Replace the front strut mount(s) on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, involving removal of the strut assembly and installation of new upper mount bearings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 2 — 51920-TBA-A01 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if sold separately) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper/dust boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front lift point
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at proper jacking points behind front wheels
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
7. Take photos of strut orientation and sway bar link position for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts inside the engine bay. On the driver's side, you may need to move the fuse box aside or remove the air intake duct for better access. Clean around the nuts to prevent debris from falling into the engine bay. Do NOT remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the strut. Use a 14mm wrench to hold the ball stud shaft (insert 6mm Allen key into shaft if needed to prevent spinning) while using a 17mm socket to remove the upper nut. Separate the end link from the strut. If ball joint is seized, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake hose bracket
   Locate the brake hose bracket bolted to the strut body. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bolt securing the brake hose bracket. Carefully move the brake hose aside - do NOT let it hang unsupported or kink. Support it with wire or zip ties if necessary to prevent strain on the hose.
4. 4

   Remove ABS sensor wire bracket
   If equipped, locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire bracket on the strut. Remove the retaining clip or bolt (typically 10mm) securing the wire to the strut. Carefully route the wire away from the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   Locate the two pinch bolts (17mm or 19mm) securing the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut. These bolts pass through a pinch clamp that grips the strut shaft. Mark the orientation of the strut to the knuckle with a paint pen if desired. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the pinch clamp slightly to free the strut from the knuckle.
   ⚠Support the strut from above or have an assistant hold it before removing the last pinch bolt, as the strut assembly will be free to move once both bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Working from the engine bay, use a 14mm socket to remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Hold the strut assembly from below while removing the final nut. Carefully lower the entire strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. Maneuver it past the CV axle and brake components.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Control its descent to prevent damage to brake lines, CV boots, or other components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Tighten the compressors evenly and alternately, a few turns at a time, until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount. You should be able to wiggle the upper mount freely when the spring is sufficiently compressed. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in the coils.
   ⚠️Use only a quality coil spring compressor designed for automotive use. Compress the spring SLOWLY and EVENLY. Check frequently that the compressor tools are seated properly. An improperly compressed or secured spring can explosively release with lethal force.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Using a 21mm socket (or appropriate size) on the strut shaft nut, and a 6mm Allen key or suitable tool to hold the strut shaft from turning, remove the center nut at the top of the strut shaft. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, dust boot, bump stop, and spring in order. Keep track of the orientation and order of all components. Inspect the bump stop and dust boot for damage.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: spring (ensure it seats properly in the lower spring seat groove), bump stop, dust boot, spring seat (align with positioning tabs), new bearing, and new upper mount. Ensure all components are properly oriented - the upper mount has specific front-to-back and side-to-side orientation. Refer to photos taken during disassembly and new parts packaging.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification per manufacturer guidelines (typically 60-75 Nm, but verify with service manual - this specification is NOT provided in the database and must be verified). Apply thread locker if specified by the mount manufacturer.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides a few turns at a time. Ensure the spring seats properly into the upper and lower spring seat grooves as tension is applied. Once the spring is fully seated and supporting the mount assembly, completely remove the compressor tools.
    ⚠Watch carefully as you release spring tension. If the spring is not properly seated, STOP and re-compress to correct the position before continuing.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Carefully lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the three upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper nuts hand-tight from the engine bay. Insert the lower strut shaft into the steering knuckle pinch clamp. You may need to spread the clamp slightly with a pry bar. Align any orientation marks made during removal.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install and torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Insert both strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts and install nuts. Torque both bolts to 116.0 Nm (86 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Ensure the pinch clamp fully closes around the strut shaft.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    Working in the engine bay, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to 50.0 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect components and install wheel
    Reinstall the brake hose bracket to the strut and torque fastener properly. Reconnect the ABS sensor wire bracket. Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut. Hold the ball stud with Allen key and torque the nut to 55.0 Nm (41 lb-ft). Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both mounts.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the wheels just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to 129.0 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack. Reinstall any components removed for access (air intake, fuse box). Close hood.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners with [CRITICAL] designation must be torqued to exact specifications using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure all brake components, ABS sensors, and wiring are properly secured and routed away from moving suspension parts
3. Verify the coil spring is properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats before driving
4. Double-check that all three strut tower nuts are installed and torqued on each side

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each corner of the front end to verify strut mounts are secure with no clunking or abnormal noises
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary (engine running for power steering) and verify smooth operation with no binding or noise from strut mounts
• Visually inspect from engine bay that strut mount rubber is not torn and sits flush against strut tower
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify normal steering response and no unusual noises over bumps
• CRITICAL: Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately. Strut mount replacement affects camber and caster angles
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on all fasteners including wheel lug nuts, strut tower nuts, and strut-to-knuckle bolts

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