Coil Springs - Front Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both front coil springs on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, requiring complete strut assembly disassembly using a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated spring
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated spring
• Strut mount bearing assembly × 2 — Recommend replacement during service
• Strut mount nuts × 6 — Replace if damaged
• Ball joint castle nut × 2 — Replace with new cotter pin
• Cotter pins for ball joint × 2 — Always replace

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut, sway bar link nuts, and strut bolts; allow 15 minutes to penetrate
6. Photograph or mark the orientation of the strut mount and spring for reassembly reference
7. Ensure spring compressor is in good working condition with no damaged threads or cracks

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Use a 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft of the link from rotating while removing the upper nut with a 14mm wrench. Disconnect the link from the strut. If the ball joint spins, use locking pliers on the shaft.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot. Support the knuckle to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will become loose after ball joint separation. Support it to prevent damaging the CV axle or brake line.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut. These are 17mm bolts. Support the knuckle and brake assembly. Remove both bolts completely and carefully pull the knuckle away from the strut. You may need to tap the bolts out with a brass hammer.
   ⚠Do not allow the knuckle to hang by the brake hose or CV axle. Support it with wire or a bungee cord to nearby suspension component.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower under the plastic cover (remove cover if necessary). You will find three 14mm nuts securing the strut mount to the tower. Have an assistant support the strut from below, or use a jack to gently support it. Remove all three nuts. Carefully lower and remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is properly supported before removing the final mounting nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mount strut in vice and install spring compressor
   Secure the strut in a vice or strut holding fixture, clamping on the bracket (not the piston shaft). Install the spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the spring coils with equal compression on opposite sides. Position compressor away from the spring ends to avoid slippage.
   ⚠️CRITICAL STEP: Verify spring compressor is rated for this vehicle and properly installed. Hooks must be fully engaged in coils. Unequal compression or improper installation can cause violent spring release.
6. 6

   Compress spring and remove center nut
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring by alternating between compressor adjustment points until there is visible gap between spring and upper mount (approximately 1 inch of compression). Use a 17mm wrench to hold the strut shaft while removing the center strut mount nut with a 19mm socket. Remove the upper mount, bearing assembly, and spring seat. Keep all components in order.
   ⚠️Do not remove center nut until spring is adequately compressed and loose from the mounts. The nut holds the assembly under spring tension.
   ⚠Mark the orientation of the upper mount and spring seat for correct reassembly. Incorrect orientation will affect alignment.
7. 7

   Remove old spring and inspect components
   Carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut. Keep the spring compressed. Inspect the strut mount bearing for wear, roughness, or binding. Check the spring seats for cracks or wear. Inspect the bump stop and dust boot for damage. Replace any worn components. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
   ⚠Keep the spring compressor installed and spring compressed until ready to install on strut. Do not release a compressed spring outside of the assembly.
8. 8

   Install new spring with compressor
   Install the spring compressor on the new spring using the same technique as removal. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compression as the old spring (about 1 inch gap from seated position). Verify the compressor is properly seated and compression is even on both sides.
   ⚠️New springs may have different free length than worn springs. Ensure adequate compression before attempting installation on strut assembly.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut with new spring
   Install the bump stop and dust boot on the strut shaft. Place the compressed new spring onto the strut, aligning the bottom coil end with the spring seat on the strut body. Install the upper spring seat, bearing assembly, and upper mount in the correct orientation (reference your photos). Thread on the center nut and hand-tighten while holding the strut shaft with a 17mm wrench.
   ⚠Ensure spring end tags are properly seated in the spring seat grooves both top and bottom. Misalignment will cause noise and premature wear.
10. 10

    Torque center nut and release spring
    Hold the strut shaft with a 17mm wrench and torque the center nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and 19mm socket. Verify all components are properly seated. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating sides to maintain even pressure. Once fully released, remove the compressor and inspect that the spring is properly seated top and bottom.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Watch for any shifting of components. If anything appears misaligned, stop and recompress the spring to correct the issue.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the complete strut assembly into the strut tower, aligning the three studs with the mounting holes. Install the three mounting nuts and hand-tighten. Torque all three nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Guide the steering knuckle onto the strut, aligning the bolt holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front. Torque both bolts to 109 Nm (81 lb-ft). Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut before tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect ball joint
    Position the lower control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to 84 Nm (62 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. If slots don't align, tighten further (do not loosen) until next slot aligns.
    ⚠Never loosen the ball joint nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten to the next slot alignment.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and install the nut. Torque to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding the shaft to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 14 for the opposite side front strut assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to wheel installation.
    ℹ️Complete both sides before lowering vehicle to ensure consistent ride height and handling.

Reassembly

1. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
5. Torque wheel lug nuts again to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern to verify proper torque
6. Reinstall any strut tower covers or trim pieces removed during the procedure
7. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary, listening for any binding or unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify the vehicle sits level and ride height appears normal on both sides
• Check that steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to either side
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately, as camber, caster, and toe will be affected by this repair
• After alignment, verify no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard

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