Q: How Do You Remove and Install the Coil Springs on a Honda Fit?
A: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands and remove the wheels. Position a floor jack under each coil spring seat portion of the rear suspension beam, then raise the jacks slightly. Remove both shock absorber lower mounting bolts. On 2009 and later models, remove the wheel speed sensor and wire harness retainer from both sides of the axle beam. Carefully lower the floor jacks until the coil springs are fully extended. Remove the coil spring, the rubber mount and the rubber seat. Installation is the reverse of removal, noting the following points: Replace rubber components if they are deteriorated. Replace the shock absorber lower mounting bolts with new ones. Raise the trailing arm portions of the rear axle with the floor jacks until each side is at normal ride height, then tighten the shock absorber lower mounting bolts to the torque. Install the wheels and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque.
Q: How Should I Handle Strut or Coil Spring Wear on Honda Fit?
A: If signs of wear are present, check cost and availability of parts before disassembling. Remove strut and spring assembly, then mounting base. Install spring compressor and relieve pressure from upper spring seat. Remove piston rod nut and strut bearing. Inspect bearing for smooth operation. Replace rubber spring seat if necessary. Carefully lift compressed spring from assembly. Slide dust boot off piston rod. Check lower insulator for wear, cracking and hardness. Replace if necessary. For reassembly, set lower insulator into position. Extend damper rod and install dust boot. Place coil spring onto lower insulator. Install upper insulator and spring seat. Install upper spring seat and strut bearing. Install strut piston rod nut and tighten. Remove spring compressors. Install mounting base and strut coil spring assembly.
Q: How Do I Replace a Strut and Coil Springs on a Honda Fit?
A: Remove the cowl cover, lower the cowl, and loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise and support the vehicle, remove the wheels, and unplug the wheel speed sensor wiring along with the brake hose from the strut. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle, disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut, and remove strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts. Separate the strut from the steering knuckle, hold the strut piston rod and remove the upper mounting nut and washer. Remove the damper mounting base and strut/spring assembly, and check the strut body and coil spring for damage. Place the strut cushion onto the strut and guide it into place. Install the mounting base, washer and nut, and raise the suspension with the jack. Tighten strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts. Connect the stabilizer bar link and tighten the nut. Hold the strut piston rod and tighten the upper mounting nut, then put in the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Check and adjust the front-end alignment.