This procedure replaces the front coil springs on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo by removing the front strut assembly, compressing and replacing the coil spring using a spring compressor, then reinstalling the assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount upper (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bump stop (inspect and replace if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified locations on front subframe
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts, ball joint nuts, and strut bolts if corrosion is present
8. Take photos of sway bar link and strut orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the front strut. Insert appropriate Allen key into the shaft from below to hold it stationary. Using a wrench or socket on the top nut, remove the nut securing the sway bar link to the strut. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and castle nut from the lower ball joint. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator tool sharply to break the taper - do not pry against the ball joint boot as this will damage it. Once separated, support the lower control arm to prevent strain on the brake line.
   ⚠Do not damage the ball joint boot during separation. If the boot tears, the ball joint must be replaced.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the brake assembly and knuckle with a bungee cord or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Gently pull the knuckle away from the strut to separate them. You may need to tap the knuckle with a rubber mallet to break it free.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts in the engine bay. These are accessible from above, typically with a plastic cover that may need to be removed. Remove all three nuts while supporting the strut assembly from below. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy. Ensure it is properly supported before removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vice or on a clean workbench. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the coils and not slipping. Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. Begin compressing the spring evenly, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Compress until all load is removed from the upper strut mount.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor tools are rated for the spring load and properly engaged. Uneven compression or tool failure can cause the spring to violently release.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut
   With the spring fully compressed and no load on the mount, use a strut rod socket or vice grip pliers to hold the strut shaft from rotating. Remove the strut shaft nut from the top of the assembly. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, and spring seat, keeping track of the order and orientation of all components. Take photos if needed for reference during reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove old spring and inspect components
   Carefully remove the compressed spring with the compressor tools still attached. Set it aside in a safe location. Inspect the strut mount bearing for smoothness (should rotate freely without binding), bump stop for cracks or deterioration, and dust boot for tears. Replace any worn components. Clean the strut shaft and spring seat area with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new spring with compressor
   Install the spring compressor tools on the new coil spring in the same manner as removal, on opposite sides. Compress the new spring until it is the same compressed height as the old spring was. Place the compressed spring onto the strut, ensuring the end of the spring seats properly in the lower spring seat recess. The spring end orientation must match the original configuration.
   ⚠Verify the spring is correctly seated in the lower spring seat before proceeding. Improper seating can cause spring misalignment and noise.
9. 9

   Reinstall upper mount components
   Install the bump stop and dust boot onto the strut shaft if removed. Place the spring seat, bearing plate, and upper strut mount onto the assembly in the correct order and orientation (refer to photos taken during disassembly). Align the strut mount with the spring seat properly. Install the strut shaft nut and tighten it while holding the shaft stationary. Reference the vehicle service manual for specific torque - typically 50-60 Nm, though this value is not in the provided torque spec list so hand-tighten firmly plus 1/4 turn.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides to ensure even decompression. Verify the spring seats properly into both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once fully released and the spring is seated correctly, remove the compressor tools completely.
    ⚠️Release spring compressor tension slowly and evenly. Monitor the spring seating continuously during release.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into the wheel well, guiding the strut shaft through the strut tower holes. Align the upper mount studs with the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts and tighten to specification. Guide the lower end of the strut into position at the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect strut to knuckle
    Align the steering knuckle with the strut bracket. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket before final torquing. Remove any support wires or bungee cords from the brake assembly.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Clean the ball joint taper and knuckle taper surfaces with a wire brush. Align the lower control arm ball joint with the steering knuckle hole. Install the ball joint into the knuckle taper - it should seat with light pressure. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Lift the sway bar link up to the strut mounting point. Insert the link shaft through the strut bracket. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key from below and install the nut from above. Tighten to specification while preventing the shaft from rotating.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Bounce the front end several times to settle the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both springs
2. Double-check all fastener torque values, especially safety-critical strut bolts and ball joint nuts
3. Verify sway bar links are properly secured and the shaft is not spinning freely
4. Check that brake hoses have adequate slack and are not stretched or kinked
5. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or engine bay

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each front corner several times to verify no clunking or unusual noises from the suspension
• Verify the vehicle sits level and both front corners are at the same height
• Turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper handling and no unusual noises
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - camber, caster, and toe will be affected by this service
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all critical fasteners including strut bolts, ball joint nuts, and wheel lug nuts

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