How to Replace Honda Struts
Car struts are an integral piece of equipment for nearly every front wheel drive vehicle, and Hondas are no different. The strut is the steering component made up of the front steering knuckle, the compression springs, shock absorbers, and the strut tower. The strut units can be changed, as the individual pieces that make them up or as entire units. Changing the struts as entire units is much easier and usually more cost efficient in the long run. It also makes it possible for even novice mechanics to perform this repair.
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Instructions
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1
Begin by putting the car in park and jacking the driver's side front tire up off of the ground with the jack. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off of the studs.
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2
Use the socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts on the brake caliper and pull the caliper off of the rotor. Pull the rotor off of the studs.
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3
Use the socket wrench to remove the top mounting bolt on the steering knuckle and then slide the pickle fork into place around the ball joint, and hit it firmly with the hammer to pop the ball joint out of the steering knuckle.
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4
Unbolt the bottom of the strut from the A-arm with the socket wrench and then pop the hood of the car and use the socket wrench to remove the four mounting bolts holding the strut tower in place in the Honda's firewall.
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5
Slide the entire strut assembly out from under the fender well and put the new assembly in place. Tighten down the top and lower mounting bolts with the socket wrench. Reconnect the ball joint and steering knuckle and then slide the brake rotor back into place. Mount the caliper back in place on the lower portion of the strut and remount the wheel.
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6
Repeat Steps 1-5 for the passenger side front wheel as well and then test drive the vehicle to make sure the steering is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
If the caliper is stuck on the brake rotor, unscrew the cap to the master brake cylinder under the hood of the car and use a screwdriver to pry the calipers apart. Always remember to recap the brake cylinder after removing the calipers, though.
