🔧 Shock Absorbers / Strut Assemblies - Replacement

Your CX-5 uses front strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers. The front repair is more involved because the coil spring is under heavy tension; the rear is simpler, but both sides should be replaced in pairs to keep handling balanced.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Front coil springs are under high tension. Use a proper spring compressor only.
• Do not loosen the center strut nut unless the spring is safely compressed.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands on level ground. Never rely on a jack alone.
• After front suspension work, a wheel alignment is required.
• If your CX-5 has electronic parking brake engagement issues during wheel removal, make sure it is released before lifting.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 12mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Allen key set
• Bungee cord or wire hanger
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount hardware - Qty: 2 sets
• Rear shock mounting hardware - Qty: 2 sets
• Stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2 sets

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Replace shocks/struts in pairs on the same axle.
• If doing the front, plan for a wheel alignment when finished.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the lug nuts on the side you are starting with.
• Use a floor jack to raise the vehicle.
• Place it on jack stands and chock the opposite wheels.
• Remove the wheel.

Step 2: Remove the front strut assembly

• If doing the front, use a 14mm socket or 17mm socket to disconnect the stabilizer link from the strut.
• Use a 12mm socket to unclip any brake hose or ABS wire brackets attached to the strut.
• Use a 19mm socket to remove the two lower strut bolts at the knuckle.
• Support the knuckle as you remove the last bolt to keep it from dropping.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the top strut mount nuts from under the hood.
• Lift the complete strut assembly out of the wheel well.

Step 3: Transfer the spring to the new front strut

• Use a spring compressor to compress the coil spring evenly on both sides.
• Use an Allen key and a socket to remove the center nut from the strut shaft.
• Remove the top mount, bearing, spring, and dust boot.
• Install the spring and mounts onto the new strut in the same orientation.
• Keep the spring ends seated correctly.

Step 4: Install the front strut assembly

• Position the assembly into the strut tower and start the top nuts by hand.
• Align the lower strut with the knuckle and install the two lower bolts.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lower strut bolts to 107 Nm (79 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the top strut mount nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the stabilizer link and bracket hardware.
• Remove the spring compressor only after everything is seated correctly.

Step 5: Remove the rear shock absorber

• For the rear, remove the lower shock bolt with a 17mm socket.
• Open the rear hatch and remove the cargo side trim access if needed for the upper mount.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper shock mount nut.
• Lower the shock out of the vehicle.
• If the suspension is loaded, support the control arm with the floor jack before removing the last bolt.

Step 6: Install the rear shock absorber

• Install the new shock in the same position as the old one.
• Start the upper nut by hand first.
• Install the lower bolt and snug it before final torque.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lower shock bolt to 80 Nm (59 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the upper shock mount nut to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle with the floor jack.
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten 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 vehicle sits level and tracks straight.
• Inspect all fasteners again after the first drive.
• Schedule a front-end alignment if you replaced the front struts.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $220-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $480-$700 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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