How to Replace the Struts on a 2000 Honda CRV

Removing and replacing struts on a Honda CRV is very similar to changing these components in other vehicles. The struts use large shock absorbers and coil springs that connect to the steering knuckles and the front suspension. You will need to change both struts on the front end if you must change one, as this ensures balance for the suspension. This process may take two people due to the large and heavy nature of the struts.

Instructions

1

Raise the front end of the CRV and support it on jack stands, then remove the two front wheels. It will help to loosen the lug nuts prior to raising the vehicle.

2

Disconnect the brake hose and the speed sensor wires (if the CRV has anti-lock brakes) from the strut, removing their bolts with your wrench.

3

Pull out the cotter pin in the tie rod end's nut and loosen the nut with your wrench by a few turns. Connect a two-jaw puller to the ballstud and separate the ballstud from the steering arm.

4

Paint markings to show the strut's relative position to the steering knuckle using paint or white-out if the two are connected with camber adjusting bolts. Remove the nuts with a wrench and knock out the bolts with a hammer and punch.

5

Remove the strut's three upper mounting nuts with your wrench while supporting the strut down below (it may help to have a second person aid in this), then lower and remove the strut.

6

Guide the new strut into the fender well and insert its three mounting studs into the upper holes in the tower. Connect the three nuts without tightening them.

7

Connect the steering knuckle to the strut at the flange, connecting the bolts and nuts according to your markings.

8

Reconnect the brake hose bracket and wiring to the speed sensor.

9

Connect the stabilizer bar link to the control arm and the tie rod end to the steering arm using their fasteners. Use a new cotter pin in the ballstud nut and tighten the nut further if needed to insert the pin.

10

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car after replacing both the struts and then tighten each strut's upper mounting nuts with your wrench.