Damper/Spring Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the front wheel.
With active damper system: Disconnect the damper coil connector (A), and remove the flange bolt (B), and the harness clip (C).
NOTE: Be careful not to damage or contaminate the damper coil connector.

Fig 1: Identifying Damper Coil Connector, Flange Bolt And Harness Clip
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the wheel speed sensor harness (A) and the brake hose (B) from the damper (C). Do not disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Speed Sensor Harness, Brake Hose And Damper
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the flange hut (A), while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the damper.

Fig 3: Removing Stabilizer Link From Damper
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and flange nuts (B) from the damper.
NOTE: Do not allow the knuckle to rotate too far outward. This may allow the driveshaft inboard joint to come apart.

Fig 4: Identifying Damper Pinch Bolts And Flange Nuts
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the cover (A) and the service caps (B).

Fig 5: Identifying Cover, Flange Nuts And Service Caps
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the flange nuts (C) from the top of the damper.
Remove the damper/spring (D).

NOTE:

The left and right damper springs are different. Mark the springs L and R before you continue.
Be careful not to damage the body.