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1996 Acura RL Repair Question


Topics covered: Compression, Floor, Gas.
Mileage: 123,654 miles.

Asked on February 17, 2013

Acura RL Compression Problem

How to replace rear strut
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Answer

Replied on February 17, 2013

STRUT ASSEMBLY

WARNING: Strut contains pressurized nitrogen gas. To dispose of properly, drill a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hole at base of strut. Always wear eye protection when drilling.

Removal

1. Lift and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove rear speaker. Remove strut mounting base nuts. See Fig. 2 .
2. Place floor jack under lower control arm. Compress strut slightly. Remove strut lower mounting nut. Lower rear suspension. Remove strut assembly.

Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Strut Assembly (Typical)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Disassembly

1. Compress strut spring with spring compressor. DO NOT compress spring more than necessary to remove 10 mm self locking nut. Remove 10 mm self locking nut from strut assembly.
2. Remove spring compressor. Note component locations, and complete disassembly by removing components.

Inspection

Check for smooth operation in both compression and extension strokes. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, or binding. Replace strut as necessary.

Reassembly & Installation

To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. To install, reverse removal procedure.

NOTE: do not drill strut

Tiny Answered by hmac300 (expert)
17,813 answers provided