Q: How do you remove and install the rear Coil Springs on Honda Prelude?
A: To disassemble and assemble the strut on an Accord, you have to first unbolt the strut and strap it in a vise, then add a spring compressor to the coil spring. Wind up the spring and remove the self locking nut, separate the strut mounts and remove the coil spring. Inspect the strut mounts for any wear or damage and replace as necessary as this is one area that is not easily visible. For installation one should use new self-locking nuts, to place spring compressor over the coil spring and put the spring over the strut cartridge with the flat part upwards. Place the strut mount and washer, fasten the self-locking nut and then remove the spring compressor. Place the strut in the car and tighten the base nuts by hand, place the strut on the knuckle, tighten the mounting bolt. Place the jack at the lower strut mount of the car and elevate it until the car stands on the jack and then tighten the lower mount bolt and nuts as recommended torque. At last, fit the rear wheel, drop down the car, torque the wheel bolts, refit the rear seat side trims and check the rear wheel positioning. As for the Prelude, lift the car and unbolt the trunk side trim and strut mounting nuts, upper ball joint cover, cotter pin and upper ball joint nut. First of 'loosen' the ball joint in the knuckle and then remove the lower strut mounting bolt and then finally remove the strut. Put the strut in a vice, clamp a spring compressor, compress the spring and unlock a self-locking nut, thus dismantling the strut and mounts, and the coil spring. Check the strut mounts for likelihood of wear or damage and replace if so. In the installation process use new self-locking nuts, place the spring on the strut cartridge, fit the strut mount and washer and tighten the new self-locking nut while removing the spring compressor. Position the strut in the vehicle, loosely place the lower mounting bolt and finally place and tighten the upper strut mounting bolts. Secure the upper arm to the knuckle and fasten the castle nut; lift the rear suspension to place the weight on the strut and do the same to the lower strut mounting bolt. Last, fit the back wheels, jack down, tighten the bolts, replace the bootlid panel and inspect the toe-in on the rear wheels.