I'm getting ready to replace my front struts shortly.

Does the whole coil spring/strut assembly need to be removed or can the strut be changed without removing the whole assembly??

It's a 2001 Accord EX , 4Cyl.

 

The whole assembly comes out together

 

Got it. So I'll need a coil spring compressor to get the strut out? Correct?

 

You won't need a spring compressor to get the strut out but you will need one to remove the spring from the strut. Pay close attention to how the base of your strut and the bolts on top are lined up and how the bushings go back together.... You can remove the whole assembly with just basic tools if need be and then take the shocks/struts in and have the springs removed for fairly cheap or just rent the spring compressor and do it yourself, it's up to you....