This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front strut mount assemblies on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including strut removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — 51920-TVA-A01 or equivalent
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — 51920-TVA-A01 or equivalent
• Strut mount nuts (if corroded) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
6. Take photos of strut assembly orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower on the side being serviced. Remove the plastic trim cap covering the strut mount nuts if equipped. You will see three nuts (10mm or 12mm) securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Do NOT remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connected to the strut assembly. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating, remove the upper sway bar link nut with a 14mm socket. Separate the link from the strut. If the ball stud spins freely, the link is worn and should be replaced.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Using paint pen or alignment markers, mark the position of both strut-to-knuckle bolts relative to the steering knuckle slots. These are eccentric cam bolts that control camber alignment. Remove both 17mm bolts and nuts, supporting the knuckle to prevent it from dropping. Use a breaker bar if necessary as these are torqued to 116 Nm.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and brake assembly to prevent stress on the brake hose and ABS sensor wire when strut is disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line bracket
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt (typically 10mm) to free the brake line from the strut. Do not disconnect the brake line itself. Support the brake caliper and knuckle assembly with wire or a bungee cord to prevent hanging on the brake hose.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   From under the hood, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts using a 12mm socket while supporting the strut assembly from below. Carefully lower and remove the entire strut assembly from the wheel well. The strut, spring, and mount come out as one unit.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant support it from below while removing the top nuts to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut vise if available. Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged in the coil spring. Tighten the compressors evenly and alternately until the spring is compressed enough that the upper mount can move freely and there is no spring tension on the mount.
   ⚠️Use only proper automotive spring compressors. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in spring coils. Compress evenly to prevent spring from slipping. Wear safety glasses and keep face away from spring during compression.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and old mount
   Using a 6mm Allen key inserted into the top of the strut shaft to prevent rotation, remove the strut shaft nut (typically 17mm or 19mm) from the top of the mount. Carefully remove the old strut mount, upper spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
8. 8

   Inspect strut and components
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or fluid leakage. Check the coil spring for cracks or damage. Inspect the dust boot and bump stop for deterioration. If the strut is leaking or damaged, it should be replaced. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Install components onto the strut shaft in the correct order: bump stop, dust boot, coil spring (ensuring correct orientation with tapered end in proper seat), upper spring seat, and new strut mount. Ensure the mount is oriented correctly with the mounting studs aligned to match the strut tower configuration. Thread on the strut shaft nut.
10. 10

    Secure strut shaft nut
    Using the 6mm Allen key to hold the strut shaft from rotating, tighten the strut shaft nut to the manufacturer's specification (typically 60-70 Nm, but verify with service manual as this torque is not in the provided list). Ensure the mount seats properly and all components are correctly positioned.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Carefully and evenly loosen both spring compressors alternately until the spring is fully seated in both the upper mount and lower seat. Verify the spring ends are properly located in their seats. Remove the spring compressors completely.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring is properly seated before removing compressors completely.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the three mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. From below, align the strut to the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes, matching your alignment marks from disassembly as closely as possible. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts with nuts and tighten to 116 Nm (86 lb-ft). Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut and tighten the mounting bolt securely.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link and finalize
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the ball stud with the 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). From under the hood, torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Reinstall any plastic trim caps.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is not fully on the suspension. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both strut mounts
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Verify brake lines have no kinks or damage and are properly secured
4. Check that wheels turn freely without rubbing or interference

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Listen for clunking or rattling from the front suspension over bumps, which may indicate loose components
• Verify steering returns to center normally and vehicle tracks straight (though alignment will be off)
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately, as the strut-to-knuckle bolt removal will have altered camber settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on all fasteners, particularly strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts

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