I am looking to replace my rear struts on my 97' 4 dr. honda accord and was wondering if there is any "Do it Yourself" instructions any where I can follow.

 

i'm about to post one pretty soon under DIY.

 

i just did mine on my '95 (dunno how similar ur '97 is), and it's pretty straightforward following a helm's manual. the only thing not mentioned in the manual is that it would have been easier to remove and replace the strut assembly if u unmount the parking break line first to give u more room. also, my strut's bottom bolt holes did not align seamlessly with the knuckle, so i had to use a pry bar to align them and push the flange bolt through.

 

Thanks for the response nspec_Cd5 and Idol4232003. nspec_Cd5 I'll keep an eye out for your DYI post.. thanks a million for the time and effort.

 

I replaced all four of my struts on my car, the Helm manual was great help, though, on my back struts I ran into a problem with my bushings.. and the lower bolt on both struts. My car at the time was 11 years old and all of those years have been salty Indiana winters. The bolts were frozen and I never managed to get them out. If you live in a place where there's a lot of snow/salt on the road expect that you'll spend a lot of time trying to take things off. In the end I had to cut my old struts out and make a custom tool to push the bushings out with. It was also semi-awkward putting the rear ones back in because of all the other crap you have to weave them in around. Best of luck to you though. I hope it doesn't take you the hours it took me.

 

Is there a web site I can download the Helm manual?

 

Not legally, no.

 

It is a fairly easy job on the '97. I never actually replaced the struts, but I did go through same process to install air suspension. If you have an AutoZone or Discount AutoParts they have the Haynes Repair manual it is based on teardown and rebuild. If you don't have any luck let me know and i'll try and walk you through it, but like I said the rear is considerably easy. If you find the book pick you can also find some spring compressors there pretty cheap(about $20), you'll need them.

 

Hey guys,

I'm in the middle of this task myself. I got the two bolts up top removed, and the lower bolt came out after a little bit of effort. Next according to the Helm manual, is to "lower the rear suspension and remove the assembly". I seem to be stuck here. How exactly is this suppose to work? I can get a little bit of downward movement of the assembly when I press down on the top of the brake rotor, but it doesn't seem to be enough to get the top of the strut clear of the hole.

Any tips for getting the assembly out? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: this is on a '97 Accord as well

 

u need to unbolt the top control arm, by taking out two 14mm bolts (or 12mm)

this way u'll be able to push it down more, and also stick a pry bar in there so u can push it down adn hold it there. u might also have to pry the top of the strut to make it a little shorter and get it out easily.