Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring partial suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Spring isolator/pad (upper) × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Spring isolator/pad (lower) × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points on chassis rails
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes
6. Inspect spring compressor tool for damage and ensure it is properly rated for automotive coil springs

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm, close to where the strut assembly connects. Raise jack just enough to take up the weight and slightly compress the suspension. This prevents the suspension from dropping when you disconnect components.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link where it connects to the lower control arm or strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the link shaft from rotating while loosening the nut with a wrench. Remove the nut and disconnect the sway bar link from the lower mounting point. Let the link hang out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut assembly to the rear knuckle/spindle. Support the strut assembly with one hand and remove both bolts completely. Carefully lower the jack supporting the control arm slowly to allow the suspension to extend and create working room.
   ⚠The strut assembly may shift when bolts are removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points between suspension components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate strut from knuckle
   With the bolts removed, carefully pry or pull the strut assembly away from the knuckle mounting bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the connection. Once separated, carefully tilt the strut assembly to access the spring area. The spring may still be under some tension.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   With the suspension hanging extended, install the coil spring compressor tools according to the manufacturer's instructions. Install compressor hooks on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they are fully engaged on the coils and positioned away from the upper and lower spring seats. Verify the compressor is secure before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully seated on the spring coils with no chance of slipping. The compressor must engage at least 3 coils on each side.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating between sides to compress the spring uniformly. Compress until the spring is no longer under tension against the upper and lower spring seats. You should be able to move the spring slightly by hand when properly compressed. Continue compressing an additional 1/2 inch beyond this point for safe removal.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Check compressor engagement frequently. If the compressor begins to slip or bind, stop immediately and reposition.
7. 7

   Remove coil spring
   With the spring fully compressed and no longer under load, carefully maneuver the spring assembly out from between the upper strut mount and lower control arm spring seat. Note the orientation of the spring and the position of upper and lower isolators/pads. Remove the upper and lower spring isolators and inspect for damage or deterioration.
8. 8

   Prepare new spring
   Install new or inspected upper and lower spring isolators onto the new spring in the same orientation as removed. If reusing the old spring, inspect it carefully for cracks, breaks, or severe corrosion. Install the spring compressor on the new spring and compress it to the same degree as the old spring was compressed for removal.
9. 9

   Install new coil spring
   Carefully maneuver the compressed new spring into position between the upper strut mount area and lower control arm spring seat. Ensure the spring end is properly seated in the lower spring seat pocket and the upper isolator is correctly positioned against the upper mount. Verify proper orientation matches the original installation.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor, alternating sides to allow the spring to expand uniformly. Ensure the spring seats properly into both upper and lower spring seats as it expands. Once the spring is fully seated and under normal load, carefully remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠Watch carefully as spring expands to ensure it seats properly. If spring appears to be misaligned, stop and recompress to reposition.
11. 11

    Reconnect strut to knuckle
    Position the floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it to align the strut mounting holes with the knuckle bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Insert both strut mounting bolts and install nuts finger-tight. Torque both bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with its mounting point on the lower control arm or strut. Install the mounting nut and tighten while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not torque yet. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing springs on both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
2. After both sides are complete, bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension
3. Inspect all fasteners to ensure proper torque was applied
4. Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper operation before normal driving

Verification

• Verify vehicle sits at proper ride height with no sagging on the repaired side
• Check that there are no unusual noises when driving over bumps or during turns
• Verify all suspension mounting bolts are tight and properly torqued
• Inspect spring compressor after removal to ensure no damage occurred during use
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension geometry may have changed during the repair

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