20) Now for the scary part. Taking apart the strut. That 17mm nut on top, the one that we first loosened in the beginning, is the only thing keeping the strut from springing apart (no pun intended). Some say you should always use a spring compressor when doing this. In fact, I say you should always use a spring compressor, but as the writer of this DIY, I am telling you it's not necessary with the 2001+ Civics, as long as you have someone sit on the spring, or as I did it, stand on it with my foot. It doesn't spring out like you think it would (I've tested this on 6 cars already). Below you will see a video of me removing the 17mm nut and the strut coming apart. I was probably only applying 70 lbs. of pressure to the spring with my foot, so it's much more effective if you sit on the spring and remove the nut. Even though I have deemed it safe, you should have the spring aiming away from anything that it might cause damage to just in case it's under a little more pressure. And if you have access to a spring compressor, then don't be a man. Use it.