Damper Replacement: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle on a lift (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the rear wheels.
Remove the wheel speed sensor clip (A) and the wire guide grommet (B) from both sides of the axle beam.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Speed Sensor Clip And Wire Guide Grommet
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Position a floor jack under lower spring seat (A) on both sides of the axle beam (B). Raise the floor jack until the suspension begins to compress.

Fig 2: Positioning Floor Jack Under Lower Spring Seat
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the damper mounting bolt (C) that connects the axle beam and the damper (D).
Remove the access panel (A) on the cargo area side trim.
Left side:

Fig 3: Removing Access Panel On Cargo Area Side Trim (Left Side)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Right side:

Fig 4: Removing Access Panel On Cargo Area Side Trim (Right Side)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the damper shaft (B) with a hex wrench (C).

Fig 5: Identifying Flange Nut And Damper Shaft
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the damper mounting washer (D) and the damper rubber mount (E) from the top of the damper.
Compress the damper assembly (A) by hand, and remove it from the vehicle.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the body.

Fig 6: Identifying Damper Mounting Washer And Damper Rubber Mount
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the damper rubber mount (B).