How to Replace Rear Struts 03-07 Honda Accord

Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Honda Accord

Replace the rear struts, including removing the rear seat for access, on a 2003-2007 Honda Accord.

Steps

1. Remove the rear seat

   Pull the T-handles on each side and lift the seat, remove the 10mm bolt from each side pillar, insert the key to unlock the seat and lay the backrest down, remove each side pillar, unclip the black seat trim from its tabs, then remove the two outer nuts from the strut tower mounting bolts (leaving the spring-loaded center bolt alone).

2. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the 19mm lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

3. Remove the old rear strut

   Loosen the bottom 17mm nut and remove the bolt, remove the upper sway bar link bracket's 14mm bolt and set it aside, then pry the shock down and out with a pry bar.

4. Install the rear strut

   Remove the two upper nuts from the new strut, set it into place with a pry bar, thread the upper nuts on by hand and tighten them with a 15mm socket, torquing them to about 37 ft-lb, insert the lower bolt by hand and tighten it along with the sway bar bracket's 14mm bolt, then torque the lower bolt to about 43 ft-lb.

5. Reinstall the seat

   Refit the top black trim, clip the pillar trim on both sides and tighten its 10mm bolts, press the backrest into place, then line up the seat belts and snap the bottom of the seat in on both sides.

6. Reattach the wheel

   Slide it into place, start the 19mm lug nuts by hand, lower the car, then torque the lug nuts to about 80 ft-lb in a star pattern.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.