Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replace both rear coil springs on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo. This involves safely compressing springs, removing rear strut assemblies, and installing new springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower per side) × 4 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-specified jacking points on chassis
5. Remove both rear wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut bolts, strut tower nuts, and suspension fasteners if vehicle has rust or corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the wheel hub on the side being serviced. Raise jack just enough to support the weight of the suspension and relieve tension, but do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This allows controlled lowering of the suspension.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or strut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the sway bar link nut using a 17mm socket. Disconnect the link from the suspension. This provides clearance for strut removal.
   ℹ️Inspect sway bar link bushings and boots for wear. Replace if cracked or torn.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut lower mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the rear knuckle/spindle assembly. Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the knuckle bracket slightly to release the strut. Support the strut assembly as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠The strut assembly will become loose once both bolts are removed. Ensure it is supported and will not fall.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the trunk and remove the interior trim panel covering the rear strut tower if necessary. On the Civic, you may need to pull back carpet or remove plastic clips to access the strut tower. Locate the strut tower mounting nuts (typically 2-3 nuts at the top of the strut).
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut assembly
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand or having an assistant hold it, use a 17mm socket to remove the strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower the entire strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. Set on a clean work surface.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   With the strut assembly on a stable work surface, install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are fully seated in the spring coils and will not slip. Verify the compressor is properly aligned and secured per the tool manufacturer's instructions.
   ⚠️Improperly installed spring compressors can slip off under tension causing violent spring release. Double-check that compressor hooks are fully engaged in coil valleys and cannot slip.
7. 7

   Compress spring
   Gradually and evenly compress the spring by alternating between the two compressor tools. Tighten each compressor a few turns at a time to maintain even compression. Continue until the spring is compressed enough that tension is fully relieved from the upper strut mount. You should be able to wiggle the mount freely when adequate compression is achieved.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Never fully compress one side before the other as this can cause the spring to bind or slip off the compressor.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses and keep face and body away from the spring axis during compression.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut and remove old spring
   Remove the strut shaft top nut (typically 17mm or 19mm) while holding the shaft with a wrench or Allen key. Remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring isolator, compressed spring, and lower spring isolator. Carefully set the compressed spring aside in a safe location. Note the orientation of all components and isolators for reassembly.
   ⚠️Keep the compressed spring secured with compressors at all times. Do not remove compressors until spring is reinstalled or safely stored.
9. 9

   Inspect components and prepare new spring
   Inspect the strut mount, bearing, and isolator pads for wear, cracking, or damage. Replace any worn components. Clean the strut body and mounting surfaces. Install new upper and lower spring isolators on the new coil spring in the same orientation as the old spring. Install spring compressors on the new spring and compress until it matches the compressed length of the old spring.
   ℹ️New springs are typically longer than worn springs. Ensure adequate compression for safe installation.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut with new spring
    Place the compressed new spring onto the strut body with the lower isolator seated in the strut's spring perch. Ensure the spring end is properly positioned in the isolator tab/slot. Install the upper spring isolator, bearing plate, and upper strut mount in the correct orientation. Install and hand-tighten the strut shaft nut while holding the shaft to prevent rotation.
11. 11

    Release spring tension
    Verify all strut components are properly seated and aligned. Gradually and evenly release the spring compressors by loosening them in small increments, alternating between tools. As tension releases, ensure the spring seats properly in both upper and lower isolators. Once fully released and spring is seated correctly, remove the compressor tools.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Watch for any shifting or misalignment. If spring appears to be seating incorrectly, re-compress and reposition.
12. 12

    Torque strut shaft nut
    With the spring fully seated and compressors removed, torque the strut shaft top nut to specification while holding the shaft from rotating. Verify the strut assembly is properly assembled and all components are secure.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly
    Lift the assembled strut into position in the wheel well. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the strut tower nuts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. With the top secured, align the lower strut mount with the knuckle bracket and install both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm or strut bracket. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-14 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should always be replaced as a pair to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics.
16. 16

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Reinstall any interior trim panels removed for strut tower access.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Ensure interior trim panels are properly reinstalled and secured
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify normal spring rebound without noise or binding
• Visually inspect rear ride height - both sides should be equal
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation and no unusual noises
• Check for any fluid leaks around strut assemblies
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as spring replacement affects rear suspension geometry and alignment angles

More procedures for this vehicle