Acura 51401-ST7-R01 Front Coil Spring (Showa)

Support the trailing arm with a floor jack, remove the damper upper cover (if equipped), remove the shock absorber upper mounting nuts, remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt that attaches the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower arm, lower the jack and the lower arm and remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly.

Following the tool manufacturer's instructions, install the spring compressor on the spring and compress it sufficiently to relieve all pressure from the damper mounting base. Remove the damper cap, unscrew the self-locking nut while holding the damper shaft with an Allen wrench to prevent it from turning, then carefully lift the compressed spring from the assembly and set it in a safe place. Slide the rest of the parts off of the damper shaft, install the bump stop, bump stop plate (if equipped), dust cover and dust cover plate onto the new damper unit, extend the damper shaft as far as it will go and slide the components down to the damper body, carefully place the coil spring onto the shock absorber body, with the end of the spring resting in the lowest part of the seat, install the spring mounting rubber, lower mounting rubber, damper mounting collar, damper mounting base, seal, upper mounting rubber, damper mounting washer and a new self-locking nut, before tightening the nut, align the previously applied marks on the mounting base and the spring, then tighten the self-locking nut, again using the Allen wrench to prevent the shaft from turning, remove the spring compressor, install the damper cap and install the shock absorber/coil spring assembly.

Guide the shock absorber assembly into the fenderwell and insert the upper mounting studs through the body holes. Install the nuts to prevent the assembly from falling back through, without fully tightening them yet. Enlist assistance due to the weight of the shock absorber. Insert the lower end of the shock absorber into the damper fork, ensuring alignment between the tab on the shock body and the slot in the fork. Connect the damper fork to the lower control arm, simulate normal ride height by raising the lower control arm with the floor jack, then tighten the self-locking nut and the damper fork pinch bolt. Reconnect the stabilizer bar to the control arm, secure the brake hose to its bracket, and tighten the bolt firmly. Install the wheel, tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and further tighten the lug nuts. Finally, complete the process by tightening the upper mounting nuts.