how to tell if my Honda Accord struts are worn out

Honda Accord 9th Generation (2013-2017)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

high

Severity

3 min read

581 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts in Honda Accord. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working beneath it.
•Use caution when working with strut springs; they are under high tension and can cause injury if not handled properly.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
•Vehicle sways or leans during turns
•Uneven tire wear
•Increased stopping distance
•Noise such as clunking or rattling while driving over bumps
•Vehicle feels unstable or loose during highway driving

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of oil leaks or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear corners of the vehicle; the car should rebound once and settle back.
3
Check the tire tread for uneven wear patterns indicative of strut issues.
4
Listen for any unusual noises while driving over uneven surfaces or during sharp turns.
5
Assess the vehicle's handling by taking it for a test drive on a straight road and during turns.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Floor jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Strut spring compressor

Parts Required

•New strut assemblies (front and/or rear depending on replacement)
•New strut mounting hardware (if required)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of oil leaks or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear corners of the vehicle; the car should rebound once and settle back.
3
Check the tire tread for uneven wear patterns indicative of strut issues.
4
Listen for any unusual noises while driving over uneven surfaces or during sharp turns.
5
Assess the vehicle's handling by taking it for a test drive on a straight road and during turns.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
Disconnect the battery if working on electronic suspension components.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle at the designated lift points.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure safety.

3. Remove the Wheel

Using a lug wrench, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the strut assembly.

4. Remove the Strut Assembly

Front Struts:
- Disconnect the brake line bracket attached to the strut.
- Remove the bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the upper strut mounting nuts from the engine bay after lifting the hood.
Rear Struts:
- Remove the bolts connecting the strut to the lower control arm.
- Remove the upper strut mounting bolts from inside the trunk.

5. Install New Struts

Position the new strut assembly in place and secure it with the upper mounting nuts.
Reattach the strut to the steering knuckle or lower control arm, ensuring all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
Reconnect the brake line bracket.

6. Reassemble

Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and then torque the lug nuts to the specified value.

7. Test Drive

After completing the installation, perform a test drive to ensure the struts are functioning correctly and check for any abnormal noises.