[@Gasdieselgarage]

You may have to copy and paste the link in your browser.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Try this one ...amzn.to/3cnkGyN

[@luism.7668]

@@Gasdieselgarage I did it already , I used different browser ,I really appreciate your response 👍🏽

[@Gasdieselgarage]

@@luism.7668 always my friend... it’s why I do these videos, to help people work on their own cars. Without taking it to the dealer and paying ridiculous money.

[@luism.7668]

@@Gasdieselgarage that's right my friend , we'll save a couple hundreds doing it oourselves, Thanks Again !👍🏽

[@seany2345]

Did you need to use the jack and jack stands for the rear shocks?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Actually no you can do the shocks with the truck on the ground

[@JMorrisSmithJr]

Well done video, well done indeed!!

[@reynaldofernandez8266]

Hello Sir, on the video the struts are unity but the one from you link are Mac. also after the the replacement does the truck need to be aligned ? thanks in advance. Great video

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Thank you for your feedback and great question....typically you don’t need to get an alignment because there’s no camber or caster adjustments to dial in but it’s always a good practice to get an alignment anytime you replace suspension components. For the link to the parts it’s your preference to what brand struts and shocks you wanna use.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

The kit in the link will work on the pilots I promise you

[@jimmygreen5910]

Does it need to be aligned after this repair?

[@overthinkerblue4637]

Yes it does.

[@imdoneguessing]

You can diy. But the tools cost 1200 > 1500 bucks . Not including shocks from the cost of original equipment 😅, unless rent - a - tool in business

[@SuperAlien2011]

Thanks for the informative video sir!

[@jasons6307]

Great Vid!

[@alexandrucovaliov8989]

2:25 where did you put that jack and lifted the car? Is there any point other than jack point?

[@kho3226]

Once struts and shocks are replaced, do I need to do a wheel alignment?

[@davidhuffman5301]

Excellent video thanks

[@arnoldolagos5190]

Great !!

[@ansonkeller2921]

Im about to do my 2013 Pilot , will it need a front end alignment ?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Yes I would recommend getting an alignment just because your changing the angle of the tires putting brand new struts it…just to be on the safe side

[@barbarathomas8495]

Thanks

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely anytime

[@oMegaAlcc]

Is this a worthy purchase to upgrade from stock? I have heard other aftermarket products have noise problems.

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Absolutely…these struts were put on my wife’s daily driver and she hasn’t had any issues but I do understand your concern a lot of aftermarket stuff sucks.

[@oMegaAlcc]

@@Gasdieselgarage badass, appreciate it bro. Putting these on my wife's daily as well haha

[@martychristophel1890]

Great video thank you! Question, what kind of tires are those??

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Bf Goodrich AT

[@artemioarevalo4335]

I noticed what size of tires they look nice.

[@TerrySingleton-m1u]

2009 Honda pilot lower ball joint

[@MrNabmilf]

Did u ever replace the rear springs ? I’m seeing a lot of sag , could be due to towing light things occasionally on my 2011 4WD

[@Gasdieselgarage]

Yes actually I have and you’re right about the springs losing it’s capacity strength. Yes replace them..it’s very easy

[@MrNabmilf]

I’d love something beefier even if it makes ride a lot tighter

[@MrNabmilf]

Any suggestions ?

[@Gasdieselgarage]

@@MrNabmilf yes actually I do …let get back to you on that because I can’t remember what used …you’ll hear from me today I promise

[@MrNabmilf]

Love your channel man imma DIYer just like all the dudes watching