This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering damper on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering damper mounting hardware kit × 1 — Check if included with damper

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering damper
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The steering damper is mounted to the steering rack or subframe and connects to the steering linkage. Identify the damper location and note the orientation of mounting hardware before removal.
2. 2

   Remove lower mounting bolt
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the lower mounting bolt that connects the steering damper to the steering rack or subframe. Support the damper with one hand to prevent it from falling once the bolt is removed. Set the bolt aside if reusing, or discard if new hardware is provided.
3. 3

   Remove upper mounting bolt
   Remove the upper mounting bolt that secures the damper to the steering linkage or bracket using a 12mm socket. The damper should now be free from the vehicle. Carefully remove the damper from its position, noting any spacers or washers that may be present.
4. 4

   Inspect mounting points
   Examine both mounting points on the steering rack and linkage for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check mounting bushings for deterioration. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary. Verify new damper matches the original in length and mounting configuration.
5. 5

   Install new steering damper
   Position the new steering damper in place, aligning it with both mounting points. Ensure any spacers or washers are properly positioned as noted during removal. Install the upper mounting bolt finger-tight first, then install the lower mounting bolt finger-tight to ensure proper alignment.
6. 6

   Torque mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten both steering damper mounting bolts to 26.0 Nm (19.0 lb-ft). Torque the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt. Verify the damper moves freely through its range of motion without binding.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reinstall wheels
   Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a socket until snug but not fully torqued.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and final torque
   Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 129.0 Nm (95.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle
2. Double-check that all mounting bolts are properly torqued
3. Verify wheels are securely fastened with proper lug nut torque

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no unusual noises or binding
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify steering feels stable without oscillation or vibration
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm the damper is securely mounted with no loose hardware
• Check for proper damper operation by observing smooth resistance without leaking or damage

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