Hi all!
I am new to this forum, due to the fact that I just bought my first Honda; a '96 EX Coupe.
It currently has 175K miles on it.
Hope I made a wise choice; what do you think?

I know that I have to replace the front strut mounts.

Here are the steps the manual describes:
I think it goes like this:

Start by removing the tire (do the brake hose mounts come off too?)
1) Remove the damper fork
2) Loosen the 2 flange nuts
3) At this point the complete assembly is removed from the car???? in order
to compress the strut spring???
4) With tension off, remove the self locking nut, (do I need to buy a new one?)
5) Release the tension and replace the mounting bushings and washers
6) Re-compress in order to replace the locking nut, (how tight?)
7) Attach damper to frame loosely
8) Attach damper fork
9) Tighten all

Additionally, the manual states that the knuckle must be raised before attaching the damper fork.
I do not know what the 'knuckle' is. How high does it need to be raised?


Appreciate any help

 

You have to be very careful because the spring is compressed under great force. If you do this wrong, parts can fly apart potentially causing injury. You should probably seek local firsthand advice and supervision from someone who has done this kind of mechanical work before. I'm not saying it's not a DIY job, but I think the level of experience you seem to have may not be enough.

How do you know that there is a problem with the strut mounts in the first place? Generally the symptoms are clunking noises when making turns or going over bumps. But other things can do that too.

Also at 175,000 miles, you should go ahead and replace the struts with new ones while they are out.

 

Not only can you maim yourself with the spring, just getting the bolts off a 96 is a challenge unless you have the right tools, torch, saw, and the ability for the car to be down for a few days in case you have to hack saw rusted bolts.

 

Hi MK378, and Boiler 1,
Thanks for your information. I have watched a few vids, regarding the enormous spring pressure, and the danger they represent. I am going to be very careful. I rented the compressors from Advance Auto. Plan on compressing slowly and evenly.
I know the dampers need to be replaced, because the mechanic I had inspect the car confirmed this. The prev. owner had the struts replaced recently, but not the mounts.
Also, I can move the struts in the rear, with my finger, and they rattle constantly.
Other then the obvious danger, any thing else I need to be aware of.

 

if you plan on replacing the rears, be aware that the bolts in the rear LCA's often corrode to the bushing, usually requiring a new LCA.

Good luck, suspension work always looks easier ahead of time. Invest in a few bottles of pb blaster and use them all in the week before doing the work. Maybe a bottle of MAP gas is good to have on hand.