Replacing Honda Civic Rear Shocks 2016 -2020 DIY

[@steve8803]

Torque specs for the locking nut on the shock is 22 ft lbs. The bolt to the knuckle is 60 ft lbs and the two bolts to the body are 30 ft lbs.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Thanks for sharing that info Steve! I have added it to the video description. Cheers! Rob

[@joeljoel122]

Ooohhhh do u have a book of work instructions?

[@PaulBachant]

Thank you! You have just saved me a couple of hours of completely useless work. I was getting ready to take the whole back seat apart to get to the top bolt, but then I figured, I've never done one of these, let's see if I find some info on the internet...thanks again!!!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

LOL! That's what I was expecting to do too!

[@katenga5376]

Thank you for your video. I have a 2016 Honda Civic LX, and while your instructions were mostly accurate, I needed a 17 mm offset wrench to remove the mounting bolt. My model doesn’t have a place for an Allen wrench; instead, I had to use a vise grip to stabilize the shock and prevent movement.

[@sunnydamania1108]

Thank you for the video. It was very helpful!The 2 bolts at the top of the shock can be removed without removing the cowl. Just push the cowl to the side when removing the bolts. It'll save you about 20-30 mins worth of work.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

I believe I mentioned that in the video

[@cgrzymala5605]

Thank you for the permission to not remove that rear wheel well covering Rob!!!!

[@samwasthebest6633]

My son and I did mine today, hardest part was getting that hex nut loose, plus all the plastic grommets broke removing the cowl on both sides.

[@LaserJet58]

God Bless you for sharing your knowledge with us. very nice video

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

You're welcome! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Rob

[@kev2k]

those 2 bolts holding in the rear strut is a pain to get to… thanks for the video!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Yes they are! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Rob

[@rightwinger72]

Great video! This helped me so much, Thank you!

[@joelac1546]

Thanks Rob! Excellent video!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Thanks for the comment! Cheers! Rob

[@samwasthebest6633]

How can you work in such a neat garage, I would never be able to find anything, thanks for the video.

[@Theshocker31]

Thanks for the great video. I just replaced the two rear shocks and now I have a rattling noise. Both sides. Sounds like it's in the trunk so I assume it's from the top of the shocks. I double checked and everything appears flush and tight. Any ideas?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

No idea. I showed the whole process I did and had no issues. Did you miss anything?

[@usernamerand19127]

It is 60lb to the knuckle to the body is 30lb and the self-locking nut is 22lb

[@michaelvoorhis9555]

I think it is important to point out that the "hat" at the top of the rear shock (first seen in this video at about 6:08) is NOT SYMMETRICAL. So people should PAY ATTENTION to the orientation of this part as they remove it from the car. When you install the new shock back into the rear wheel well, make sure that this part at the top is oriented the correctly. If you don't know how to orient the hat correctly, you can use the (hopefully) still-installed shock on the other side of the car as a reference. Good luck & be careful, everyone.

[@ZackCarlson]

Have you replaced the front struts yet on your car? Didn't see a video for it. If you did it just not on camera did you use the old strut mount or buy new with the struts?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

No not yet. I have on other older vehicles but not on my channel. I have only replaced the shocks in the struts in the past.

[@YoungKB]

What is the part #? I assume you got a KYB? Great video thank you!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

It was a KYB. Don’t know the part number. At the time it was the only one they had available. Thanks for your comment! Good luck with your repair!

[@msbrownbeast]

What is a good handling shock to buy to replace the factory units? The stock OEM are crappy, and there's doesn't seem to be a whole lot of after market options for the 10th generation Civic. Not interested in lowering the suspension, just want to get better damping control.

[@Snowanderer]

kyb is always a good option. I decided to buy some kybs for my 2019 civic sport (the ones i bought are for the ex trim but from the looks of it they are all the same connections just diff stiffness). so far so good, and it definitely feels a bit better than before, but i cannot tell if its because of how long the original was on (90k miles [145k KM]) or if it is genuinely better; however, according to everyone KYB is extremely good for an aftermarket brand so ill go with the latter.

[@ahodes100]

This video was very helpful. Would you consider making a similar video for the front shock and strut assembly?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

I'll make one if and when I have to do the job. But so far so good! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Rob

[@ahodes100]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin great. I would appreciate it. Hopefully you won't ever need to.

[@alexvillalobos7137]

I changed the complete suspension on both sides on the rear. When to put the oem wheels back on. Tried moving the car and turns out the wheels are hitting the suspension. Car won’t move an inch Back or forward… what’s happening

[@dustinpalumbo7592]

Thank you. This video was really helpful!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

You're welcome! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Rob

[@prestonfinley9288]

InstaBlaster

[@flashgordon99999]

A hoist would have made that much easier for you. I am glad I purchased one before I retired.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Yes, it's on the wish list after the lottery win... LOL! Cheers! Rob

[@willyum1208]

s it possible that the upper shock mount is bad if theres excessive clunking? Should you replace that too?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

If you think it’s worn or if it’s cracked or beat up then sure.

[@willyum1208]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin do you think it would do any damage to the suspension if I took out the shock and mounting plate, drove down the block, to see if that is what's causing the clunking?

[@farhansami926]

I have honda civic touring 2016.Im confused over 2016 civics turbo or non turbo varriant have same shocks?because In honda parts online for 1.5turbo is different shocks and for 2.0 different.which KYB shocks you put any part number?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

The touring is the 1.5 turbo and the upper trim levels have some differences. The parts store should have no problems getting the correct one. KYB is the OEM for this car.

[@farhansami926]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin Thank you! I wanted to buy KYB shock but only 2016 rear shocks is not showing in there system to be fit.rest KYB 3430042 fits in all touring from 2017-2021 so I can assume it can be fit on my 2016 touring also?

[@okok-rc9rv]

My knuckle is missing that little stub to put the shock on so it’s making a clunking noise would I have to change the whole knuckle just for that little stub?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Not really sure what you are talking about so I can’t really advise you. Check rear knuckle images on Google

[@seanguillermo]

what replacement shocks did you use?

[@thebboy1200]

I would like to know the same! It is really hard to find rear shocks for a '17 Civic Si

[@Whitney-b7m]

Is this the same for a hatchback civic?

[@saritachoudhary9798]

Hi Sir Hope you are doing good!! I have a question regarding winter tires for my Honda Accord 2017 sport. I am looking for 235/40R 19 for winter tires as dealership told me to buy those. But when I called to few other places, I get know from one of them is that I can get 215or 235/50R 17 instead of 235/40r19 because they are more expensive than 17. But I am not sure that can I do this or not Is it going to work if I go with 215or 225/50R 17?? Please let me know I believe you have better idea as I have seen your KZbin videos.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

The standard size tires fit on the factory rims. Those are a low profile performance tire. You can change rim size and get 17" rims and a corresponding 17" tire which will give you the same aspect ratio as your stock tire. I It will have a taller sidewall but the overall height will be the same and it's OK to have the width a bit smaller. These will give you better winter performance than the stock size. You just have to find a competent dealer or tire shop to get you a good tire rim combo. Best of Luck! Cheers! Rob

[@saritachoudhary9798]

Rob's Garage Woodworking Thank you Sir😇

[@MichaelPSmith-mp1fk]

I was just re-watching the video and realized that i primed them upside down.... the round part at the top. will that make a difference?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

I’m not 100% sure what part you are talking about. What time is it shown on the video?

[@MichaelPSmith-mp1fk]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin new shock push it down to move liquid 10:25

[@namgyukang7826]

Thank you very much. it is so useful!!!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

You are welcome! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Rob

[@HeimataSq]

Mavis had changed the rear shocks on a 2017 Honda Civic only for both to start clunking a week later. Brought it back and they replaced both rear shocks again but said it might be both mounting plates that needs to be replaced. Replacing fixed the clunking for a few days but sound is now back. I know it’s not sway bar links. But its coming from rear shocks on top. When each side lifts over a bump (garage floor elevated about an inch at an angle) it clunks and then when the other side lifts it’ll clunk. Wash board roads forget about it… Could it just be the top nut on the shock needs to be tightened after riding around?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Not sure. I used the KYB shock (OEM shock) and I didn't have any issue. They may have not put the top bump stop in. (you have to remove it from the old shock and put it on the new one. Pull the rubber boot down and see if it's at the top. It's white and looks like a dog chew toy). The reason I DIY is because so many people, regardless of trade or profession, are completely inept. Good Luck!

[@HeimataSq]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin so i took the shocks out and the white bump stops are in there but the black top caps are missing. I don’t think that should make any difference… do you?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Sorry but I’m not sure.

[@evo-sx6jq]

Hello, did you ever figure this out? having identical issue from mavis

[@HeimataSq]

@@evo-sx6jq yes I did. Sadly and weirdly replaced them myself with OEM shocks from Honda and the clunking went away forever. I’m sure u can just get the kyb shocks since that’s the brand Honda uses for double the price. Guess the civic doesn’t like the shocks Mavis uses. I returned their shocks and had me refund me for the parts at least. The original shocks never needed replacing… of coarse they got my gf to think otherwise.

[@kemppierce3519]

replace shocks on my 16 civic with monroe stil getting small knock like shock is bad got a replacement so now 2nd shock on drivers side still like it any ideas torque to spec open trunk push down hear like thumping any ideas never like it until i replaced shocks

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

I remember I had to take some parts off the old shock and put them on the new shock. I also bought KYB shocks. They are the OEM shocks for this model. If all the parts are in and tight it obviously should be fine. Maybe KYB’s would solve the problem but I really don’t know. I would look up a Honda Civic forum and post your question there.

[@kemppierce3519]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin yeah use mount again bellows to just that its weird for new shock find old honda shocks when they go bang really fast push down on trunk good compression and then rebound good on new ones id say there been 5 or 6 shoks in this car all replaced by honda one out warranty only 125000 on it

[@DemionHD]

What's the price for one of these?

[@kankans1cocksucker573]

I am having trouble getting the shock mount off, I am confused on how you removed the mount.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Sorry I see this is an old comment. I trust you were successful.

[@lazzzer7184]

I am having the same issue. Did you fix it? If so how?

[@rasheedukhan]

Just curious, how many miles did you have when you had to replace the rears?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

They were at 50k but were still good. The dealership said I needed new ones so I bought them and did the repair but they were only at 50% wear. I was kinda pissed that they lied to me.

[@jme2659]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@jesuszuniga1257]

hi I have a 2012 civic and my question is what can cause the rear to sag. Recently replaced rear coil springs but rear has sag. The front has more gap than rear. Shocks?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

That's weird. Did you get the right size springs? Sorry but I've never heard of this problem before. I would suggest looking at the civic forums. They can be really helpful. Good Luck! Cheers! Rob

[@jesuszuniga1257]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin honda dealership order the springs and installed them. Im thinking shocks are shot because I did have subswoofer in the trunk . Front struts are going to be replaced on Monday do to bouncing on highway speed

[@sanityone649]

What was the fix? Did replacing the front struts fix the issue? Did they install the wrong springs? Just wondering.

[@matthewweisdorfer7757]

Why not replace the bump stop? It’s inexpensive & if it’s 75,000 old, it’s not an as idea to just replace it.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

You could but it didn’t come with the shock and they didn’t offer it at the parts store. It may be a dealer only part.

[@alexfreire5178]

Hi. Do you have a video for the front struts of the same car 2017 civic?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Sorry I do not. Should be relatively easy though. You are going to need a spring compressor because they are mcpherson struts. (you can borrow them for free from the larger parts stores when you buy parts there) Good Luck with your repair! Cheers! Rob

[@alexfreire5178]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin ok thanks. Yea I saw a few more videos and I get the idea now how to do it. I have to start doing my own repairs from now on because its too expensive to be paying for parts and labor together.

[@amandeepmaroke6267]

@@alexfreire5178 Can you suggest any videos showing the front strut replacement? I too am looking to replace both my front and rear shocks.

[@hectormerc350]

What brand of shocks do I buy ??

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

KYB are OEM

[@andyb1056]

Do you think anyone that's attempting to do a strut job would not know how to take off a wheel!

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Lol! Yes! People often have no clue when attempting things the first time. Or even worse, have been shown wrong previously. A guy at work comes back to his place on the weekend. His roommate is under his car working on something. Guy says hi, no response so he kicks his leg just to be a dick, no response. Then noticed the car was on top of him. Kid died when the car fell on him. Not properly supported. This is why I’m thorough…

[@РусланШевчук-т6к]

What number of KYB, you take?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

I just went to car quest parts and took the only one they had. Don’t know the number. Good luck with your repair! Cheers! Rob

[@РусланШевчук-т6к]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin thank you!

[@shuvang]

Where did you get the replacement? Are they usually $500 for each side? I have the 2018 si model. Looked on a hondaparts we site and they average about $400 per side.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Go to a parts store like CarQuest. Get premium parts and they are OEM equivalent.

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

The SI parts are far more expensive because they have variable electronic damping.

[@shuvang]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin Lol dang I may just buy used ones for now off ahparts. My dummy reversed back over a curved curb while texting in an empty lot and got the rear tire driver side stuck over it and after going forward probably damaged the shock since it squeaks like bed springs randomly now. And it’s only that side. Even kicking the tire that side I can hear a planking/rattling sound. While I kick all other sides they don’t make a single sound. Thank you for the video. Will definitely fix it pretty soon.

[@FalconMan91]

Where can I buy this part?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Auto parts stores. Get the premium parts

[@FalconMan91]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin what should I ask for at the auto store. Just rear strut assembly?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

@@FalconMan91 it’s just the gas shock absorber. The spring is separate and would only need replacing if it was broken.

[@FalconMan91]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin thank you

[@jayc3103]

was the shock making noise?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Yes. Whenever you hit a pothole or larger bump it would rattle.

[@jayc3103]

@@robsgaragewoodworkin thank you..the shocks leaking oil..i havent took the tire off yet to look so i didnt know if it might be the sway bar

[@owurakumireku2598]

I like your T-shirt

[@gman4936]

did u replace one side or both side at the rear

[@edgarnevarez4580]

Thank u

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

You're welcome!

[@patrickvallieres8466]

Wow and they charge 1400$ at dealership , how sad they rip people off !! Witch i would give 400$ for a job like this

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Is it really that much? That's crazy!

[@troyjollimore4100]

Was just quoted $800CDN for replacing both rears from the dealership... That KYB would only cost $75CDN, and the Munroe would be $55CDN.

[@BamaboyATL]

Out of all the tools you have why don’t you have a lift? lol I have less tools but I have a lift haha

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

After the shop is fixed up I’m planning on a mid rise scissor lift. I only have 10’ ceilings. Heater is installed, new lights installed, 16x9 garage door installed. Need to install rear 8x9 door, insulate ceiling and drywall then I can think about the lift.

[@Whitney-b7m]

Is this the same for a hatchback civic?

[@robsgaragewoodworkin]

Most likely. Not 100% as I don’t have a hatchback nor have I worked on one.