Strut Bearing

This procedure replaces the front strut bearing (strut mount bearing) on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, which eliminates noise during turning and ensures proper strut operation and steering response.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing/mount assembly (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification - Honda part 51726-T2A-A01 or equivalent
• Strut mounting hardware kit (if not included with bearing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified points on the frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts
7. Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts under the hood (visible in the fender well area)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. The link will remain attached to the sway bar. Mark orientation if needed for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark strut-to-knuckle alignment
   Before removing any bolts, use a marker or paint pen to mark the relationship between the strut bracket and the steering knuckle. This preserves the camber alignment and minimizes the need for realignment after installation. Mark across both sides of the joint.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   Remove the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are 14mm or 17mm head bolts depending on exact model year. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Once removed, you may need to use a pry bar to separate the knuckle from the strut bracket. Support the knuckle to prevent it from hanging on the brake line or ABS sensor wire.
   ⚠Support the steering knuckle assembly with wire or bungee cord once disconnected to prevent stress on brake lines and ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From the engine bay, locate the three nuts securing the strut tower mount to the chassis. Remove all three nuts using a 14mm socket while supporting the strut from below. Do NOT allow the strut assembly to fall when the last nut is removed.
   ⚠Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below or use a jack to prevent the strut from falling when the final nut is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower and maneuver the complete strut assembly out from the wheel well. It may require angling to clear the fender and control arm. Place the strut assembly on a clean work surface.
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart) following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coil spring. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Compress until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount and all spring tension is removed from the mount.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed correctly and tightened evenly. Uneven compression or improper installation can cause the spring to release violently, resulting in serious injury or death.
7. 7

   Secure strut and remove center shaft nut
   Clamp the strut body in a vise or strut vise clamp (do NOT clamp the strut shaft). Use a wrench or socket on the strut shaft nut (typically 19mm) while holding the shaft from rotating with an Allen key or strut shaft socket from the top. Remove the shaft nut completely. Verify spring is fully compressed before proceeding.
   ⚠️Do not attempt to remove the shaft nut unless the spring is fully compressed and tension-free. The mount is under spring pressure until compression is complete.
8. 8

   Remove upper mount and bearing assembly
   With the nut removed, carefully lift off the upper strut mount assembly, bearing, upper spring seat, and dust boot/bumper. Inspect all components. The bearing is located within the upper mount assembly. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
9. 9

   Install new strut bearing and mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new strut bearing/mount assembly in the reverse order of removal: dust boot/bumper, upper spring seat, bearing (ensure proper orientation with rotation direction), and upper mount. Align all components properly. The spring end must seat correctly in the upper spring seat pocket.
   ⚠Verify the bearing is oriented correctly - the bearing has a specific rotational direction. Consult the replacement part instructions for proper orientation.
10. 10

    Reinstall strut shaft nut
    Install the strut shaft nut while holding the shaft from rotating. Torque the shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 55-65 Nm / 40-48 lb-ft, though verify with your specific replacement part instructions as this value was not provided in the database). Ensure the bearing rotates freely without binding.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Gradually and evenly release tension on both spring compressors, alternating between them to ensure even spring seating. Verify the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Once fully released and spring is properly seated, remove the compressors completely.
    ⚠Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Verify spring is seated correctly in upper and lower seats before fully releasing.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well, aligning the three upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper nuts hand-tight first, then torque to specification. Support the lower end of the strut while performing this step.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the strut bracket with the steering knuckle using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Torque both bolts to specification. This step is critical for maintaining proper camber alignment.
    ⚠Alignment marks must match to preserve camber settings. Misalignment will affect tire wear and handling.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut assembly. Insert the link stud through the strut bracket and install the nut. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After completing both sides, test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper operation
2. Listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises during turns that would indicate improper bearing installation
3. Professional wheel alignment is strongly recommended after this service to verify camber, caster, and toe specifications, even if alignment marks were matched

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - there should be no binding, clicking, or unusual noises from the strut bearings
• Visually inspect that all fasteners are properly installed and torqued
• Verify wheels are properly torqued after 50-100 miles of driving
• Test drive and verify smooth, quiet turning in both directions at various speeds
• Check for proper steering return to center after turns
• Schedule wheel alignment check within one week of service to verify suspension geometry

More procedures for this vehicle