How to Replace Rear Struts 01-05 Honda Civic
Difficulty: Advanced · About 50 min · Honda Civic
Replace the rear struts on a 2001-2005 Honda Civic.
Tools you will need
- Torque wrench
- 14mm socket
- 15mm socket
- Rust penetrant
- Pry bar
- 17mm socket
- Jack stands
- 19mm socket
- 3/8 inch drive ratchet
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Floor jack
- Swivel
- Impact gun
Parts and supplies
- Rear strut
Steps
- Access the strut
Remove the trunk carpet, unscrew the trim's plastic retainer, remove the trim's two plastic clips, pull the trim off, then remove the strut's two top 14mm nuts.
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, remove the four 19mm lug nuts, then pull off the wheel.
- Remove the old strut
Remove the 17mm bolt at the bottom of the strut, then pull it out of the bracket with a pry bar.
- Install the new strut
Lift it into place, start the two 15mm top nuts by hand, pull the suspension down with a pry bar, push the lower mount into place, then insert and tighten the 13mm lower bolt.
- Reattach the wheel
Slide it into place, start the lug nuts by hand, then tighten them preliminarily.
- Fasten the strut
Lower the car enough to load the suspension, tighten the two top 15mm nuts, refit the trunk trim and its clips, screw in the retainer by hand, then refit the trunk carpet.
- Fasten the wheel
Tighten the four lug nuts to about 80 ft-lb in a star pattern, then lower the car completely.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.