🔧 Front Strut Replacement - Repair

On your Accord coupe, the front suspension uses strut assemblies. Replacing them means removing the wheel, disconnecting the brake hose bracket and stabilizer link, then removing the strut from the steering knuckle and strut tower. If you are replacing the complete assembly, you do not need to compress the spring yourself.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use jack stands on level ground. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• The spring inside a strut stores a lot of force. If you are not replacing the complete assembly, use a spring compressor.
• Do not let the brake caliper or brake hose hang unsupported.
• An alignment is required after this repair.
• Battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Bungee cord or wire
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs
• Front strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets
• Stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2
• Brake hose bracket clips - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Mark the position of the lower strut bolts with a paint marker if you want a starting point for alignment.
• Plan on a professional wheel alignment after the job.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the car.
• Place it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel with a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the brake hose and ABS wire

• Use a 10mm socket or flat-blade screwdriver to remove the brake hose bracket from the strut.
• Release any ABS wire clips with a trim clip tool.
• Do not stretch or kink the hose.

Step 3: Remove the stabilizer link

• Use a 17mm socket to remove the stabilizer link nut from the strut.
• If the stud spins, hold it with a wrench if needed.
• Spray penetrating oil first if it is rusty.

Step 4: Remove the lower strut bolts

• Use a 22mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.
• Support the knuckle so it does not pull on the axle or brake hose.
• Save the bolts only if they are in good shape, but new hardware is better.

Step 5: Remove the upper mount nuts

• Open the hood and locate the three upper strut mount nuts.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove them.
• Hold the strut as you remove the last nut.

Step 6: Remove the strut assembly

• Carefully lower the strut out of the wheel well.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the lower bracket is stuck in the knuckle.
• Compare the old and new parts before installing the replacement.

Step 7: Install the new strut

• Position the new strut in the tower and start the upper nuts by hand with a 14mm socket.
• Line up the lower holes with the knuckle and install the bolts.
• Reinstall the stabilizer link and brake hose bracket.
• Torque to factory spec for the upper nuts, lower bolts, and link nut.

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Install the wheel using a 19mm socket.
• Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque the lug nuts to factory spec with a torque wrench after lowering the car.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the car and bounce the front end lightly to settle the suspension.
• Check that all clips, hoses, and fasteners are secure.
• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Get a wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $220-$600 (parts only)

You Save: $480-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.