2005 Honda Civic Rear Strut Replacement

[@SimpleLife1971]

The first question which comes to mind; do Eric's sons realize how fortunate they are? Nice work!!

[@martinsteele3259]

"should just slide off, but this is how I deal with that... smash smash smash" Love it when KZbin stars are just like us! Thanks Eric!!

[@MrKenlandry67]

It was like I was doing it when the struts fell out, love the way you keep it real!!!

[@MauricioLeonCalvo]

"The power of doughnuts compels you", oh man, you make my day!

[@SeraphOfAsgard]

when he said that it took me a second but then i completely lost it and laughed hard

[@mariobarbosa1067]

"Rust never sleeps." and "The power of doughnuts compels you." are my new favorite quotes...

[@ericthecarguy]

I can't take credit for "Rust Never Sleeps". Neil Young has the patent on that. 😉

[@anisena16]

I feel like they’d make good t-shirts

[@jblyon2]

I think I'll keep paying someone like Eric to do this for me. I may know how to do it myself, but that doesn't mean I got the ability!

[@Metallica1545533]

I’m so lucky to live in the land of rust free vehicles

[@kckuc310]

I’m glad to see everyone runs into issues, lol

[@jamespn]

Eric shows you the real deal not an edited version showing no issues or mistakes.

[@2491kridge]

As a technician you don’t know how happy I am I moved away from the northeast down to Georgia about 10 years ago lol. It’s incredible how much more of a breeze it is working on cars down here

[@Jame6999]

@@2491kridge well, lucky you!

[@Jame6999]

The rear is the worst. 😩 Front can be gone in 45 minutes bother sides. As long as it's quick struts. Shit a Volvo I SUPER EASY

[@NoWr2Run]

When ever I change parts on my Jeep, I use scotch brite & Acetone too scuff up the part. Then I put 2 coats of paint on them or P O R 15 then clear them. Parts last so much longer & I even did this too my whole exhaust system, NO MORE RUSTY PARTS. Clean bolts, nuts, also paint them too & use lots of grease or Anti Seize. GREAT VID. SIR ERIC & the struts you were referring too are called " QUICK STRUTS " they have the new springs already on them, good if your springs are shot.

[@ericthecarguy]

Actually, I was not referring to "Quickstruts" in this instance, as I would never put those on a Honda I planned to drive. Ride quality is terrible. Honda actually sells complete assemblies. Parts are listed in the description. Thanks for the tips and for your comment.

[@NoWr2Run]

@@ericthecarguy OH SORRY, Yes I also use O.E.M. parts when available or better. Sometimes have to go to salvage yard & look for parts because nothing out there is very good. It's UNREAL how many parts are out there that they claim fit but in reality you end up modifying the part. EVEN VERY EXPENSIVE PARTS FROM SUPPOSEDLY WELL NAMED MANUFACTURERS. THANKS FOR REPLYING, SIR ERIC.

[@EagleTim265]

"The power of doughnuts compels you" This needs to be on a T-shirt

[@JVHShack]

I'd buy one!

[@spelunkerd]

Cleanest trunk I've seen in a while. This was a boring repair until you broke the bolt, ha ha. Always more fun when you get to pull out the fire! And always good to show people the depth of knowledge you need when stuff happens (regularly).

[@ericthecarguy]

Yea, for some reason the audience likes to watch me suffer. I guess it's the common thread that binds us all when it comes to auto repair.

[@benjamincoulsey7367]

Love New England RUST. Can’t imagine working on my car without it. Love the video Eric

[@natethetoe386]

Videos like this make me thankful that I live in Arizona. We have no rust.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Eric my favorite saying is how hard can it be. Nothing involving rust is ever easy. Stay safe and well 😊🇺🇸 Artie

[@TreyCook21]

Like, oh em gee, a how-to video! It's been like totally literally 6 years! You guessed it. My daughter is a teenager and talks like this all the freaking time. Don't get me wrong though. I am thoroughly excited.

[@ericthecarguy]

I have them too. It seems they have little concept of time as well as I posted a 'repair' video just last week.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

*ETCG AUTO DISMANTLING* Ohio's finest, service with a smile!

[@strongmaster]

This makes me moist. I'm going to be doing my rear struts and this has helped me. You are the man!

[@markcavandish1295]

Man I love these videos. It warms my heart to see you experience the same pain I’m experiencing. Difference is you’re cool, calm and collected. Chapeau!

[@tylerfochtman1578]

Another $700 gift to your son. I thought my manual said to tighten the top nuts with the weight of the car on them and not the bottom one, but the way you explained it made it seem like it makes more sense to not have the brunt of the force in a weightless situation compared to where it would rest in the bushing on its own weight

[@ericthecarguy]

In my opinion the top nuts don't matter, but the bottom one does for the reasons I mentioned in the video. Doesn't mean I can't be wrong. Thanks for the comment.

[@nickstewart3725]

Love your channel Eric!..love the Fairmont project....I got a 1980 Fairmont project that I plan on picking up for sure off of a guy near me and my build has a real special spot in my heart because my grandmother had a fairmont and it was the last car she had and I want to build it in memory of her but with a muscle car twist just like yours! Also the other cool thing is that it was built the same year I was born just a month after which really won me over...and the shocker is that its the same color as yours and a 2 door box top but to cut a long story short you give me tons of inspiration for this project and with all this covid 19 stuff going around there's plenty of time to build something sweet even though funds are low at the moment I plan on making this car beautiful over time...I'm sure grandma will be with step of the way through the entire project! God bless and keep the awesome content flowing!

[@ericthecarguy]

That build sounds awesome. Good luck!

[@TerminusOmega13]

This is exactly the pains I endured when I replaced the lower control arms on my 04 Accord. Bolts seized into the bushings at the front and I had to borrow my buddy's saws-all to get the bolts out. I bought him some new blades to replace the ones I wore out. I had turned the bolt to many times on the driver's side before realizing they were seized into the bushing so I damaged the the weld nut threads and had to grind it away and replace it with a new nut. Thankfully it has held in the six months since I did the project.

[@kennethiman2691]

Glad to see ear protection. I owned a hearing aid business. We saw many cases of permanent hearing damage due to not wearing hearing protection.

[@ericthecarguy]

I haven't been so great about it in the past, but viewers have mentioned it several times in other videos and they're right. Thanks for the comment.

[@amhurford]

I was taught to tighten a rusty nut first. That gets a lot of them loose. Doesn't always work. If not, a nut splitter gets them off. Love the videos. Thanks Eric.

[@questioner1596]

It doesn't help much when a through bolt is rusted to a bushing. I had this issue on Focus rear control arms when the Newfoundland car was 7 years old.

[@coache1nine]

I'm in the Midwest. I cannot count the times rust has turned a simple repair into an all day job

[@timothykeith1367]

I'm in South Texas where there isn't any rust (no winter salt) and I also had difficulty with the 05 Civic rear lower strut bolt. A very powerful impact wrench was needed, the Harbor Freight pneumatic Earthquake wasn't strong enough.

[@xtakeroflifex7957]

@@timothykeith1367 currently doing a rear disc swap on my 05 civic and i pulled the stuff from a 20 year old car civic si and shockingly i was able to get all the bolt off with a 18ft breaker bar and ratcheting wrench. san antonio.

[@davidmccleary5540]

The DIY for removing a stuck washer was worth the price of admission 😁

[@sirnik84]

Eric, I haven't owned a Honda in 5 years. but I don't miss a video you post because I love learning and then you say things like "the power of donuts compels you" HAHA Thats what I'm here for.

[@jamespn]

When WD lets you down, sawsall is your friend, so is a complete new strut and spring assembly. Great tip on charging the strut to eliminate potential ride noise, smart.

[@619guy202]

He wanted to only use the OEM Honda part

[@damnoldguy]

"Lets see if we have a problem over here".... lights torch. The Spanish inquisition has entered the chat🤣

[@jasonyoung6420]

I used to have a 2006 WRX wagon, when I did suspension I planned on replacing the fasteners, because it was 14 years old at the time, so I just preemptively ordered them all. I was not wrong, and ended up replacing all of them; New England and other salt belt regions tend to make metal parts merge permanently.

[@jennifersugint]

Thank you! I’m doing this job right now. Your video is saving me!

[@zx8401ztv]

The power of the reciprocating saw, brutal but effective. Along with it's mates the cold chisel and your favorite hammer, nothing stands a chance :-D I hope your son appreciates you.

[@ericthecarguy]

He does. I also appreciate him. I just got notice he's on the honor roll again. Have a great weekend.

[@rhoptry]

Rust, broken bolts, compressing springs make for entertainment. Fun to watch.

[@robertbritton9674]

Glad to see ETCG back with his videos.

[@ericthecarguy]

Glad to see YOU back. I never stopped making the videos. Thanks for the comment.

[@bg147]

A kid at the auto parts store told me to "exercise" the new shocks I bought by doing the same thing you did. I guess he knew his stuff.

[@greglems206]

@12:31 scared the CRAP out of me. I jumped in my seat like I was watching a horror movie.

[@JohnnyTalia]

Putting a wrench on those fasteners is like "small talk". A smile, a few pleasantries, some earnest persuasion. Usually followed soon after by serious mechanical violence.

[@coache1nine]

Yeah, persuasion in the form of a BMFH and a big pry bar, mixed with a few choice adjectives, lol

[@ruinunes8251]

@@coache1nine I call it phenomenal language. 😃😃

[@benzahm8220]

I feel for you. My last rear struts came out the same way.

[@Enrique2k52]

Amazing I was planning to change the struts in my Honda civic ex 2004 and this video was a blessing thank you Eric. very good video, Like always.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric I always enjoy watching your videos I am from South Africa

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for watching!

[@jtmack77]

Outright chuckled at "Power of doughnuts compels you"

[@w1nnin]

Snapped the bolt on my moms mdx 🤣😂 looked at her n said “send the car around the corner to the mechanic”. Damn nyc rust

[@alward9901]

Love these regular routine repairs

[@DavidM-yv9js]

A tourch helps so much with old rusty bolts. Used a propane torch for 30 seconds to get rusty nuts glowing then the nuts came off so easy. Replaced front and rear struts on 2012 Altima and 2006 Ford 500. Tried cutting with angle grinder then later propane torch. Torch so much better. Had a fire extinguisher next to me.

[@ericthecarguy]

In this case however you have a rubber bushing involved. Not saying one can't, 'burn it out', but in my experience, that creates a big mess, a fire, and possibly other damage. Not to mention the fumes are toxic. Thanks for the comment.

[@clintwhite4372]

I was literally doing this same job a few days ago. But it was a 7th gen Hatchback. But the struts are the same. It beat me up pretty good.

[@619guy202]

Ha-ha

[@Roger-nr6hh]

This is exactly what I need to do to my car. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@jrus1]

I agree with your statement . I had a HELL OF A TIME doing my rears on my RSX, on my garage floor.. It's not easy to align the bolts back once you get the new strut in place.. geeezus.... You need 2 people. Lots of tension on that springI thought the fronts were hard, i'd do the fronts again and again over the rears if i had to.

[@julianarodriguez3635]

I love when work on honda eric keep them coming your the man eric

[@danielpribulla3744]

Thank you for showing the rusty struggle as well. It's always easier overall if you can get the bolt out in one piece. Tons of penetrating oil, massage with hammer, impact and patience. Still better than drilling out from underneath.

[@ericthecarguy]

In my experience once the bolt seizes inside the bushing it's done. No amount of penetrating oil seems to solve it and by the time you're done working it back and forth you've probably damaged the bushing. Although, sometimes you might get lucky. Thanks for the comment.

[@dmonster808]

​@@ericthecarguyYou are right! When i looked at the part i cut with the sawzall, it looked like it somehow swelled or was actually one piece! There was no way in hell it would have ever broke free, it looked like a ring when you cut a tree down. It was a very faint separation.

[@Glenn_123]

Wow! What a job! Thanks for the great videos Eric!

[@DeerLogic]

Same thing happened to my 1999 CL. I had to remove the knuckles with the strut attached, then cut an ear off of one side of the of the struts and the bolt on the other side of the strut to expose the bushing with the bolt shaft seized in it. I used a torch to melt the rubber out, then a sawzall to cut the outer race of the bushing and collapsed it with a punch. Pressed new bushings into the knuckles and put it all back together with new bolts from Napa.

[@ericthecarguy]

Sounds like fun! Not. Thanks for the comment.

[@andrewmain3572]

Had to do that job once in pre-sawzall days. No room for a hacksaw so I had to use just the blade. And yes it did take a long, long, long time.

[@ericthecarguy]

That sounds like some kind of torture, or a prison break. Thanks for the comment.

[@escottn]

😳😅

[@1717jbs]

Big hammers and big pry bars are a mechanic's best friend!

[@ericthecarguy]

Don't forget about the torch.

[@stevewolf2620]

Bless the BFH

[@1717jbs]

@@ericthecarguy And Saw.

[@oobikenobi5328]

"The power of doughnuts compels you", yep, I'm going to use that one. Thanks for the laugh.

[@cory8791]

I am surprised that you did not have your son do it!! Great vid!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

This is pretty 'advanced' stuff. Also, it's different when I film these repairs. Honestly, I'd rather keep my kids off the channel. The internet isn't always a 'kind' place. Thanks for the comment.

[@younesrabhi5731]

torch is always your friend

[@labradormcgraw]

Great catch at 12:30 ! The reason we all learn so much from this channel is that it's not afraid to show us all the crap that gets in the way of the finished deal. And, let's face it, it's all that crap that we need to know about. Doesn't your son want to learn all this stuff for future reference? I guess he's grown up around auto repair and has lost all interest. Great nuts 'n' bolts video, Eric. Still the best on KZbin.

[@ericthecarguy]

My son does enjoy working on cars and learning about them, but not as a career, and I'm just fine with that. Also, I try to avoid putting my kids on the show. The internet is not always kind. Always great to see you.

[@ew4206]

The head of that fastener coming off is pretty much my entire life.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Should change that bolt every time you change the strut anyway. Only makes it easier to not do anything stupid if it breaks.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Mmmm ... donuts .... :D #rustbeltlife! LOL. Gotta love it (not really). Nothing is simple in the northern regions of the USA (or Canada, I hear). I also notice the cheapout in metal quality in these components the past 25 years or so. Back in the day, the bodies would rust away, but I rarely had to cut a bolt out of a shock or strut. Seems to be a thing these days. Now nothing is off limits to the cheapout - engines, transmissions, undercarriage metal. Automakers are in IDGAF mode! Anyway, you killed 2 birds with one stone - we get a video, and your son gets a smooth ride. WIN-WIN!

[@StevenBuchanan]

(Insert Dad Joke here) There goes Eric strutting his stuff... LOL

[@TimTurner115]

I'm glad I live in Texas. Not very many times I have to cut the bolts loose

[@thomasherring6640]

I have always used a grinder with a cutting disc to remove the crusty remains of those lower strut bolts. I think it is a good bit faster than using the sawz all, and I've never had to change the disc in the middle of the job.

[@alan2804]

Your back Eric! Doing real stuff, great!

[@karlneimeister5053]

Hey hey, my my. Rust control can never die.

[@luiscorreia887]

Thanks Eric, like always very educational.

[@cagonzal13]

Thanks good info Ive been following you from the time you were in the house garage. Thanks Eric

[@gusgiesel]

12:30 very nice catch. I see you've done this before. Those lower mounts were real bastards.

[@pv2smurf]

2:28 is me everytime I plan to do a repair rather quickly. #BeenThereDoneThat

[@619guy202]

#metoo

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good work Eric

[@ShenryRNBSN]

How ironic. I just did this same job on my CR-V of the same vintage. Literally the same process. I was able to change 3/4 struts. Driver side rear strut was seized in place. With limited tools, that portion of the job had to be outsourced. They cut the strut out to salvage the bolt, but got it done. KYBs all the way around makes for a much more tolerable ride.

[@SteveoAtilla]

"The power of donuts compels you." LOL!

[@mtrefethen1]

"The power of donuts compels you." 😂

[@PhillyDee215]

Wowwwwwww i just did this same job 3days ago......cool video😎

[@leonvloon]

Your a good Dad!

[@vasiavisilievic1873]

If you dont trust your cheap bolt-style spring comperssors, just use more of them on a single spring, like 3 pairs instead of just one. Takes longer time but much safer.

[@iduimovic]

It has happened to me several times specially in Hondas. Regardless if it looks rusty or not. The possibility of having the bolt rusted inside the bushing it is extremely high, don't know if it is the Honda bolt design or what but 7 out of 10 you will ended up with a ceased/rusted bolt inside a busing on a Honda. A 1 hr. job turn out to be 4 hrs. job and lots of words when you don't have a lift and working on the floor with limited space and add to that the need of lots of saw blades.

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

Rusted bolt: [breaks] Me: It's gonna be a long-ass night, that's what.

[@TuneStunnaMusic]

Ive had to do the trailing arm bushings on my 7th gen, and they were fused like that. I got lucky with the shock bolts, they werent fused. Came out easily.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

Ive always just replaced all four struts at same time . My reason is because if ones like that the rest are the same or close to it . Note to self don't touch Eric's long pry bar 🤣.

[@ericthecarguy]

Given that I insist on using Honda suspension parts, which can be expensive, I prefer to wait until I see a bad strut before replacing it, but I do replace them in pairs when I do find a bad one. Thanks for the comment.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

@@ericthecarguy I don't own a honda no more but I do understand the price . I now own 1999 camry and oem parts are rather cheap . I do see you're point but a lot of it had to do with bad luck .

[@JimTennis-nc2vc]

When changing struts it’s best to change the whole assembly. Usually the springs are what caused the struts to go out in the first place. I’ve seen both weak and spring stiffness causing the original problem. Save yourself a lot of time and money. The worst thing is to get it all back together only to find out the springs are bad..

[@mikeyshouseofbrakes8463]

I've had to do this chore with rusted lower control arms bolts on a Nissan Frontier.

[@Nick-wk2xo]

Nice catch Eric. And ouch, with the pry bar 😬

[@ericthecarguy]

I wasn't near anything 'important' when I sat on it.

[@bg147]

That is a god car for a boy.... sporty, black, and it has a cool dash when illuminated.

[@monsterq6]

Wouldn't be a bad idea to purchase the hardware before hand just in case you have to cut into it and replace it! Great vid Eric hope your son enjoys the smooth noise free ride now

[@ericthecarguy]

Probably not, but with shipping the fasteners are about $23.

[@monsterq6]

@@ericthecarguy pricey!!

[@sorinelmake]

Hi Eric. I saw on some shock packages is written with bolded chars must not use impacts on the top nut. You have to hold the shock rod with a allen or torx and tighten manually the nut.

[@ericthecarguy]

True, and that's what the manufacturer recommends, but I've done this for years and it works. Sometimes there's going by the book, and sometimes you do what works. I won't say you're wrong. Thanks for the comment.

[@Beast63268]

The power of donuts compels you.

[@prestonrockwell361]

The sighs of disappointment when he broke the bolt 😆

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks

[@jeurisvinas5409]

rust never sleeps, :)

[@thingstoshare5472]

Old video, so appreciate if not answered. But I just got a quote 4 hour labour quote for the same job for my daughters car. It only took you 15 minutes. Lol. But seriously, what would you quote on this? Granted the potential of seized bolts would need to be considered, but it’s 6 fasteners if you buy integrated shock struts. Why wouldn’t I just myself, I can already hear some say? Cuz I don’t want to and I support my local mechanic…… and I have a hammer and a Leatherman.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Welder torch and lots of patience is needed if its rusty for any vehicle

[@ericthecarguy]

Pretty much. Sadly.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@ericthecarguy yep

[@1989Chewbaka]

Great video!!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

13:24 “The Power of Donuts Compels You”

[@jonhagan7378]

The power of donuts compels you!

[@09hoseclamp]

You used to use the freezy spray prior to breaking fasteners loose, why the switch??

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

Who else flinched when the struts popped out at the camera? Lol

[@saultube44]

Thanks for the lesson

[@aserta]

2:30 well, that's unfortunate. :))

[@saifcathum3423]

Looks like I'm going to have to do this job again. Just noticed my rear strut is cracked where the lower bushing is welded to the strut tube. Instead of being an O shape its now a C shape. I wonder how long it's been like that. There was some squeaking noise and the occasional clunk from the suspension. I thought it was from the Delrin bushing I made to replace the rubber one. It's an aftermarket Koni Orange STR.T. The rubber bushing that came with it was so weak and flimsy that it got mashed up in a few days. It's nothing like the oem with a steel outer - rubber damper - steel core construction. This was just a chunk of rubber with a steel core. I couldn't find any replacement bushing that would fit. That's why I made the Delrin plastic bushing. It worked great for some time until the steel gave out. I figured the plastic would wear out and never considered the metal would fail. For replacements I'm thinking about going for a pair of STAGG SHS struts for $100 if I can get away with it. Ideally I would want pair of BILSTEIN struts for $300 to go with Eibach Pro Kit springs I got. If I could find a set of KYBs cheap locally I might go for that. I will have to do some more research.

[@aserta]

4:47 i have those too, don't put anything on top of them by mistake, those plastic arm/slider things that attach to the cups are easily broken.

[@etchosts8162]

Spray a ton of pb blaster and let it sit for 24 hours. Worth a shot

[@ericthecarguy]

In my experience, no amount of penetrating oil will solve this. Also, in my opinion, the best penetrating oil is automatic transmission fluid mixed with acetone. Thanks for the comment.