🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Accord. The front suspension uses struts, which is a different job. Replacing rear shocks restores ride control and helps reduce bouncing, rear-end sway, and clunking.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and support the car with jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• The rear suspension is under load; keep hands clear while lowering or raising the control arm.
• Use caution around rusted fasteners and spring-loaded suspension components.
• No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool
• Trim removal tool
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs
• Rear upper shock mount nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear lower shock bolt/nut hardware - Qty: 2
• Rear shock dust boots - Qty: 2
• Rear shock bump stops - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Lift the rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both rear wheels for easier access.
• Replace shocks in pairs for even handling.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheels

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts, then remove the wheels.
• Set the wheels aside flat so they do not roll.

Step 2: Access the upper shock mount

• Open the trunk.
• Use a trim removal tool and trim clip tool to carefully remove the rear trunk side trim on the side you are working on.
• Expose the upper shock mount area.

Step 3: Support the rear suspension arm

• Place the floor jack under the rear lower control arm and raise it slightly.
• This takes tension off the shock bolt.
• Keep the arm gently supported.

Step 4: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use a 17mm socket on the lower shock bolt and a matching wrench or socket on the nut side if needed.
• Remove the lower bolt and free the shock from the control arm.

Step 5: Remove the upper shock nuts

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper shock mount nuts.
• Hold the shock with your other hand as the last nut comes off.
• Remove the shock assembly from the wheel well.

Step 6: Transfer parts if needed

• If your new shock does not include a mount, boot, or bump stop, transfer the reusable parts now.
• Inspect the mount and rubber isolators for cracks or tearing.
• Replace any worn hardware before installation.

Step 7: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place from the wheel well.
• Start the upper nuts by hand using a 14mm socket.
• Install the lower bolt by hand using a 17mm socket.
• Do not fully tighten yet.

Step 8: Torque the fasteners

• With the suspension sitting at normal ride height, tighten the lower shock bolt using a 17mm socket.
• Torque the lower shock bolt to 59 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the upper shock mount nuts using a 14mm socket.
• Torque the upper shock mount nuts to 22 Nm (16 ft-lbs).
• Final torque at ride height helps protect bushings.

Step 9: Reinstall the trim and wheel

• Reinstall the trunk trim panel with the trim removal tool.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the car and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque the lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check that the car sits level and feels stable over bumps.
• Recheck the shock fasteners and lug nuts after the test drive.
• If the rear still bounces or feels loose, inspect the other side and rear suspension bushings.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 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.