1. With the vehicle fully supported, the rear shock replacement was pretty easy. The MDX has a coil/link rearend, so swapping the rear shocks was a two-bolt (upper and lower) operation.
| 01 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
2. With the mounting bolts removed, compress the rear shocks so they can be maneuvered into place, then reuse the mounting bolts. While the wheel is off, inspect the links, coil springs, and brake parts.
| 02 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
3. Be sure not to damage or drop the shocks during installation. Any impacts to the cylinder could cause problems later. Also, do not put any sideloads on the shock that could compromise the seals surrounding the shock rod.
| 03 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
4. Removing the front strut is a little more complicated. First, remove the brake hose bolt and the ABS sensor wire bolt from the strut assembly. Save the bolts--you'll need them later.
| 04 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
5. Next, disconnect the stabilizer-bar link and remove the two lower mounting bolts and nuts, separating the strut assembly from the steering knuckle. You'll need a strong torque wrench for the last two.
| 05 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
6. Remove the three upper mounting nuts that connect the strut assembly with the vehicle's upper body mount. Depending on the application, access to these bolts may be tricky and hidden.
| 06 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
7. Before completely removing the strut assembly, be sure to have the lower control arm and knuckle supported from below. Be cautious when removing the entire unit, carefully working the lower portion away from brakelines and wiring.
| 07 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
8. A spring compressor will be necessary to relax the tension to allow the loosening of the top rod nut. Using a spring compressor is dangerous, so you should have a local shop do this for you.To make sure the existing springs line up correctly on the new Sensa-Trac struts, mark the springs so they line up with the lower mounting bolts. Also, new struts are likely to be shipped in the locked-down position, so the rod will need to be rotated counterclockwise to release and extend to its full length before installation.
| 08 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
9. Reinstalling the new strut and spring assembly is likely to take two people: one to thread a few of the upper mounting nuts and another to locate the lower mounting bolts. Inspect all reused parts beforehand to determine if they need to be replaced. It's important when dealing with suspension and steering components that you torque all bolts to the proper manufacturer's specification. The lower bolts must be torqued to at least 116 pound-feet on the Acura, so make sure you have access to an accurate torque wrench and the right torque spec for your vehicle.
| 09 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
10. The completed assembly has the stabilizer bar reconnected, the brake line attached, and ABS wiring in place. While it's open is a good time to inspect the brakes and halfshafts, and look for leaks.
| 10 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
11. 0nce the lug nuts are torqued to factory specs, check all tire clearances, especially if your vehicle isn't running a larger-diameter tire. We're running a 255 tire (it came new with 235s), but we still have over an inch between rubber and the lower spring seat.
| 11 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
12. The Sensa-Trac shock from Monroe is a position-sensitive damper, meaning it will modify its absorbing strength based on the size of the inputs. It does this via a series of orifices channeling fluid inside the shock.
| 12 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks
