2001 Honda Civic When to replace springs?

Tiny
NUCK3LZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Car bounces bad, 98k miles. Should I replace all 4 struts/shocks at once? Do you need new mounting plates for each when replacing each strut?

Also should I replace the springs too? How long can the original springs last?

Also can I replace the lower control arm bushings with a simple table top vise?
Thanks!
Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 9:30 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

To better assist you is your model just the DX, EX, GX, HX, or LX and what is your engine size in liter.
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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
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LX model, 1.7L D17A1 Thanks :)
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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
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Hello -

Thanks for the info. . ...

On the fig below. . ..I would replace everything definitely except for the Strut Cap, the dust cover if it is torn or bad in any way and think about the springs if you can afford them. All of those parts have the same wear on them as the shock. On two different vehicles. . ...I have taken the front apart twice, three times on one and slowly replaced the different parts until different noises etc quit. As for the springs. . ...if the shock is really shot then of course the spring becomes sprung and no longer works efficiently. So you need to figure out how long you are going to keep the car and if the cost is worth it. Shop around for part costs.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Front_Suspension_1.jpg



On the fig below. . ..Again, same thing other than the strut cap. . ..yes the dust cap too unless it is just fine and the same thing with the springs as the front. As before, all the parts wear, even the mounting plates etc as they get worn and I refer to the two vehicles I had.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Rear_Suspension_1.jpg



Yes replace all at the same time.

Springs will last different for different vehicles depending on the driving conditions. If the shocks are bad then that puts more stress on the springs and then they become sprung. If the shocks were changed on a regular basis and the vehicle was not driving on conditions that would cause lots of bounce, then the springs would last longer. So my friend, hard to say on the springs. . ..gotta be your call.

Okay, the bushings. Most of the time you need a press so you don't damage the arm or the bushings. Many machine shops can press them in and out for a small fee. To me that is the best way to ensure no damage. You might also check the cost of a control arm WITH the bushings in them. Just for kicks. I have seen where the new control arm ended up being less because of adding the bushings and the pressing in/out. Just a thought.

Every 10,000 miles you are to inspect the suspension. . ..the maintenance schedule never states to replace suspension parts up through 120,000 miles.

Note though, about 110,000 miles you are to replace the timing belt. . .. . .

Hope that helps.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
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Hello -

Also, one other thing while I have you, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Recalls_40.jpg


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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
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Thanks so much for the good information. I am very grateful for your willingness to help me out.

My lower control arm bushings are shot, probably related to the struts being bad for awhile and having crappy roads. While I'm replacing these bushings should I also replace the lower ball joints while I'm at it? I figure they are probably worn and I don't want to be going back in the future to do work I could do now.

I'm going to buy a 6 ton press to do the bushings, are there some bushing removal pieces I should pick up too? I'm excited and nervous to do all this but I"m thinking I can if I'm prepared enough.

Thanks for the recall info btw.
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009 AT 7:53 AM
Tiny
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Hello -

My thought. . ..you are there. . .it is apart. . ...you have to get the front end aligned. . ..yes I would replace the other goodies as well. . .. . .. . ...smart move considering to replace them while there.

Go to Auto Zone and use their tool check out and use the below for the various sizes. Many have tried using the kit instead of the press. . ..and for some you can't get the angle you need or the force required. But you can save some cash and possible use the items with your press.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Bushing_1.jpg



Just give yourself plenty of time, look at all things prior to taking apart to ensure putting together the same. . .. . .. . .consider taking some photos if unsure prior to removal.

Most of all. . .. . .. . .. . ...BE SAFE. . .. . .. . ..and. . .. . .have fun. . .. . .. . .

Good luck
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009 AT 5:45 PM

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