Damper/Spring Replacement: Disassembly/Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 Honda Insight, 2005 Honda Insight, 2004 Honda Insight, 2003 Honda Insight, and 2002 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Compress the damper spring with a commercially available strut spring compressor (A) according to the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the self-locking nut (B) while holding the damper shaft (C) with a hex wrench (D). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.

Fig 1: Removing Self-Locking Nut
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.
Reassemble all the parts, except for the spring.
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.

Fig 2: Compressing Damper Assembly
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.