Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure replaces both 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 - left × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spring seat rubber isolators (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect and replace as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on manufacturer-designated lift points on the chassis
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow 15 minutes to soak
6. Inspect spring compressor for damage and verify proper operation before use

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the sway bar link while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Disconnect the link from the control arm. If the ball joint spins, use penetrating lubricant and consider replacing the link.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the rear knuckle. These are large 17mm bolts. Support the knuckle with a floor jack positioned under the lower control arm. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will drop slightly when bolts are removed.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly with a jack before removing these bolts to prevent sudden dropping and potential damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, remove the interior trim panel covering the strut tower. This typically involves removing plastic clips and possibly one or two small bolts. Locate the three mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower.
4. 4

   Remove strut assembly
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand or a jack, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts from inside the trunk. Carefully lower and remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle. Keep the strut upright and move it to a safe work area.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure you have adequate support before removing the final mounting nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   With the strut assembly on a stable work surface, install the coil spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions. Install the compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they are properly seated in the coil valleys. Verify the compressor components are not contacting the strut shaft or damper body.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils and positioned 180 degrees apart. Improper installation can cause the compressor to slip during compression.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring by alternating between compressor sides. Compress until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper strut mount. You should be able to slightly wiggle the upper mount by hand when spring is adequately compressed. Do not over-compress.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated. Stop immediately if you hear any unusual sounds or see any component movement.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or socket on the flat section at the top. Remove the center nut securing the upper mount. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and compressed spring assembly. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove old spring and inspect components
   Carefully release tension on the spring compressor and remove the old spring. Inspect the rubber spring isolators (top and bottom) for cracking, compression damage, or deterioration. Inspect the strut bump stop and dust boot. Replace any damaged components. Clean the spring seats on the strut body.
9. 9

   Install new spring
   Install new spring isolator on the new coil spring if replacing. Position the new spring on the spring compressor, ensuring the end of the spring aligns with the stop tab on the lower spring seat. Compress the new spring evenly until it is compressed to the same length as the old spring was.
   ⚠️Ensure the spring end is properly positioned in the lower seat stop. Incorrect orientation can cause the spring to shift during installation or vehicle operation.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut assembly
    Install the compressed spring onto the strut body, aligning the lower spring seat. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount in the correct order and orientation noted during disassembly. Thread the center nut onto the strut shaft. Hold the shaft and torque the center nut to specification per service manual (typically 29-33 Nm, though not in provided list - consult manual). Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the assembled strut into position in the wheel well. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts from inside the trunk and torque to specification. Reinstall the trunk interior trim panel.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Raise the knuckle assembly using the floor jack until the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes align. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the bolts are fully seated and the mating surfaces are clean.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Install the nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 for the opposite rear spring assembly, following the same safety precautions and procedures.
15. 15

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque all control arm bolts that were loosened to specification with the suspension at normal ride height. Fully lower vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension at normal ride height. Failure to do this will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in the wheel wells
2. Reinstall all trunk interior trim panels removed for strut tower access
3. Double-check that brake lines and ABS sensor wires are properly routed and secured, not pinched or stressed

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all suspension components are properly connected
• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify the new springs are functioning and no unusual noises are present
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal handling and no rattles or clunks from the rear suspension
• Have the vehicle alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as suspension work can affect wheel alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all critical fasteners including strut bolts and wheel lug nuts

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