Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure addresses removal and installation of the rear suspension panhard bar/track bar, which is not a standard component on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic. The Civic uses a multi-link rear suspension without a panhard bar.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Aftermarket or custom component - not OEM
• Mounting hardware kit × 1 — Specific to aftermarket panhard bar manufacturer

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If removing an aftermarket panhard bar, photograph mounting points and orientation for reference
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified locations on chassis rails
7. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect existing rear suspension configuration
   Verify whether an aftermarket panhard bar is currently installed. From under the rear of the vehicle, inspect the rear axle beam or multi-link suspension. The factory Honda Civic uses a multi-link independent rear suspension with no lateral locating bar. If no panhard bar exists and you are installing one, identify the mounting points per the aftermarket kit instructions.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Place a floor jack under the rear suspension beam or lower control arm to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from hanging fully extended and allows controlled movement during removal or installation. Raise jack just enough to lightly compress the suspension to a neutral position.
   ⚠Do not place excessive load on the jack; it should only support the suspension weight, not lift the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove chassis-side mounting bolt (removal only)
   If removing an existing aftermarket panhard bar, locate the chassis-side mounting bracket. Apply penetrating oil to the mounting bolt if corroded. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt securing the panhard bar to the chassis mounting bracket. Note the orientation of any washers, bushings, or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt (removal only)
   Locate the axle or suspension-side mounting point of the panhard bar. This is typically on the opposite side of the rear beam or on a lower control arm mounting bracket. Remove the bolt securing the bar to this mount. Support the bar weight as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove panhard bar assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the panhard bar assembly from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting brackets, bushings, and hardware for wear or damage. If brackets are welded or bolted to the chassis or suspension, and you are removing the entire system, remove the bracket mounting bolts from the chassis.
6. 6

   Clean and prepare mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces on the chassis and suspension components. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread-locking compound from bolt holes. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks, deformation, or fatigue. If installing a new panhard bar system, ensure all mounting brackets are properly positioned and aligned per manufacturer instructions.
7. 7

   Install chassis-side mount
   Position the panhard bar with the chassis-side bushing or rod end aligned with the mounting bracket. Insert the mounting bolt through the bracket and bar. Do not fully tighten yet. Thread the nut onto the bolt and hand-tighten only to allow for suspension alignment adjustment.
8. 8

   Install axle-side mount
   Align the opposite end of the panhard bar with the axle or suspension-side mounting bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Insert the mounting bolt and hand-tighten the nut. Ensure the bar moves freely without binding through its range of motion as the suspension cycles.
9. 9

   Set suspension to ride height
   Using the floor jack supporting the rear suspension, carefully raise or lower the suspension to simulate normal ride height with vehicle weight. This is critical for proper bushing orientation and to prevent premature wear. The suspension should be at approximately the same position as when the vehicle is sitting on all four wheels.
   ℹ️Torquing suspension components at full droop or full compression will preload bushings and cause premature failure.
10. 10

    Torque mounting hardware
    With suspension at ride height, torque the panhard bar mounting bolts per the aftermarket manufacturer specifications. If no specifications are provided, typical panhard bar mounting bolts range from 80-120 Nm. Since these are not factory components, no OEM torque specifications exist for this Honda Civic application. Consult the aftermarket kit installation instructions for proper torque values.
11. 11

    Verify clearances and range of motion
    Manually cycle the rear suspension through its full range of travel by carefully raising and lowering the floor jack. Verify the panhard bar does not contact the chassis, exhaust system, fuel tank, or brake lines at any point. Check for adequate clearance at full compression and full droop. Verify all mounting hardware remains tight.
    ⚠Interference with brake lines or fuel lines can cause dangerous failure. Ensure minimum 25mm clearance to all critical components.
12. 12

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Install both rear wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and perform final checks
    Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Perform a final inspection under the vehicle to verify all mounting hardware is secure and there is no contact between the panhard bar and other components.

Reassembly

1. All mounting hardware must be torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent bushing preload
2. Verify no contact between panhard bar and brake lines, fuel lines, or exhaust components through full suspension travel
3. Road test at low speed in a safe area before normal driving to verify no abnormal noises or handling issues

Verification

• Visually confirm both mounting points are secure with no visible gaps or misalignment
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering returns to center and there is no pulling to one side
• Listen for any clunking, knocking, or binding noises from rear suspension over bumps
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after installation as panhard bar affects rear axle lateral positioning
• Re-torque all mounting hardware after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for abnormal tire wear patterns after 500 miles indicating alignment issues

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