How to Replace Strut Assembly 03-07 Honda Accord
Difficulty: Advanced · About 110 min · Honda Accord
Replace the front strut assembly on a 2003-2007 Honda Accord.
Tools you will need
- 12mm socket
- Socket extensions
- Torque wrench
- 14mm socket
- 17mm wrench
- Jack stands
- 19mm socket
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Floor jack
- Breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front strut assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Partially raise the car with the wheel still touching the ground, loosen the 19mm lug nuts, raise and support it on jack stands, remove the lug nuts (threading one back on loosely and hammering the tire from behind if it's stuck), then remove the last lug nut and the wheel.
- Remove the old strut
Remove the 14mm lower strut bolt, remove the 17mm wishbone bolt's nut and the bolt, free the wishbone from the bottom of the strut, remove the top mount's three 14mm and two 12mm nuts, pull the strut off the top mount, pull the upper control arm's cotter pin and remove its 17mm castle nut, strike the knuckle to release the ball joint stud, remove the 10mm nut holding the ABS wire bracket, then move the knuckle forward to pull the strut out.
- Install the new strut
Insert the top mounting studs, install the three 14mm and two 12mm top nuts and torque them to about 37 and 16 ft-lb, insert the lower strut into the wishbone and its 14mm bolt, torquing it to about 32 ft-lb, align the wishbone with the lower control arm and install its 17mm bolt and nut, torquing it to about 47 ft-lb, insert the upper control arm's ball joint into the knuckle, install its castle nut and torque it to about 35 ft-lb (tightening further to align the cotter pin hole), insert a new cotter pin, then reinstall the ABS wire bracket and its 10mm nut.
- Install the wheel
Slide it onto the lug nuts, tighten them in a star pattern, lower the car until the wheel lightly touches the ground, torque the lug nuts to about 80 ft-lb in a star pattern, then lower the car completely.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.