lp284

Just got 97 accord wagon this week, Needs new struts on the rear, I picked them up today and Im going to try to get them on this weekend,I got the ones with the springs already on them, They told me they just bolt on in place of the other ones, Just like to have a little how to help from some one that has done it before, Thanks in advance for any help..‹(•¿•)›

AmericanPie

I have a '97 Wagon as well. It's a pretty straightforward job. To access the top of the rear shocks you need to remove the plastic trim piece next to the top of the seatback on either side. A racheting wrench and/or universal socket is helpful in getting to a couple of the nuts. You "might" need a large pry bar to push down on the lower control arm while removing/installing the shocks. That's about it.

lp284

Thanks

techtalk

Lp284,

It's a pretty run of the mill strut replacement job so you won't encounter too many overtly taxing steps. Here's the run-down on the replacement job:

1. Fold the rear seat forward and remove the side bolster cushions. The side bolster cushions are secured by a screw at the bottom and two clips at the top.
   
2. Remove the strut mount cap. Remove the upper strut mounting nuts.
   
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   
4. Remove the rear wheels.
   
5. Support the knuckle with a floor jack.
   
6. Remove the strut mounting bolt, carefully lower the jack, and remove the strut.

To install:

1. Use new self-locking nuts when installing the strut. The self-locking nuts are illustrated as ref #16 in the diagram below)
   
2. Fit the strut into the upper mount. Only hand-tighten the upper mounting nuts.
   
3. Fit the strut into position on the knuckle. Install the mounting bolt.
   
4. Place a jack under the lower strut mount. Raise the jack until the weight of the vehicle is on the jack.
   
5. With the suspension under load, tighten the lower mount bolt to 40 ft. lbs.
   
6. (55 Nm). Tighten the upper nuts to 28 ft. lbs.(39 Nm).
   
7. Install the rear wheel. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
   
8. Tighten the wheel nuts to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm).
   
9. Install the rear seat side bolsters and fold the seat back into place.
   
10. Check and adjust the vehicle's rear wheel alignment.

*diagram courtesy of hondapartsnow.com; all rights reserved