🔧 Accord - Shock Absorber Replacement

This guide covers replacing the rear shock absorbers on your Accord. The front suspension uses strut assemblies, not standalone shock absorbers, so “shock absorber replacement” on this model usually means the rear shocks.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support your Accord with jack stands before working underneath. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the suspension stays balanced side-to-side.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear when lowering or raising suspension parts. The suspension can move suddenly.
• ⚠️ Do not remove the center nut on the shock shaft unless the replacement shock instructions specifically require transferring hardware.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is normally required for rear shock replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug nut socket
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Ratchet 3/8-inch drive
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• Trim clip remover
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber mallet
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting hardware - Qty: 2 sets
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Accord on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
• Open the trunk and remove loose cargo so you can access the rear shock upper mounts.
• A trim clip remover is a small pry tool used to lift plastic clips without breaking them.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to a measured amount so they are not too loose or too tight.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower shock bolts if they look rusty, then let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen the rear lug nuts about half a turn.
• Do this while the tires are still touching the ground so the wheels do not spin.
• Loosen only. Do not remove yet.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear of the Car

• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) at the rear center jacking point to lift the rear of your Accord.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the approved rear side support points.
• Lower the car slowly onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Gently push the car by hand to confirm it is stable before removing wheels.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 4: Access the Upper Shock Mounts in the Trunk

• Use a trim clip remover to remove the trunk side trim clips near the rear wheel well area.
• Use a flathead screwdriver only if needed to gently help release stubborn clips.
• Pull the trunk liner back enough to see the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Use needle-nose pliers to remove small retaining clips if equipped.
• Do not force the liner. Clips break easily.

Step 5: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) under the rear suspension arm near the shock lower mount.
• Raise the jack slightly until it just supports the arm. Do not lift the car off the jack stand.
• This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.

Step 6: Mark the Shock Position

• Use a paint marker to mark the lower shock position before removal.
• This helps you line up the new shock during installation.

Step 7: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use a 17mm socket, 17mm wrench, and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, spray penetrating oil again and gently tap the bolt with a rubber mallet.
• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the suspension arm while the bolt comes out.

Step 8: Remove the Upper Shock Mount Nuts

• From inside the trunk, use a 14mm socket and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Hold the shock body with your hand from the wheel well as the last nut comes off.
• Lower the shock out through the wheel well.

Step 9: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Place the old and new rear shock absorbers side by side.
• Confirm the mounting points, length, and upper mount style match.
• If your new shock requires transferring an upper mount, use a 14mm socket and follow the shock manufacturer’s instructions.
• Match parts before installing.

Step 10: Install the New Rear Shock

• Guide the new shock into position through the wheel well.
• Start the upper mounting nuts by hand inside the trunk first.
• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to snug the upper nuts.
• Do not fully torque them yet.

Step 11: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to raise or lower the suspension arm until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Slide in the lower shock bolt by hand.
• Install the nut by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 17mm socket, 17mm wrench, and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to snug the lower bolt.

Step 12: Tighten the Shock Mounting Hardware

• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive with a 14mm socket to tighten the upper shock mounting nuts to Torque to 29 Nm (21 ft-lbs).
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive, 17mm socket, and 17mm wrench to tighten the lower shock bolt with the suspension lightly loaded to Torque to 64 Nm (47 ft-lbs).
• Lightly loaded means the floor jack is holding the suspension arm near normal ride height.

Step 13: Repeat on the Other Side

• Use the same tools and steps to replace the rear shock absorber on the opposite side.
• Always replace both rear shocks as a pair.

Step 14: Reinstall the Trunk Trim

• Move the trunk liner back into place by hand.
• Use the trim clip remover or your fingers to align the clips.
• Press each clip firmly until it seats.

Step 15: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Place each wheel back onto the hub.
• Start all lug nuts by hand.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 16: Lower the Vehicle and Torque Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Lower your Accord fully to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench 1/2-inch drive with the 19mm lug nut socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce the rear of your Accord gently by hand. It should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first, then a slightly bumpy road.
• ✅ Listen for clunks, rattles, or squeaks from the rear suspension.
• ✅ Recheck the lug nut torque after 25-50 miles using the torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 19mm lug nut socket.
• ✅ If the steering wheel is off-center, tire wear is uneven, or the car pulls, have a four-wheel alignment checked.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$350 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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