Prior to actually removing and, or installing the strut, the vehicle should be lifted and properly supported, after this the front wheels should be detached. At the bottom side remove the brake hose clamp and undo the damper fork bolts and then take off the damper fork. Lastly, remove the three strut mounting nuts and therefore leave out the strut from the automobile. Place the strut into a vice and fit the correct spring compressor onto the coil spring to the manufacturers' instructions. Squeeze the spring and unbolt the self-locking head at the top of the strut, then dismantle the strut mounts and uncover the coil spring. It should also be pointed out that the coils springs are different between the left and right front on 1996-97 Accord with the 2.2L VTEC (F22B1) engine and it is essential when ordering new parts or assembling the suspension. Check on the strut mounts for wear or signs of damage and replace any that are in such state. As the coil spring is being opened for examination, make test on the damper. Where applicable, and when installing the struts, use the new type self-locking nuts. Place the spring compressor on the coil spring and place the spring on the strut cartridge with the flat portion up. Install the strut mount and washer to the strut and tighten the self-locking nut to 22 ft lbs. Before removing the spring compressor you should have about 29 Nm of torque. To do this, thread the strut into the damper fork where upon the mark on the strut tube should fit into the groove of the damper fork and then using a pinch bolt and a damper fork bolt, both of which are tightened by hand. Return the front wheels and drop the car. With all four wheels on the ground, temporarily install the damper fork to the frame by threading on the nut until you can momentarily get it to 47 ft. lbs. To 65 Nm when the damper fork bolt is tightened, and the damper fork pinch bolt to 32 ft. lbs. The lower rods were tightened with 72 ft. lbs. while the rods at the struts and the strut mounting nuts were tightened to 44 Nm and 28 ft. lbs. (39 Nm). Last of all, ensure that you fix the wheel nuts to 80 ft. lbs. the engine torque of gas power unit is 108 Nm/W and the front-wheel alignment should be checked.
