Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers (dampers) on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified points on the unibody frame
6. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior shock mounting
   Open the trunk and locate the rear shock tower access panels. Remove the cargo floor panels or interior trim as needed to expose the upper shock mounting nuts. On sedan models, this is typically behind side trim panels. On hatchback models, access may be under the floor panel near the rear seats.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Position the floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle to slightly compress the suspension and take load off the shock. Raise just enough to support the weight but maintain working clearance. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove upper shock mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, locate the upper shock tower nuts (typically two nuts per shock). Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper mounting nuts. Hold the shock piston rod if it spins while loosening. Do not allow the shock to fall once nuts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower shock bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear knuckle or lower mount. Use a 17mm socket to remove the lower shock bolt. Support the shock by hand as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove shock assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the shock assembly from the vehicle by pulling it down and out from the wheel well. Maneuver it past any suspension components or brake lines. Compare the old shock with the new replacement to ensure correct part before installation.
6. 6

   Install new shock assembly
   Position the new shock assembly into place, inserting the upper mount studs through the shock tower holes first. Maneuver the lower portion of the shock into position while ensuring the suspension is properly supported with the floor jack. Align the lower mounting hole with the knuckle or mounting bracket.
7. 7

   Install lower shock bolt
   Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and thread it by hand to ensure proper alignment. Use a 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lower bolt to specification. Ensure the shock is properly seated in the lower mount before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install upper shock mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, install the upper shock tower nuts onto the shock mounting studs. Thread nuts by hand first, then use a 14mm socket and torque wrench to tighten to specification. Verify the shock mount is properly seated against the tower before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   Carefully lower the floor jack from under the first side. Reposition the jack to support the opposite side rear suspension. Repeat steps 3 through 8 to replace the second rear shock absorber using the same procedure.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand tool but do not torque yet. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all trunk interior trim panels and cargo floor pieces that were removed for access
2. Verify all fasteners are properly tightened and no tools or parts are left in trunk or wheel wells
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the new shocks dampen the movement properly without excessive bouncing
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no rattling or clunking noises from the rear suspension
• Verify the rear of the vehicle sits at proper ride height and is level side-to-side
• Re-check all mounting bolt torques after test drive
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from the new shock seals after initial test drive

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