Honda Accord ESM 2003 · Service Manual Service Manual 2003

Front Damper/Spring Replacement

Front Damper/Spring Replacement

Exploded View


SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD01SELF-LOCKING NUT
10 x 1.25 mm
29 N·m (3.0 kgf·m, 22 lbf·ft)
Replace.
WASHER
Check for deformation
COLLARRUBBER BUSHING
Check for weakness
and damage.
DUST COVER PLATEBUMP STOP
Check for weakness
and damage.
DUST COVER
Check for bending and damage.
DAMPER SPRING
Check for free length.
RUBBER BUSHING
Check for weakness
and damage.
DAMPER MOUNTING BASE
Check for deformation.
SPRING MOUNTING CUSHION
Check for deterioration
and damage.
DUST COVER LOWER MOUNTING
Check for deterioration
and damage.
DAMPER UNIT
Check for oil leaks, gas leaks,
and smooth operation.
BUMP STOP PLATE

Removal


1.Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.

2.Remove the front wheel.

3.Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C).

SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD02CB12 x 1.25 mmA10 x 1.25 mm

4.Remove the two 8 mm flange nuts (A) and three 10 mm flange nuts (B) from the top of the damper, and remove the damper assembly (C) .

SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD03B
10 x 1.25 mm
A
8 x 1.25 mm
C

Disassembly/Inspection


1.Compress the damper spring with the commercially available strut spring compressor (A) according to the manufacture's instructions then remove the self-locking nut (B) while holding the damper shaft (C) with a hex wrench (D). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.

SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD04CDB
10 x 1.25 mm
A

2.Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.

3.Reassemble all the parts, except for the spring mounting cushion and spring.

4.Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.

SDA3A00B20200019101KBAD05

5.Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly


NOTE: Refer to the Exploded View as needed.

1.Assemble the damper disassembled parts except for the washer and self-locking nut.

2.Install the damper assembly on a commercially available strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring lightly.

SDA3A00B20200019101KBAD06BA


3.Align the bottom of the spring and the stepped part (B) of the lower spring seat.

4.Position the damper mounting base (A) so the stud bolt (B) in it is aligned with the aligning tab (C) in the damper unit.

SDA3A00B20200019101KBAD07A0°±3°BBCLEFT:RIGHT:

5.Compress the damper spring. Do not compress the spring excessively.

6.Install the washer (A) and a new 10 mm self-locking nut (B). Hold the damper shaft with a hex wench (C), and tighten the 10 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque.

SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD05B
10 x 1.25 mm
29 N·m (3.0 kgf·m, 22 lbf·ft)
CA

7.Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.

Installation


1.Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside, then loosely install the flange nuts.

SDA3A00B20200019101KBAD098 x 1.25 mm
22 N·m (2.2 kgf·m,
16 lbf·ft)
A10 x 1.25 mm
50 N·m (5.1 kgf·m,
37 lbf·ft)
B

2.Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm. Install the front damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot (C) in the damper fork.

SEA3E00B20200019101KBAD06F
12 x 1.25 mm
64 N·m
(6.5 kgf·m, 47 lbf·ft)
D
10 x 1.25 mm
43 N·m
(4.4 kgf·m,
32 lbf·ft)
CBAE

3.Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (D) into the damper fork.

4.Install the flange bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, and lightly tighten the new damper fork mounting nut (F).

NOTE: Use a new damper fork mounting nut on reassembly.

5.Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.

6.Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque.

7.Tighten the damper pinch bolts to the specified torque.

8.Tighten the flange nut on the damper fork to the specified torque.

9.Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.