Hello all, I have a 1988 accord lx, which I have heard has struts all the way around. My question is how hard is it to change the struts on this car? I try to do as much mechanical as I can on my cars, that being said I am not a super mechanic. I've done regular shocks, brakes, water pumps, radiators, etc. and have normal tools, and am wondering If I should take this project on or leave it to the pros. I've heard the stock struts are close to sixty bucks ea. strut bearings, 18 bucks, and labor, 75 to a 100 a corner. The car has 214k but running good, but rear struts make a slight noise when shaken up and down. Thanks in advance, Bob

 

The shop manual for a 3rd gen accord (86-89) is available to download from the spoon honda link in the Online Manuals thread in the DIY section of the forum. That should help you decide if you want to tackle this job.

Its not too bad to remove the struts. The wishbone at the bottom of the strut needs to be unbolted on both ends. Then you unbolt the assembly from the top. You will need a spring compressor to compress the spring, take apart the assembly, put in new strut, reassemble.

The only tough part is to align the top bolts relative to the tab that sits in the wishbone. You should mark the top plate relative to where it lines up to the tab that sits on top of the wishbone.

 

Thanks PAHONDA , I'll check it out, Bob