How to replace the rear shocks 2006-2011 Honda Civic

Chapter 1:

Turn off your vehicle’s ignition

Step 1/1

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 2:

Measure

Step 1/1

Before lifting your vehicle, it is necessary to measure the distance between the centre of your wheel and the wheel arch. This will allow you to achieve an optimal tightening of the parts in their initial position.

Chapter 3:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/3

Lift the rear of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/3

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 4:

Access the upper shock mount

Step 1/4

Pull on the trunk release handle, and open the trunk.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/4

Using a fork, remove the 3 rivets holding the trunk carpet.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/4

Then shift the carpet.

Chapter 4:

Step 4/4

You can now access the upper shock mounts.

Chapter 5:

Unscrew the shock mount bearing nut

Step 1/4

Using a 14 mm wrench and a 5mm Allen key to stop the rod from rotating, unscrew the upper retaining nut on the shock absorber.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/4

Finish unscrewing the nut.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/4

Remove the washer.

Chapter 5:

Step 4/4

Then remove the bushing with a fork.

Chapter 6:

Remove the shock absorber

Step 1/5

Using a jack, lift the lower control arm to put pressure on the shock absorber and make it easier to unscrew the shock base retaining bolt.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/5

Spray the shock base retaining nut with penetrating oil.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/5

Using a ratchet and a 14 mm socket, unscrew the shock base retaining bolt.

Chapter 6:

Step 4/5

Then remove the bolt.

Chapter 6:

Step 5/5

You can now take extract the shock.

Chapter 7:

Prepare the new shock absorber

Step 1/4

Using a wire brush, brush off the location of the shock absorber to make it easier to install.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/4

Take your new shock.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/4

Before installing the new shocks, it is necessary to prime them by pressing the shock vertically, so that the gas and hydraulic fluid are separated.

Chapter 7:

Step 4/4

Unscrew the nut. Remove the washer and bushing.

Chapter 8:

Install the new shock absorber

Step 1/5

Insert the top part of the shock, then the bottom part.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/5

Using the jack, lift the lower control arm to bring the shock base closer to its slot.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/5

Using a crowbar, lift the lower part of the shock absorber with the bolt insertion hole.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/5

Hold the assembly in place by roughly inserting the shock base retaining bolt.

Chapter 8:

Step 5/5

Use a plastic mallet to fit it into place.

Chapter 9:

Tightening tips

Step 1/6

Lift the wheel knuckle with the jack until the original measurement between the center of the wheel and the wheel arch is reached.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/6

Once at a distance, screw the lower retaining bolt back on.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/6

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/6

Put the upper bushing in place.

Chapter 9:

Step 5/6

Put the washer in place. Next, screw back on the nut until it’s tight.

Chapter 9:

Step 6/6

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 10:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/2

Put the trunk carpet back in place.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/2

Then put the 3 rivets back in place.

Chapter 11:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/3

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

Operation complete.