Front Coil Overs replacement question?

1999 HONDA CRV
227,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TECHHIFI
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I need to change my original front shock assemblies due to the rubber insulator worn out and making noise over hard impact bumps. I had it all apart except the fork to shock mount bolt, my battery impact would not get it lose. question is, what is the possibility of that bolt breaking with a socket and a leverage ratchet? It's a Michigan car.
Aug 20, 2025 at 9:58 AM
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TECHHIFI
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Aug 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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STRAILER
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Nice car for that any miles, got to love Hondas :) Many times the bolts will be too tight for an impact wrench to work. You will need a breaker bar with a good socket/wrench combo to loosen the bolts/nut I would spray WD40 and allow it to sit for 12 hours to help brake lose any rust which I assume it has? Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with. Check out the images (below).
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Aug 20, 2025 at 1:45 PM
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TECHHIFI
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I don't believe the car would need an alignment after the replacement shocks as everyone keeps telling me. What's your opinion? I had the assembly almost all the way out as stated and the car stills goes straight down the road at 80MPH
Aug 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM
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TECHHIFI
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Just so where on the same page. This is the culprit. The others were like butter. I'm scared it will bust off.
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Aug 20, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, those bolts can be tight, wd40 and a breaker bar is your friend when doing this job. I know the text book way of doing the struts is getting an alignment done but if the car goes straight it is probably okay. I would watch the tire wear in the front to be sure.
Aug 20, 2025 at 5:20 PM
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TECHHIFI
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Last ? Monroe or FCS? I hear bad about both.
Aug 20, 2025 at 7:56 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, these are cheap replacements. I would get a KYB brand which are a good choice.
Aug 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM