Acura MDX
Hood Lift Supports Replacement Guide
How to change the hood lift supports
("shocks, "struts") in the engine bay of a 1st generation 2001 to 2006 Acura MDX.
 2006 Acura MDX Hood |
 Left Side Lift Support |
 Right Side "Shock / Strut" |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically created to assist
owners of the first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006)
Acura MDX in changing weak, worn out or faulty hood lift supports
(also known as the "shocks" or "struts") to help you more easily
access the engine bay with out risking injury from the hood falling. Owners of other Acura or Honda vehicles such as the RDX, ILX, TLX, RLX, TL, CL, RSX, RL, TSX, ZDX, NSX, Integra, Pilot, Accord, Civic, Fit, Clarity, CR-V, CR-Z, HR-V, Odyssey, Element and Ridgeline may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A few compatible replacement hood lift supports with their part numbers include the following: QiMox K90-0013T, Dayincar 6332, ECCPP 053624-5211-1901051, Tuff Support 611997, BOXI BXC300034052-2 and Strong Arm 6332. The only tool needed to remove and replace the hood lift supports is a standard flathead screwdriver. |
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 Two New Hood Supports |
 Garbage Can - Prop Open Hood |
 Top of Old Lift Support |
| The first two steps
are to pull the hood release latch and then lift open the hood. Place a towel on the engine cover to protect it from being scratched or marred. Use something large and strong to prop open the hood while you are replacing the supports, such as a small waste bin or a cardboard box. Locate the inner edge of the metal "C" shaped retaining clips at the top and bottom of the old hood lift supports (also known as the struts, shocks, rods or props). |
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 Pry Out Retaining Clip |
 Metal "C" Clip Removed |
 Pull Off Top of Support |
| I started by
replacing the passenger side hood lift support. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the "C" shaped retaining clips from the top and bottom of the old support. Pull the socket at the top of the hood support off the ball mounted to the hood. |
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 Bottom Socket |
 Pull Out Bottom "C" Clip |
 Pull Off Bottom Socket |
| Repeat the process
of prying out the "C" retaining clip at the bottom of the hood lift support. Pull the bottom socket off the ball end attached to the engine bay. |
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 Old Support Detached |
 Firmly Push On Socket |
 Secure Bottom Ball & Socket |
| Line up the new
hood lift support with the exposed bare metal strut bar at the top close to
the hood and the painted black metal shock body closer to the bottom by the
engine bay. Firmly push the socket at the top of the new support on to the ball end mounting point attached to the hood. Then push the bottom socket into place on to the ball end attached to the engine bay. |
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 Driver Side Hood Lift |
 Pry Out Metal Clip |
 Pry Out Bottom "C" Clip |
| Repeat the process to replace the driver side support. | ||
 Push On Bottom Socket |
 Snap On Top Socket |
 Hood Lifts Replaced! |
| Double check that
the two new supports are securely attached to the mounting points on the
hood and engine bay. Close the hood and open it again to test the supports. If they are working properly, the hood should spring up and raise by itself and remain fully open with the supports fully extended. For more,
please check out all of my
2001-2006 Acura MDX DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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