Honda Front Strut Replacement 2000 Civic (1996-2000 Similar)

[@BigDog50001]

*Tools and Parts* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. KYB Strut Plus Assembly (R) SR4040: amzn.to/31wXWUw KYB Strut Plus Assembly (L) SR4041: amzn.to/31uVE87 Honda lower fork nut 90215-SB0-003: amzn.to/2KsA8es Branick 7600 Spring Compressor (newer model): amzn.to/2Kq00HW Milwaukee 2754 Impact: amzn.to/2YY9239 GearWrench Ratchets: amzn.to/2KBXbCA GearWrench Sockets: amzn.to/2YYkM5E Snap-On 3/8" Tech Angle Torque Wrench: bit.ly/2TzsaU0 Daytona Jack (cheaper at HF with coupon): amzn.to/2MWqBg7 Jack Stands (cheaper at HF with coupon): amzn.to/2OTDYjx The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@PeteV.53]

Very clear instructions. A big thank you from Australia. About to go into my garage and do the front struts on my 2000 Civic hatch. Unfortunately, i don't have an impact driver so it will all be by hand 😬

[@jaysenlowther7125]

I will continue to like and comment on all of the videos I watch, dude teaches better than my pops

[@svenandaas8781]

6th Gen. Honda Civics are the best cars ever made. Thanks for the great DIY video.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@Ry77x]

Great video. Thanks! I’ll be doing this to my ‘98 civic soon.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@NGH99999]

Huge thanks for this. I'll be doing the struts on my 98 Civic in the near future, and you've clued me into many things to prep for in advance, both in terms of parts to buy as well as snafus to look out for. Great video!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@Moondoggy1941]

How did it go, any tips I have a 98 HX and I need all new shocks on all four corners.

[@NGH99999]

@@Moondoggy1941 The timing of your comment is uncanny. Though I made this comment a year ago, I just finished swapping in these KYB struts only yesterday. All four corners. My Civic is an HX, as well. CVT trans. Car rides 3/4" higher than it did with the original Honda/Showa struts, which were at the very end of their service life. Car also rides a lot firmer, brakes better, and just overall inspires more confidence in me when I'm driving. I should've done this sooner, back when the car was at 150K (car's currently at 200K). As far as tips: When you're ready to separate the end of the strut from the shock fork, make sure the short pinch bolt has been removed completely from the fork. Do the same thing when you go to insert the new shock end into the fork; mate them together, then install the pinch bolt. There's a little indentation in the side of the shock cylinder that receives the bolt - a safety feature. It'll make sense when you do the job yourself. Also, if you happen to live in the rust belt, or your HX spent any time there, you'll probably need to plan for a little extra time for cleaning the bolts, and using some lube on the fluted shanks of the bolts @ reassembly (like BigDog shows here). I used Honda's ShinEtsu silicone grease. No Honda garage is complete without it, and it can be used throughout the car for many instances. Great stuff. shorturl.at/astzM Good luck. New struts are totally worth it.

[@staycurious3954]

@@NGH99999Thank you for the update and advice! Putting in my Detroit Axle struts today and they seem to be well made and notches aligned. 🎉

[@scottbowden9686]

Excellent video, I did this exact job on my 1999 Honda Civic last weekend and used this video to show me how. Much thanks, thank you for the easy to understand and clear instructions, attention to detail camera work.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@BigDog50001]

Let me know if you want to see the rear struts for this Civic. Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: (This channel earns a small commission for purchases made through these links) www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

SURE!!!!!!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Definately 👍

[@Longtrailside]

Yes

[@BADD400]

Big Dog50001 Automotive yes rear struts

[@julitomarana7011]

Yes please 🙏 on the rear struts!!!

[@stephenjp2466]

Awsome Instructional Video - I don't think I've ever seen one done better than this one. Fortunaly for us you ran into that problem, now we know what can happen and how to deal with it. Thank You

[@djokodjokic7116]

Hvala za video , detaljno je sve objašnjeno.Pozdrav iz Srbije

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Ahhh had to give the strut the ole Eric O. "reach around!" Good catch on the notch alignment. Nice job and instruction as usual Dave.

[@BigDog50001]

I almost said it but I think Eric has it trademarked lol! Thanks Mike!

[@ignaciovecchio6079]

Great video, I did it all with no complications. Greetings from Argentina!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@Moondoggy1941]

Thanks for the video, I have a 98 HX with 256K miles and I need all new shocks, I don't mind doing the work, I do brakes all the time, but I definitely will buy them complete, I do not want to miss with the springs.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@Large_Sarge]

Really detailed and thorough. Thanks for this guide. I put coil overs on my 2000 Civic ex about a year ago. I've decided to go back to stock and just wanted a refresher. I'm too old to be climbing out of a lowered car anymore. Kills my knees. Good stuff. Thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@primustheprotogen3169]

Little tip from experience, if you don't have a center punch on hand, you can use a box-end wrench to give yourself a place to hammer on when removing bolts like the one at the bottom of the fork

[@ihorheaven1110]

Great video. Very clear with instructions and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@ryanalexander984]

I’ve been to 3 auto zones and 2 oreilys in two different towns trying to find a passenger side strut that matches the original one on my 99 civic. I’ve looked at 5 different struts and everyone of them has a different alignment position. Lazy manufacturers not assembling correctly. I’ll have to go to a shop now and ask them to clock my strut correctly.

[@BigDog50001]

That can happen, thanks for the input!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Dave excellent video excellent workmanship as always. Coffee time have a good one. 👍👍👍

[@BigDog50001]

Good idea lol!

[@sarawakiansborneo418]

Thanks bro..i've bought a new set of absorber.The old set was different..means it stopper.I'm so confused with that..after i watched your video i think my problem solved.

[@corymiller5093]

Thank you for the video . Very informative and helpful .

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@lisam7169]

Great mechanic! Thank you. I just ordered the Monroe strut set I like kyb, however I don't have the spring machine. So hopefully I won't run into kyb's mistake with that plate.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@TePasasALV]

Did you run into problems with Monroe stuts. I installed today and I felt like I had this problem but it got installed still

[@TePasasALV]

I've only done the passenger side which was the worst side

[@impsquared]

well done video, I'll be doing this soon on my 2000 honda civic cx hatchback, I ordered the exact same KYB strut plus assemblies from Rockauto!!

[@sammydow494]

Good workman and perfect tools.

[@andrewk778]

Nice to see someone using a torque wrench. Thank you for sharing.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@nolimit12]

Thank you so much Big Dog!! All the detailed info and the tips like driving a couple of miles first before having it aligned. Got tons of tips from you and I'm writing it down. Thank you again and God bless! Keep safe (Covid pandemic) 2021

[@nolimit12]

by the way I wonder why SR4040 and SR4041, could you tell the diff?

[@BigDog50001]

For the front struts, each side is a different part (mirror image). Thanks for the comment!

[@nolimit12]

@@BigDog50001 Copy that!

[@steventaylor9016]

Thank you sir! These 2 videos saved me ! Liked and subscribed ,best civic DIY content! 💪👍👍

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks and welcome!

[@joshuam.6404]

Excellent how-to! Well done, thank you!

[@shyamanandadas6134]

This guy’s the best!

[@williamrosario6369]

Nice video do you have a video on what the torque specs would be for the rack and pinion

[@jimmyk9200]

I have 2 new driver side oem struts. will I have the same problem as you with the notch alignment ? And is the fix to just compress the spring and rotate ?

[@decisions139]

Nice video! If you were to install the fork bolt backwards would you get a noise while turning?

[@IAutoEnthusiast]

I had the same issue with the Loaded Strut assembly from Auto Zone. The pinch fork would not line up on the strut center line. Now what is the point of buying assembled struts if you have to rework the manufactures issues. That is the whole point of buying a complete assembly, So you do not have to deal with the headache. Nice tools, good video, only thing I'd ask is if you notice the knuckle seems lower once a complete new assembly is installed. I'm sure from a new assembly (which is the first time buying one). I had to raise the vehicle higher once done with the work, in order to get the wheel back on. Thanks for the info.

[@BigDog50001]

It is not uncommon for the vehicle ride height to be slightly different after changing strut assemblies, but usually it rides a bit higher until they settle in. Thanks for the comment.

[@IAutoEnthusiast]

@@BigDog50001 thanks for the reply

[@tomsherry8961]

How did u get the fork in ?? I can't get mine to line up ?? Tried a jack under it and all

[@raulcampos8205]

Nice. Video Sr thanks for your time and share how. Much pay for the wrench torque and what brand thank you Sr ..

[@BigDog50001]

No problem 👍! I don't remember what I used in this video but all I use now are Snap-On digital torque wrenches, which are ridiculously expensive but they work really good.

[@GleepGlop2]

Fantastic thorough guide, you've given me the confidence to give this a go!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@joedominick7517]

Big Dog ,Another perfect video!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@andywinslow5480]

Hi Dave. I'm late to the game but thought I'd comment anyway. I just picked up a 1997 Civic LX in an estate sale with 35,000 miles. Garaged for 23 yrs and is in mint condition, but it looks like the struts are gone now after a couple of weeks of driving. I see the problems you had with the notch on the strut assembly. Do you think its worth it to get the strut assemblies from a dealer? As a DYIer I would rather not mess with a spring compressor. Great video. Very helpful. I gave it a thumbs up and subscribed. Thanks.

[@BigDog50001]

They can be misaligned no matter where you get them from unfortunately. Thanks for the comment and welcome!

[@manuguardado91]

Any tips on how to remove a broken wish bone upper bolt? Damn thing broke right from the bolt head.

[@sneakysnake109]

Very nice explanation. Thanks for sharing.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@javieraguila8691]

What is the part number for the bolts and the fork. Mine stripped out when putting back together.

[@stefanzomods]

What is the part called that he’s hitting with a hammer at 7:17?

[@anunakigilgamesz8834]

Awesome video. Great job 👍👍

[@wowsplat]

I purchased monroe quick struts, out of the 4 i replaced, one of them was no good.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@devinprasad3449]

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but my forks don’t wanna come off. And if I hammer them out, there’s not enough clearance for it to be disconnected to get it out of the way to actually get the shock out

[@tkn24s]

My bottom bolt from the fork is stuck can’t get it out. Any suggestions

[@TheBirdiebnd]

Hi, not sure if anyone will I see this and maybe be able to address this, but say that I have the same issue with the assembly, as you did for the passenger side. What is your suggestion for someone who is working in a smaller at home garage that would not have the compressor to adjust the assembly? I will be purchasing the parts at an automotive store- so return would be easy. Thanks for the really informative video! Great instructions.

[@BigDog50001]

Generally speaking, you need some kind of strut compressor to adjust them if necessary. They do make smaller DIY versions just have to be careful with them (as you do with all strut compressors).

[@keepingasrealasican1029]

Very informative. Thanks bro. It was a great vid3

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@immortal7744]

Excellent resource

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@__Dja]

Great video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@joon5244]

Ran into some issues with the notch not lining up. Once you put the strut assembly on the spring compressor, how did you turn it? Your video didn't show how you line the notch to fit into the fork. Got manual spring compressor, not sure if it will fit. Probably need to take it a suspension shop to fix this

[@BigDog50001]

Once the spring is safely compressed, it takes the pressure off of the assembly and then the strut can be adjusted by hand. I have shown how I use my strut compressor in other strut videos.

[@TePasasALV]

Yo did you get it in there? Today I ran into the problem just forced it. Don't know what happened it originally would line up but the fork was crooked but NOW it's in there.

[@Snafu2346]

is it safe to use anti seize on these bolts?

[@MorKhoneDeeMorKhoneSeuh]

What would happen to the car if you don't torque it to its specification?

[@goneviral6037]

I put those exact shocks in mind and on my driver side it is so far off. I can’t get that bolt back in.

[@thevoodookorn]

Just wondering how important it is align the notch on the new strut to to the lower shock absorber? Could you just break the notch off and torque all fasteners ?

[@BigDog50001]

Not something I would do.

[@xtremenetworkx]

Great video and thanks for making it! Why is raising the suspension (to full load of the car) necessary before tightening the fork nuts?

[@BigDog50001]

It's best to tighten suspension components where they will be most of the time, this is especially true if there are rubber bushings because they can twist when placed under load which will generally reduce their lifespan.

[@chrissu6754]

This is an awesome video! I just subscribed! Any advice on how to adjust the strut for notch alignment? I have exactly the same issue on my civic.

[@chrissu6754]

I think I have figured it out. I tighten up the fork and then turn the fork to align the strut. I found that people call this step "clocking".

[@danjim7056]

My dad just got a 2000 civic and the shock cover rubs on the inside of the spring. Shock doesnt appear to be blown but it sure is annoying

[@stevencastillo8742]

Amazing video!

[@alejandrogonzalezgaray7034]

Thanks for the video helps alot

[@themechanic6117]

That was amazing how you gave the fork some love taps n it came off....NEVER!! LOL . got a link to your fancy spring compressor? Does it have to be mounted to a wall?

[@BigDog50001]

lol! I have the older 7400, here is a link to the newer 7600 model. The compressor has to be mounted but it doesn't have to be on a wall, they sell mobile and bench mounts for it. Branick 7600: amzn.to/2RlW9hc

[@mbs5328]

How did you know the car needed new struts? What would you have done if you didn't have a hydraulic press to fix the problem on the new strut? And yes, I'd like to see the rear struts for this Civic!

[@BigDog50001]

I knew it needed new struts because the car bounced a lot while driving and due to the oil leaking out of the strut that I pointed out in video. It's not hydraulic, it's mechanical, but If I did not have a professional spring compressor I would have tried to use an inexpensive version of spring compressors that I have (but I probably would have had a hard time fitting them inside those tight coils). Thanks for the comment!

[@balloney2175]

What if we don't have that compress tool? Where can we go for help?

[@BigDog50001]

Some auto parts stores will loan tools, otherwise probably have to find a shop that would compress the struts for you.

[@balloney2175]

@@BigDog50001 Thanks a lot.

[@SleepyRod]

About how many miles can you put in on Honda struts before you gotta replace them?

[@BigDog50001]

I typically see them go bad in the 150,000-200,000 mile range where I live, but it depends on where you live and driving conditions.

[@sivucit]

hi, do we need to align the bottom of the strut for mcphearson and wish bone both and for alll honda and toyota

[@BigDog50001]

They all have to be properly aligned but not all have tabs on the bottom like these do.

[@LingLingLongStyl]

How the hell did you get that nut and bolt loose I can’t even get it to move

[@Usmanthemecano]

A+ as usual!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@Musicsssssssss]

Thank you!

[@Large_Sarge]

Maybe I missed it. Can you provide a link to your LED light?

[@BigDog50001]

This is the one I use the most. amzn.to/3acX1jj

[@KingpinKumar]

ROCKAUTO!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@kwprice1987]

Anyone know the replacement bolt that pinches the strut to the fork. He said 14mm. Mine is too but when I search on parts store they say it's 10mm ....when I know it's 14mm

[@BigDog50001]

They are most likely referring to the thread size (10 x 42), I was referring to the socket size needed for the head of the bolt (14MM). Always double check but it sounds like this is the part you need: 90120-SB0-003 (Bolt Shock Absorber Lock).

[@kwprice1987]

@@BigDog50001 thank you for the clarification.

[@Casey-jo6jb]

Do you know if a 96 hatch has the same suspension as all of this ?

[@BigDog50001]

Should be similar. For the rear, I believe the hatchback also has speakers that are in the way that need to be removed.

[@Casey-jo6jb]

Ok thank you 🙏

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video bro

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@Doomzdayxx]

Oh my god no rust anywhere, this thing must be a dream to work on

[@BigDog50001]

I like living in AZ, I sure don't miss Chicago area rust! ;)

[@Doomzdayxx]

@@BigDog50001 AZ is awesome. Hopefully I'll end up there someday. Hopefully not in one of the prisons either.

[@angelmaximoz]

Can you please post how to do suspension In 2006 to 2010. Honda Civic. Please. How to find what need to replace

[@BigDog50001]

I already have videos on the struts and shocks for those Civics. If I get one in that needs more suspension work I will try and film it.

[@angelmaximoz]

Yes please in thanks.

[@BADD400]

Great video thanks.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@brzilcanal]

Great job

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@cambassplayer666]

I bet that stubby could have done the whole job 👍🏼

[@BigDog50001]

Probably lol!

[@cambassplayer666]

You should buy the milwaukee new angle die grinder and give us a demo 😆

[@BigDog50001]

I do want one lol!

[@chadbrewer1733]

Use a second jack stand or leave the jack along with the jack stand under the car if your worried about the car falling. Why would you risk crushing your tire & rim under the car, they aren’t cheap to replace. An extra jack or stand is way cheaper!

[@BigDog50001]

I already answered this on your comment on another video, but here you go. Because the the tire(s) needs to be placed somewhere out of my way so I am not tripping on it, and a second jack stand would not be supporting the vehicle so it could be knocked over or get in the way and most likely not be able to be placed under the car in an area where it could catch it without causing damage. If the vehicle falls off the jack stand, I am worth much more than a rim or a cheap jack stand

[@chadbrewer1733]

@@BigDog50001 obviously you life is more important, just suggesting there may be a better way. Did you know its a how to video & not a words per minute contest Mr know it all?

[@jptrainor]

This was the last generation of Civic with a double wishbone front suspension. End of an era.

[@BigDog50001]

Yes it was.

[@brzilcanal]

Here Brazil, no have this product spare parts only shock, no complete with strut spring, bearing, buy only shock this separate, is very cost product

[@BigDog50001]

Yeah as these cars age it can be harder to find parts. Thanks for the input!

[@rtta51]

Can't relate. Where is all the rust?

[@BigDog50001]

I chose to move out of the rust belt years ago. Won't go back.

[@johnversluis3084]

wow I can tell the civic is NOT a Midwest car no rust lol

[@staycurious3954]

Pretty sure KYB is inferior to Detroit Axle and way more expensive. Probably paying for the name. I sure get a lot of warranty returns from them and Moog too!

[@BigDog50001]

Lol, thanks for the laugh.

[@pwee507]

That aint rusty my guy. You living cushy under your tushy wherever you are

[@BigDog50001]

Arizona, won't ever move back to the rust belt. Don't hate the player....

[@pwee507]

@BigDog50001 as a Canadian the dream is Arizona😁 thanks for the video man. It was helpful. Just had to gring your gears a little

[@trickjohnes4789]

pretty good video