🔧 Accord - Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement

On your Accord, the rear uses separate shock absorbers, but the front suspension uses strut assemblies (a shock built into the spring unit). The exact steps and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing front struts, rear shocks, or all four, and whether you’re reusing the springs.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never work under a car supported only by a jack; always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ If reusing front springs, a coil spring compressor is required; compressed springs store dangerous energy.
• ⚠️ After any strut/shock replacement, you should get a 4-wheel alignment to prevent tire wear and pulling.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut socket 19mm
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 1/2"
• Socket set 10mm-22mm
• Wrench set 10mm-22mm
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Trim clip tool
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mount kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear bump stops and dust boots - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• New self-locking suspension nuts/bolts - As needed - Qty: 1 set

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in 1st gear, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the wheels that stay on the ground using wheel chocks.
• Loosen lug nuts with a 19mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• If you’re doing front struts and reusing springs: a coil spring compressor is required (it clamps the spring so it can’t expand).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: I need 2 quick details (so I can give the correct steps + torque specs)

• Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
• For the front: are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies (pre-assembled with spring), or reusing your springs with a spring compressor?

Reply with “front/rear/all four” + “quick-struts/reuse springs”.

---

✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment after front strut work.
• Recheck lug nut torque after a short test drive.
• Listen for clunks over bumps; it can indicate a loose mount/bolt.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$1,300 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.