suspension

Rear Shocks - Pair

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Do not remove both shocks simultaneously on one side as this may cause suspension damage or instability.

ℹ️Honda Accord sedans use conventional shock absorbers in the rear, not MacPherson struts. This simplifies replacement compared to front struts.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm)Essential

Ratchet and extensionsEssential

Pry bar or trim tool

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Rear shock absorber (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
Rear shock absorber (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1
Access upper shock mounting area
Open the trunk and locate the rear shock tower access on the driver's side. Remove the trunk trim panel or carpet as needed to expose the upper shock mounting nuts. On the Accord, there are typically two nuts securing the top of each shock.
2
Support rear suspension
Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle on the driver's side. Raise the jack slightly to take tension off the shock absorber but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.
3
Remove upper shock mounting nuts
From inside the trunk, remove the two upper shock tower nuts (typically 14mm). Hold the shock shaft with an open-end wrench if it spins while loosening the nuts. Keep the washers and bushings in order for reinstallation.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4
Remove lower shock mounting bolt
Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear knuckle or lower control arm. Remove the bolt completely (typically 17mm). You may need to support the shock as you remove this bolt to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5
Remove driver's side shock
Carefully lower and remove the shock absorber from the vehicle, guiding it out from the bottom. Inspect the mounting bushings and hardware. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if corrosion is present.
6
Install new driver's side shock
Position the new shock absorber into place, inserting the upper studs through the shock tower first. Thread the upper nuts onto the studs by hand, but do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower mounting hole and insert the lower bolt by hand.
7
Torque driver's side shock fasteners
With the suspension still supported by the jack at ride height, torque the lower shock bolt to specification. Then torque the upper shock tower nuts from inside the trunk to specification. Remove the jack from under the suspension.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8
Repeat for passenger side
Repeat steps 1-7 for the passenger side rear shock. Access the upper mounting area from the trunk on the passenger side, support the suspension with the jack, remove fasteners, replace the shock, and torque all fasteners to specification.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9
Reinstall trunk trim
Replace any trunk trim panels or carpet that were removed to access the upper shock mounts. Ensure all clips and fasteners are properly seated.
10
Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all trunk trim is properly reinstalled and secure
Verify no tools or parts were left in the trunk or under the vehicle
Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification

Verification

Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the shocks dampen movement within 1-2 cycles
Check for any fluid leaks around the new shock absorbers
Verify the vehicle sits level and at proper ride height
Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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