how to tell if my Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022) struts are worn out

Honda Accord 8th Generation (2008-2012)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

584 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts in your Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022). Step-by-step guide with symptoms and tools required.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against debris and sharp edges.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing or swaying while driving
•Front-end dipping during braking
•Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges
•Increased noise from the suspension, such as clunking or rattling
•Difficulty in steering or maintaining control on uneven surfaces
•A noticeable decrease in ride comfort

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for signs of leaking fluid or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle to observe how many times it bounces.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns by inspecting all four tires.
4
Listen for abnormal noises while driving over bumps or potholes.
5
Inspect the vehicle's alignment to see if it has changed, indicating potential strut issues.
6
Take the vehicle for a test drive on a rough road to assess ride quality and handling.

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

•Lug wrench
•Socket set (including breaker bar)
•Jack and jack stands
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•Replacement struts (front or rear depending on wear)
•Strut mount kit (if needed)

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing or swaying while driving

•Front-end dipping during braking

•Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges

•Increased noise from the suspension, such as clunking or rattling

•Difficulty in steering or maintaining control on uneven surfaces

•A noticeable decrease in ride comfort

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for signs of leaking fluid or physical damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle to observe how many times it bounces.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns by inspecting all four tires.
4
Listen for abnormal noises while driving over bumps or potholes.
5
Inspect the vehicle's alignment to see if it has changed, indicating potential strut issues.
6
Take the vehicle for a test drive on a rough road to assess ride quality and handling.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

2. Remove Wheel

Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front or rear wheel where the strut will be replaced.
Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
Remove the wheel to access the strut assembly.

3. Remove Strut Assembly

Locate the strut mounting bolts at the top and bottom of the strut.
Use a socket set to remove the lower strut mount bolts; you may need to use a breaker bar for stubborn bolts.
Remove the top mounting bolts from the strut tower under the hood.
Carefully detach the strut assembly from the vehicle.

4. Replace Strut

If applicable, transfer any hardware or components from the old strut to the new one (e.g., bump stops, mounts).
Install the new strut by aligning it with the mounting points.
Hand-tighten the top and lower bolts before fully tightening them to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

5. Reassemble

Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Recheck the strut mount bolts to ensure they are tightened properly.

6. Final Inspection

Recheck all components for proper installation.
Perform a test drive to ensure the vehicle handles properly and the ride quality is improved.