Honda ACCORD HYBRID 2005 Service Manual page 1341

Special Tools Required
Strut spring compressor, Branick MST-580A or Model
7200 or equivalent, c o m m e r c i a l l y available
Removal
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it w i t h
safety stands in the proper locations (see page 1-7).
Remove the rear w h e e l .
2. Remove the rear seat (see page 20-95).
3. Remove the t w o flange nuts (A).
4. Remove the flange bolt (A) f r o m the knuckle.
5. Remove the flange nut (B) w h i l e holding the joint
pin (C) w i t h a hex wrench (D), and disconnect the
stabilizer link (E) f r o m the stabilizer link bracket (F)
6. Lower the rear suspension, and remove the
d a m p e r (G) f r o m the vehicle. The left and right
d a m p e r springs are different. Mark the springs L
and R before you continue.
Disassembly/Inspection
1. Compress the damper spring w i t h the
c o m m e r c i a l l y available strut spring compressor (A)
according to the manufacturer's instructions, then
remove the self-locking nut (B) w h i l e holding the
damper shaft w i t h a hex w r e n c h (C). Do not
compress the spring more than necessary to
remove the self-locking nut.
2. Release the pressure f r o m the strut spring
compressor, then disassemble the damper as
s h o w n in the Exploded View.
3. Reassemble all parts, except the spring.
4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and
check for s m o o t h operation t h r o u g h a full stroke,
both compression and extension. The d a m p e r
should extend s m o o t h l y and constantly w h e n
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.
(cont'd)
18-41