Front Strut Replacement, 2001 Honda Odyssey -EricTheCarGuy
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2013
- You can also use this video if you have a Ridgeline, Pilot, or MDX. They share a similar chassis to the Odyssey. The job in this video was not without it's challenges ad you'll see when you watch it. To be honest, if you need to do this job I would recommend 'quick struts' that come preassembled, or taking your old struts to a shop to have your new struts installed. Both spring compressors that I tried were a fail. The only thing that worked was a wall mounted unit. Also, those stabilizer links can be tricky. Start by soaking them with some penetrating oil and cross your fingers. If that doesn't work you may need a torch. In fact, you may need new stabilizer links before it's all said and done. Outside of those issues, this job isn't too bad. Here's some links for you.
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Element stabilizer links: • Front End Noise, 2003 ...
Finding Suspension Noises: • How To Find Suspension...
ETCG's Parts Washer video: • My New Parts Washer
Why ETCG doesn't have a lift: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
The spring compressor that worked: www.jbtoolsales.com/branick-00...
The spring compressors that didn't work: www.jbtoolsales.com/k-tool-703...
The other spring compressor I tried: www.jbtoolsales.com/k-tool-703...
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/1...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy. 
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You were lucky finding all those bearings. Just the other day I dropped a bolt, heard it hit the ground. I then spent a good fifteen minutes looking for it. I ended up finding it at my neighbor Autozone. I do thank you for all you have shown me.
Eric, your videos are top notch! My wife inherited her mothers 2001 Odyssey and I am doing the work on it that I trust myself doing. Brakes, rotors, oil change, sure, no problem...I'm in the process of doing the front struts. The rear is all done with all 3 components. The front struts are kicking my ass. I have air tools and the tools to do the job, but the rust factor is overwhelming. It's taking me 5 times longer to do this job than anything I've ever done. I like proving to my wife that I'm not a lazy POS lol Thanks for all your videos and humor! Much appreciated!
Your the real deal Eric, when things like that happen to a person with your experience , it really helps the novice person to be more careful and i thank you for that.
Absolutely. I appreciate how respectful he is of the spring. There are so many videos on here where guys put their faces over compressed springs...
This is why mechanics need to charge what they charge those big spring compressors are not cheap !!! Pay the man and get the job done right great job Eric glad you weren't hurt in the making of this video
Been using clamps like yours for years without issue. But, you're right. Pre-assembled is always the wisest choice without the actual tools.
I did this job with only hand tools and rented Autozone spring compressors. It was one of the first big jobs I ever did on my minivan. The "protip," obviously, is to double up on your spring compressors so that you have 4 or at least 3. Anyone who uses only 2 is asking for trouble -- I'm surprised with you Eric.
Funny thing is I got my job at Acura after applying to the Cadillac dealer. They needed Acura techs more than Cadillac techs. The Odyssey's been a great vehicle for us. Now that I've done all this work, it should be good for a long time to come. Always good to see you in the comments Brian.
I had a spring do that to me once. I saw the top of the spring was rising I yelled to my screen "stop!!". Glad to see you didn't get hurt.
I see that new transmission in there. Keep these good old Hondas on the road forever. 👌
Don't be too concerned about others viewing videos where something goes wrong. It gives insight as to how to get out of a mess. Glad you didn't get hurt, though.
I don't think I could be any happier seeing you fail with el-cheapo compressors. I thought I was just stupid. But no, the 2001 honda odyssey has mega springs. This video just saved me time, loneliness, frustration, and maybe just maybe, my life.
Thanks,
Eric
You do a great job being considerate of those who don't have power tools. AND Honda does a great job of being considerate of mechanics and owners. That's why I bought an Odyssey for my wife last week! Maybe all those 20+ years of Honda work helped make you considerate OR maybe just attracted you to begin with? Either way, great combination. You're a great example to us all!
Not job
Eric! Despite the fact that I am not a mechanic and will probably never own one of the cars that you work on, I forever find myself watching your video's for entertainment and because I learn so much of how to have a systematic and smart approach troubleshooting and problem solving. You have always have such a smart and safe approach to your work, and always make it entertaining... and you give this away for free. you're a rare person indeed. and for that I Thank You. Keep up the good work :)
I'm very impressed that you posted this video. By doing so you may have saved lives.
There is nothing more educational to witness how things can fly apart with borderline tools. I have a set of those cheap Mcpherson strut clamps. Every time I do one of these I wonder why I don't invest in a clamshell compresser. For those who pay for their health care, over a lifetime it would pay for itself in saved medical bills.
I live in Oregon at around 200' elevation (not much snow), No snow means no salt which means not much rust/corrosion. I have never used an impact. Never needed one, and I have never broken a fastener. I will eventually get one to make things easier. Always good. Thanks Eric.
Coming from a guy that just recently really dove into the world of cars, I feel like your cars would last forever.
should have listened to you on the stabilizer links.... darn darn darn... stripped em both and took me a few hours to find a place that had em...thanks for the illustration it was very helpful.
What a great video. I followed your video and was able to replace my front strut/shock assembly. Took a while to line the bolts up but my wife is a heck of a helper.
Thanks for sharing this awesome video.
Just did springs on my 91 CRX Si this past summer. Rears didn't need a compressor, but fronts did. Definitely a job requiring a lot of precautions.
Best 46 minutes that I have spent in a while. Glad I hung out and watched the entire video. This is what happens in the real world. I have to tell you that I really enjoy your videos. I am now a subscriber.
Thanks for showing the Branick 7400 spring compressor in action. I'm just a non-professional shadetree mechanic but I have an older Branick 7200 wall mounted unit that I bought new several years ago. I actually started out with a set of spring compressors just like the one you started with in the video but after awhile I realized it wasn't particularly safe so I went all in with the Branick. I've been thinking of upgrading to the newer 7400 but I haven't decided yet. Thanks again.
How I was excited to watch this then got terrified. Geesh.. I was on edge when you loosened the top nut. A complete assembly definitely works for me. Lol, Wow...
Eric: so VERY happy that you are safe/okay.
Safety thought:
As a long time (3 decade) shade-tree mechanic, I have two sets of spring compressors and typically attach three to each coil as I do it.
Having a second set prevents slippage and makes things easier if things do slip somewhat.
Tech tip:
OEM is fine if you are happy with the ride. Some OEMs are twin tube, some are mono. But mono tube provides a vastly (night and day) superior experience.
Still enjoy all of your videos: you have saved me countless dollars over the years. (Plus you are easy on the eyes, thanks lots for that too).
Hi Eric good to see that you are ok and please thank GOD and Scott for all the help and stay safe and stay clean lol from Jay in South Africa
I'm glad you were okay after performing this repair, but with your bravery you showed a very valuable lesson or caution in using this tool. I would definitely leave this to a professional or do a quick strut swap since that is much safer for the DIY'er.
thank u scott for assisting our teacher with that spring compressor
I crap myself when it exploded but at least you got the chance to recondition the bearings. Glad you didn't get hurt :)
So much safer with the proper compressor. Thanks Scott!
Fantastic Video! I love the detail you put into explaining everything and the placement of the Camera exactly at where you're doing the work. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for not dying, Eric! Seriously though, those "old style" spring compressors are BAAAAD news.
Hey Eric! Let me tell you the story of my 04 oddy. I bought her back in May with the tale that the transmission was replaced/rebuilt. Well who ever did it, did just enough to seem it was repaired. Took her back to the dealer and they sent her back to the same shop. $2,600 dollars later, it was "repaired" I barley made it to the gas station before the false neutral returned. So the dealer went out to honda, and purchased a new transmission to stick in her. Took a few weeks. They got it in, but didn't put the transmission switches in right which ended up busting 3 motor mounts and that switch. We're now up to just under $8k in repairs. He paid for all the repairs thank god! Now I have an EVAP code. I replaced the gas cap. Not sure what it will take to fully to repair this. However, I have a knock now when making turns and going over speed bumps. I had CV boots checked and they are nearly new. I believe it is bad struts/shocks. Did your make that kind of noise? You can hear the knock/pop when inside the car and outside. At this point I think putting in the last few repairs on this car will make it valuable. She has been well maintained, but still has 225k. I love this van.. but man.. she's been a Nightmare!
Bet money it is bad sway bar links, worn sway bar and control arm bushings, and/or tie rods. For EVAP it could be a bad canister, plugged valves, or a bad cat. Considering age, it could just be plugged, especially if the gas pump shuts off frequently too early. Take the gas cap off, remove the hose going into the canister from the tank, and blow compressed air in it - a lot of times spiders make webs in those lines and that could fix it (if you don't have an air compressor use a tire inflator and a piece of rubber hose to act as an adapter to connect the inflator to the gas tank hose. If still no go, take both lines off the EVAP canister and attach your inflator to one side - you should feel air coming out of the other. If not it's probably clogged. Realize that newer cars control the valves inside the canister with the computer, so you need a good scan tool to manually open them. Don't know which system your Honda uses. Those are the most common reasons, but it could also be that the hose from the gas cap into the tank (the one that runs from where you fill it to the tank) is damaged or came loose, a bad replacement gas cap, or dry rotted lines going into/out of the canister - you would smell gas for all of those though.
Eric, the only issue i have with using OEM on a vehicle with 150,000 is that this vehicle is not going to run for another 150,000 (maybe with good oil from day 1, or diesel power). The only reason i would use OEM is if i were getting a smoking deal on the part from the dealer. But for the average BYM, i would go with aftermarket as most of my customers would agree with. But i love everything your doing !! Big Fan !!
Eric, great job on all of your video shows.Priceless for many,many of us here on RUclips looking for doing yourself solutions. God bless you.
I use two sets of heavy duty quality spring compressors for a total of 4 compressors on one strut. This way the spring is tightened evenly and is totally surrounded by spring compressors to keep the coil spring from bending or bowing out. I only use the ones with high quality metal and locking pins made in the USA and never have issues. Cost is less than $80 for both set of high quality compressors. For people not mechanically inclined I would say get Quickstruts or have a shop do it. I feel safe because I know what I am doing and have been working on cars for years. I buy only quality tools and always inspect before each use and keep it well oiled.
Here in the uk all of those types of handheld spring compressors have explicit instructions to not use them with power tools. As in its the first thing in the instructions.
Dude, I could spend all night watching all your videos. This is amazing.
Great video, made better by the inclusion of of the spring not cooperating. Thanks for leaving it in the video and keeping it real! Glad you are alright!
hey Eric, I like when something doesn't go as planned because we as viewers get a chance to see what you would do in that situation.
Eric, once again, thank you so much for your funny and professional videos. To corroborate your claims about the longevity of OEM Honda parts...I have a 98 odyssey with 450,000 kms (281,000 miles?) that I've had since the van was nearly new. I am just now replacing the front struts. Heck, I've never changed any chassis parts yet...I'm just going to be doing lower ball joints and tie-rods now while I'm at it b/c they finally need some attention. The CV joints are original too. Appreciated!
Very informative video. Eric convinced me to use a replacement strut assembly. I bought Monroe Quick-Struts for my 2004 Odyssey, and the process was straightforward. I would add that air tools make this a much more doable project. Many thanks, Eric!
Yes, I love them. I'd really love it if Eric would just film the outside of his shop with those guys chirping away out there for a couple of minutes (at best without any car or other machine noises) and putting it up as an additional "counterpoint" video! :-)
Love it Eric, just goes to show how the simplist of tasks can go on for days!
both of my favorite mechanics in one spot.....life is goood! brian and eric thank you both for all your hard work
That strut spring made me jump!!!!! Glad you weren't hurt
That video answered all the questions I asked about struts in one of your last videos. Thanks for all your hard work bring that info to your fans.
Great video, glad you weren't hurt by the spring! I'm in the market for a spring compressor and will get the one with the locking u-bolts. I always wondered how the upper bearings were assembled, that was very informative! Thanks!
I like to use the pre-assembled strut/bearing/spring assembly, not just for ease of installation, but also because some springs sag over time.
It's nice to know you won't have to mess with anything on the strut until next replacement.
Greetings! Just thought I'd give you the big thumbs up on your strut vid, The info was very helpful. I was done in a little over an hour, if you don't count the 2 trips to the parts store to get a replacement nut for one that fell into the engine someplace! I live in south Florida and don't have the rust issues. I was really stressing about the stabilizer links, it turns out I had nothing to worry about, they bolts zipped right off and my spring compressors worked like a charm. (wish all my projects went this easy!) Thanks again!!
Thanks for the great video. I never really understood what was involved with changing struts. If I did this myself I would definitely get the quick struts. Messing with those springs doesn't look like a safe job to be doing only once every 15 years. My Odyssey is 14 years old and 211000 thousand miles. A little bit of residue but no ride problems and still goes straight down the road. One shop told me I needed new ones at 60K miles but still have the originals.
Good Mechanic , with a sense of humor, I wish your shop is in my town, Keep up the good work man.
The Branick strut spring compressor is your friend! I have been using one for twenty years and not had a problem yet. I have heard many horror stories about the clamp style compressors.
wow that was an impressive video with the spring. Thanks for the warnings. I was on the edge of my seat watching.
Need to replace my shocks. Thanks Eric.👍
Wow,thanks a lot for that Eric!I just recently scrapped my'97Skoda Felicia Combi b/c of a broken down alternator and battery,and I didn't see any use in buying parts for over100€ just to have it fail the bi-yearly mandatory safety in next March w/o putting another couple of100's into it(and its trunk door was already rusted through the outer steel in one place too),now I am looking out for a manual trans Subaru Legacy wagon,but the ones in my price range are either really old or high mileage...
Thanks for another great video. Ill be removing struts this week in my automotive class, this video helped me to understand!
Just did this on a friends Windstar. Borrowed the clamp spring compressor from Autozone, vastly superior quality tool to the Advance one or like what ETCG was using. They had pins with clips that ensure the clamp can't come off the spring and were plenty heavy duty enough for the massive Windstar spring.
Thanks for this video, I just changed out my struts on an 03 pilot. this video made the install very easy.
nice job this is my first time to see aspring compressor thank you Eric keep safe
Eric im glad you're alright , that spring flying around is scary.
Glad you are okay Eric. We appreciate your videos dude
Just did mine on a 2002 , thanks for the video. My upper bearing assembly was bad replaced those as well.
I'm so glad that both A: You're ok B: The compressors let go on film C: You had your safety glasses on when the ball bearings went flying. Ever since the strut video at the old shop, I was wondering if you'd ever have a strut spring let go on camera.
I dont see the point. Eric offers quality car reapair videos and the best thing on this case for you as customer they are totally free.
Something that most people overlook is that making these videos cost money too. I mean he nearly tribles up his working time. And even after the work is done theres much work cutting the video for youtube.
Personally i dont have a problem with it when erics gets some money for his hard work by advertisments.
Was about to attempt this on my car (BMW e30) with spring compressors like yours and mostly hand tools. Thanks for saving my life Eric haha
Glad you didn't hurt yourself. Love your vids. Keep up the good work.
Im glad you didnt get hurt in this project. Stay Safe Eric
I have a 05 Honda pilot. I used two ratchet straps from Home Depot for spring compressors. Worked great.
Eric, those type of compressors scare the hell out of me. Back in the 80s I had the same exact thing happen to me but I wound up getting pinched by the compressed part of the spring where the three compressors went to. I never used one of them again. I tell people to at least get the scissor ones from HF. If I ever find a wall mount one at auction I will bid on it for my shop.
I might also take the opportunity to paint the springs while you have them dismantled. And yes I agree with you about stabilizer links. You should’ve seen the ones that came off my 2006 Pilot. I had to grind and saw them off the sway bar and since I got quick struts I just had to get them off the car which was nice. It was a royal pain in the neck getting them off I tell ya.
Glad you are ok Eric
Have the same car did the struts on the front its a pretty tough job thanks for showing the detail
This reminds me of that video you made where you were replacing a gearbox and you had to raise it above your head from below, by hand, without a transmission jack. :-S Scary stuff, Eric. Be safe!
That works to. I work at Honda as a express Tech so I havn't done it yet but recommend it all the time upon doing a MPI .. They press out the old ones and press in new ones
I normally use a mole grip on the spring next to the spring compressor to stop it rotating. You might try that one time. You only need to put it on the "low" side of the compressor as it's not going to slip up.
yay the subaru is still alive, i thought you got rid of it, not seen it in ages!
I did this a few months ago using the QuickStrut method. It was a breeze!
I was able to slip a 3x2 in between 2 close wall studs (near the door) in my shed. I drilled through the 2 studs and inserted a piece of water pipe through the holes. Then I used 3 x 4" lengths of tube, in a triangle fashion welded together at the top. Place the strut on the floor, sit the triangle tubes over the shock mounting bolts and place a length of 3x2 timber on the triangle bit and under the pipe in the wall. Then I got another person to push down on the 3x2 while I undid the top nut.
Eric, Maybe some skateboard grip tape on those spring compressors would help them to stay put. I definitely was nervous with how much tension you put on that spring! Glad you're OK!
You are the man! Clearly, the spring compression and replacement of the strut is very dangerous and even with a decent set of spring compressors like yours, it went wrong because of the big spring on these vans. I noticed that you stand the whole arm length further when you tried to compress it again to install the strut and that did not work too well either with the tool you had. This job is certainly not for the faint of heart with the typical spring compressors. When the time comes, I will take your advice and take the assembly out of the car and bring it to the shop who has the right tool to replace the struts and take the assembly back to put on the cars. It is not worth losing limbs or life with the home spring compressors. I had better luck with removing the stabilizer links on my Honda than you did with my hand tools but it took a lot of time waiting for the penetrating oil to work. Lesson learned, make sure those links are well lubricated with grease to prevent rusts or just change them out when you do major work like this.
Did this on my Volvo S40...
With some new BC racing coilovers, awesome stuff btw!
the honda looks clean.
another thing someone could do to keep the spring compressors from spinning around in addition to the hose clamps is put some cut up pieces of bike inner tube on the spring before the hose clamps so it's a better grip like putting tires on it.
A great lesson in why the average DIYer should NOT compress springs. You are very lucky o not have multiple broken bones. Buy the quick struts or let a shop swap out the shocks.
Well thanks to this video, I've decided to buy a complete set instead of just the bearings. The potential for deadly failure and the fact that the original struts have almost 150k miles on them made it an easy decision. Kinda hard to find for a 2012 Odyssey, though.
OMG Eric!! I'm GLAD your OK!!!
Eric, I've seen Hondas over here in the UK with more rust on the underside/suspension after 20k miles! You lucky guys with your grit free roads :) Good video!
Great video, especially since you ran into an issue compressing the spring. I would prefer a DIY video with issues over one that is perfect, giving me zero insight into the potential problems I might have to deal with!
As of rusted nuts, I believe if you us a Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (those cans sold in supermarkets to be used on hard skin like back of your hands to make it soft) and apply it of the suspension threads and nut (after tightening the nut) , then I believe it will last and act as a rust inhibitor for next time and it acts somehow like NIC silicone and I believe it could withstand heat without melting away.
Scribe a line on the bit of the spider that attaches to the shock. if you replace with exactly same type of shock use yr scribed line as a guide to get the spider in the same position and your car was aligned b4 you start, perhaps then you are still close to the correct wheel alinement when you finish.
Love your videos sir! Your confidence in working on vehicles helps me do the work that I need to get done on my ride, thank you so much for your guides and repair videos!
Hello my car has just started to leak oil from struts thanks for info I love honda my uncle is a macanic but not tell me how to fix car you have saved me a lot of money thanks
I wonder how long it took to find all those little ball bearings lol...I can just picture eric on his hands and knees looking for all of them into the wee hours of the night, proclaiming "I found one!" after each one he finds
lot of work ,man you doing good job
I agree with you on the factory parts being the best for Hondas. If anybody out there does go with aftermarket struts for whatever reason on these cars, I would recommend KYBs. Those are usually pretty durable struts and according to Scotty Kilmer they work pretty good on Hondas. Still though if I had the choice, I probably would go with the oem Honda struts on my Pilot.
Hmm, those look like Sachs struts! That style of gold-colored bezel around the top is fairly unique. If that's the case, then no wonder they last so long and ride so great! :-D
Thank you Eric
very helpful
We begin our journey, or our "odyssey" haha!
That made me lol, love the humor here!
You're the man Eric !
WoW! There's a lot of rust on that strut assembly.
Wohoo just what i need to fill my boring midday, a etcg video!
hey erick i have a suggestion for you. since a lot of places do not have the best light the focus sometimes goes off due to your white gloves. black gloves would really help reduce that great job by the way
Need to do rear struts on a '97 Pontiac GTP.. Those springs scare me(*),and seeing as I've never done struts before,pre-assembled quick-struts it is! I don't even want to Eff with those springs.As a bonus,I get new springs that way too!
(*And a few minutes later,we see why! close call dude!)
Thanks Scott! ;-)