Q: How Do I remove and install the Rear Shock Absorber on Honda Civic?
A: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Remove the wheel. Fold down the trim panel in the trunk for access to the shock absorber upper mount. Support the lower arm with a floor jack placed under the Trailing Arm where it meets the knuckle. Remove the shock absorber upper mounting nut. Hold the damper shaft with a hex bit while loosening the nut to prevent the shaft from turning. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt, then remove the shock absorber. Check the shock body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other obvious damage which would warrant repair or replacement. Guide the shock absorber up into the fenderwell and insert the damper through the hole in the body. Once the damper rod protrudes from the hole, install the bushing, washer and nut so the assembly won't fall back through. Be sure to use new mounting bushings. Connect the shock to the trailing arm. Raise the trailing arm with the floor jack to simulate normal ride height, then tighten the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and damper mounting nut. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
Q: How to replace a Strut and Spring Assembly on Honda Civic?
A: Remove the strut/spring assembly, mount it in the vise, and compress the spring. Hold the damper rod, unscrew the nut, and remove the upper mount. Remove the spring seat/insulator, lift the compressed spring, and remove the dust cover/plate. Slide the bump stop and extend the damper rod. Install the bump stop/dust cover/plate, place the compressed coil spring, and install the upper insulator/spring seat. Install the bearing/support, install the washer/nut, remove the spring compressor, and install the strut/spring assembly.
Q: How Do You remove and install a front Strut Assembly on Honda Civic?
A: Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheels. Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut and detach the speed sensor wiring harness from the strut by removing the clamp bracket bolt. Remove the stabilizer bar link from the strut, mark the position of the strut to the Steering Knuckle, then remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts. Remove the access cover from the cowl panel, then remove the three upper nuts securing the strut assembly to the body. Separate the strut from the steering knuckle and remove it. Check the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other obvious damage which would warrant repair or replacement. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating and inspect the spring seat for cuts, hardness and general deterioration. Guide the strut assembly up into the fenderwell and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body, then install the nuts. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts, install the nuts, align the previously made matchmarks and tighten them to the torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Tighten the upper mounting nuts and install the cowl panel cover. Have the front end alignment checked and, if necessary, adjusted.