lol11

2004 Acura TL. I cannot get access to the rear upper shock/struts to remove the bolts. I am replacing the rear shocks. Do I need to remove the rear seats? Please help!

By the way, the below forum does not help.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=633039

nfnsquared

Seat back and cushions, yes. This should help (from the 3G Garage):

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/%2A%2Adiy%2A%2A-tein-basic-coilover-install-%2A%2Apics%2A%2A-3g-garage-d-022-a-617782/

and this:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/self-installed-spec-suspension-3g-garage-d-058-a-568429/

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

Yes, It's very simple once you know where the bolts are for the seat back.

seagleton1

Yes, remove the back seat. Remove the bench part first - two clips in front - lift up they will release lower seat and remove - easy. The seat back has four bolts - two are hidden by the head rests and two are at the base (visible). Push button at base of head rest and lift them out. The head rests cover a two inch seam in the upholostry - Use a long extension and a deep socket. Push them through the seam to the hidden bolts. Lock on and back out. Then remove the lower visible bolts and get the seat belts out of the way - Remove the seat back. The owners manual says to remove the back deck and the side air bag covers, but YOU DO NOT HAVE TO. After you remove the seat you can see the top of the struts. All you need is the tool I have taken a pic of purchased at Harbor Freight for about $12 and some SIX point deep metric sockets ($12 as well). There are two bolts. Go for the one that is in the back first - break it loose and spin off with your fingers. The other bolt is easy and can be done with a regular socket and 3/8 inch ratchet. It is a tight space but average size hands can get in there. Then go down below and remove the lower bolt and the strut will drop. Take your time and rotate the strut out. You can use a long piece of pipe to move the suspension up and down - It will come out - be patient as there is a brake line you need to be aware of. Some tips: double jack stand each side and get a long pipe to move the suspension up and down. Consider buying the complete assembly as it is new, safer and saves a lot of time for minimal dollars.

lsvtec408

thanks for the info doing this too.