How to Replace the Shocks and Struts in an Acura Integra

The Acura Integra is a sporty coupe, but once the drive isn't smooth, it's time to replace the struts. Under normal driving conditions, your struts wear out after 60,000 miles. If you routinely drive on dirt roads, have your struts examined every time you rotate or balance your tires.

Instructions

Replace the Front Struts

1

Jack up your Integra, and slide stationary jack stands under the frame. Remove the front wheels with a tire iron.

2

Use a jack to apply slight pressure between the floor and the lower suspension arm. Use a wrench to loosen the brake hose clamp and remove it from the strut. Mark or draw the position of the strut with a permanent marker. Then use the wrench to remove the lower strut mounting bolt.

3

Loosen and remove the upper strut assembly mounting nuts, and use both hands to remove the strut assembly from the car.

4

Hold the strut in place with one hand and hand-tighten the upper assembly mount nuts with the other. Align the strut to the marks, and insert the lower mounting bolt. Raise the jack so it's supporting the entire weight of the car, and torque the bolt to 32 foot-pounds. If there's a fork, torque the lower fork bolt to 51 foot-pounds.

5

Torque the upper mounting nuts to 28 foot pounds, and reconnect the brake hose to the strut.

6

Mount the front wheels, and lower the car to the ground.

Replace the Rear Struts

7

Leave your car on the jack stands, and remove the rear wheels. Unbolt the lower cushion bolt, and pull it out from under the armrest. Pull the back of the cushion up and forward and pull the trunk bulkhead down and release the clips from the lid of the armrest. Unbolt the back of the cushion, and pull it forward.

8

Remove the bolt connecting the lower arm to the trailing arm. Place a jack under the lower arm of the side you're working on, and lift it slightly. Use a wrench to remove the upper mounting nuts and the lower bolt.

9

Lower the jack from the lower arm and take out the strut.

10

Position the strut with one hand and hand-tighten the upper mounting nuts with the other. Raise the jack again so the strut is holding the weight of the car, and torque the upper nuts to 28 foot pounds. Insert and torque the lower mounting bolt to 40 foot pounds. Don't let the strut crush the speed sensor wire under the bracket. Bolt the lower arm to the trailing arm, and lower the jack.

11

Install the rear wheels and put the back seat together, back-tracking through Step 1. Lower the car.