I've always driven trucks, so Installing shocks is a snap, But now I've picked up an Accord, it needs new struts, 96 Accord, is this something I should tackle? or is it out of the question? its damn expensive to get them installed Any site with some good how-to's? Thanks for any help.

 

easy

1. unbolt old ****
2. install new ****

 

dont forget a spring compressor

 

Right, Usually cant rent one right? then do I need a new alignement?

 

your local auto zone will lend you one for free. all you do is leave a deposit and you get it back when you come back. just unbolt all your **** and put the new stuff in. I think all you need is 10 and 12 mm wrenches or sockets.

 

actually you can rent one from autozone.

you shouldn't need an alignment either

 

So I guess the only tricky part is making sure the spring dont pop off and implant into your head, why do all the shops charge so much, and then try and hit you up for an alignment?

 

you use the spring compressor to keep the spring from taking off your head.
They make $ that way

 

Right, sounds easy enough, now time to pick out some decent struts, thanks guys for the help.

 

Because its time consuming and maybe awkward to get at. Air tools make life so much easier.

 

Hey Desert Fox!
Nice to see you're also on this forum!
Now are you going to replace them with some good ol OEM stuff, go with whatever autozone offers, or get aftermarket stuff?
The reason I ask is because I have been thinking about replaceing mine as well but I have no idea about th price differences or anything.
Anyway, good luck!

sohc
aka(novaguy)

 

Hey whats up!! Man what a small world. I am leaning towards some KYB AGX, im sure they are not the best, but seem pretty good for what I need, I have 2 that are leaking so I gotta do something, ebay has some decent deals, check it out. Should be a decent weekend project, picking up some new wheels tuesday. So I figure, why the hell not

 

Just watch out for the rear lower strut bolts seizing up in the bushing. You dont want to be fuxored on the driveway with that happening. Its a common problem with honda/acura.

 

I just finished installing new H&R Sport springs on the front of my '91 Accord this evening. The weather finally became tolerable most of the early evening, so we didn't freeze our @sses off out there. We're going to do the rears over the weekend.

Not sure how much the suspension has changed from '91 to '96, but I can't imagine them being very different. On my '91, we had to pop out the entire brake unit and slide out the CV joints in order to remove the wishbone-shaped strut assembly. Once you've done one side, the other will be a breeze.

Good luck...you'll save $$, and also get some satisfaction of DIY (doing it yerself).

 

the suspensions are almost identical, but you dont have to remove the cv from the knuckle.

 

Hmmm. In order for the lower part of the strut assembly (wishbone-shaped end) to be removed, we had to remove the CV joints. Otherwise the strut assembly would not have cleared.

Oh well...at least I now know how to replace a CV joint!

 

you will need a 12mm,14mm, and a 18mm (if i remember correctly).
FRONT:
remove top 3 strut bolts.
detatch the brakelines-two bolts.
remove the bottom and top damper fork bolts.
pop strut out of damper fork.(just wiggle/knock-on it until they seperate)
pull strut out-change strut-reinstall.
REAR:
remove the top 2 strut bolts.
remove the bottom strut bolt.
remove ONE trailing arm bolt-swing down trailing arm.
pull strut out-change strut-reinstall.


[Modified by carolinaACCORD, 12:15 AM 11/22/2002]

 

cool I just didn't have too. Most of us would agree if you need to replace the cv replace the whole half-shaft.

 

My local tuner store charge 40 for spring
45 for shocks..
this guy is lazy as fwek

 

You actually dont need a spring compressor. When you try to get the spring back on, you have 2 choices:

1. Have 2 people press down on the spring and a third person screw the nut.
2. Sit in a hallway with your back against the wall. The bottom of the strut on the other wall, then push out with your legs on the spring and it will go right in.

I have done a few cars like this so there is no problem. You shouldnt even need to push hard on the rear shocks. Just make sure you dont ruin the wall...hehe...use a board or something


[Modified by dvp95, 7:16 AM 11/22/2002]

 

um ......... OR (with all due respect to the previous poster) rent or buy a spring compressor i bought mine on ebay for like 10 bucks.. been a good investment.

 

spring compressors are for pussies. lol use a towel and a wall. does the trick 10 times faster. never done me wrong. ever

 

I can see it now, bringing an old dirty *** strut in the house and jamming it against the brand new walls, not sure what would be cheaper, the free spring compressor from Autozone, or a divorce. Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

Obviously, if you put a board or a brick there, there will be no problems. By all means, if you want to rent a compressor or have someone else do it, thats fine. But im just saying that its easier and cheaper.

 

knowing several people who have gone through a devorce, I'd reccomend the FREE spring compressor