Honda Civic 2002-2003 Service Manual page 580

Front Suspension
Damper/Spring Replacement (cont'd)
Disassembly!lnspection
1. Compress the damper spring with a commercially
available strut spring compressor (A) according to
the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the
self-locking nut (8) while holding the damper shaft
(C) with a hex wrench (D). Do not compress the
spring more than necessary to remove the nut.
B
2. Release the pressure from the strut spring
compressor, then disassemble the damper as
shown in the Exploded View.
18-22
3. Reassemble all the parts, except for the upper
spring seat and spring.
4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and
check for smooth operation through a full stroke,
both compression and extension. The damper
should extend smoothly and constantly when
compression is released. If it does not, the gas is
leaking and the damper should be replaced.
5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding
during these tests.
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