🔧 Accord - Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement

On your Accord, the front uses complete strut assemblies (shock + spring), and the rear uses separate shock absorbers. Replacing worn shocks/struts restores ride control, braking stability, and prevents uneven tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours (pair) / 6-10 hours (all four)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never remove the strut center nut unless the spring is compressed; the spring can release with extreme force.
• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands under the proper lift points; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the suspension.
• Disconnecting the battery is not required for this job.
• Plan on getting an alignment after front struts.

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🔧 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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Ratchet (1/2")
• Socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 22mm
• Wrench set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm
• 19mm socket
• 6mm Allen key
• Extensions (3" and 6")
• Pry bar (12–18")
• Rubber mallet
• Needle-nose pliers
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)
• Pass-through strut nut socket set (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front struts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop & dust boot kit - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mounts - Recommended - Qty: 2
• New self-locking nuts/bolts for strut/shock mounting - As needed - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the tires staying on the ground.
• Spray mounting bolts/nuts with penetrating oil and let it soak 10–15 minutes.
• If you are not using “quick struts” (pre-assembled struts), you’ll need a coil spring compressor (a tool that safely squeezes the spring so it can’t expand).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen lug nuts and raise the car

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen lug nuts 1 turn.
• Lift with a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• Remove the wheels using a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Front strut removal (one side at a time)

• Remove the brake hose/ABS wire brackets from the strut using a 10mm socket and/or 12mm socket (depending on bracket).
• Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut using a 17mm wrench; hold the stud with a 6mm Allen key if it spins.
• Support the lower control arm with a floor jack (light pressure).
• Remove the damper fork lower through-bolt using a 17mm socket and 19mm wrench.
• Remove the damper fork pinch bolt at the strut using a 14mm socket.
• Under the hood, remove the strut mount nuts using a 14mm socket.
• Work the strut assembly out of the wheel well; use a pry bar gently if needed.

Step 3: If installing “quick struts” (pre-assembled)

• Skip spring transfer and move to installation.
• Quick struts are safest for first-timers.

Step 4: If reusing your springs (spring transfer)

• Install the coil spring compressor (specialty) on opposite sides of the spring and tighten evenly with a ratchet until the spring is loose in the perch.
• Remove the strut center nut using a pass-through strut nut socket set (specialty) with a ratchet while holding the shaft from turning.
• Transfer spring, boot, bump stop, and mount to the new strut, matching orientation marks using a paint marker.
• Install the center nut and tighten with the pass-through strut nut socket set (specialty).
• Slowly release the spring compressor evenly and re-check that the spring ends sit in the pockets.

Step 5: Front strut installation

• Position the strut in the tower and start the top nuts by hand using a 14mm socket.
• Slide the damper fork onto the strut and install the pinch bolt using a 14mm socket.
• Install the damper fork lower through-bolt using a 17mm socket and 19mm wrench.
• Reconnect the sway bar end link using a 17mm wrench and 6mm Allen key if needed.
• Reinstall brake hose/ABS brackets using a 10mm socket and/or 12mm socket.
• Tighten fasteners to spec using a torque wrench:
  • Upper strut mount nuts: Torque to 44 N·m (33 ft-lbs)
  • Damper fork pinch bolt: Torque to 64 N·m (47 ft-lbs)
  • Damper fork lower through-bolt: Torque to 116 N·m (86 ft-lbs)
  • Sway bar end link nut (at strut): Torque to 44 N·m (33 ft-lbs)

Step 6: Rear shock removal (one side at a time)

• Open the trunk and pull back the side trim to access the upper shock mount nuts; use needle-nose pliers and a trim tool if clips are present.
• Support the rear lower control arm with a floor jack (light pressure).
• Remove the lower shock bolt using a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench.
• Remove the upper shock mount nuts in the trunk using a 14mm socket.
• Remove the shock assembly.

Step 7: Rear shock installation

• Install the new shock, start the upper nuts by hand using a 14mm socket.
• Install the lower bolt using a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench.
• Torque fasteners with a torque wrench:
  • Upper shock mount nuts: Torque to 22 N·m (16 ft-lbs)
  • Lower shock bolt: Torque to 59 N·m (44 ft-lbs)
• Reinstall trunk trim.

Step 8: Reinstall wheels and lower the car

• Install wheels and snug lug nuts using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the car off jack stands using a floor jack.
• Torque lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench: Torque to 108 N·m (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks over small bumps.
• Re-check lug nut torque with a torque wrench after 25–50 miles.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment, especially after replacing front struts.
• If the steering wheel is off-center or it pulls, stop and get alignment immediately.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor, depends on front/rear/all four)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only, depends on quick struts vs. bare struts)

You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

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🎯 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.