Honda Civic Shock Absorber and Strut Assemblies

• A shock absorber and strut assembly is a group of components that help stabilize the vehicle, preventing it from bouncing excessively on uneven road surfaces. 
• It is composed of the shock absorbers, struts, and springs that are found in the suspension system. 
• An unsteady vehicle, excessive steering wheel vibration, and delayed brake response are the symptoms of a failing shock absorber or strut. 
• An aftermarket shock absorber and strut assembly for a Honda Civic can cost anywhere between $20 and $450. It is typically sold individually or as part of a kit.

Honda’s venture in the automotive industry began when it released the Honda T360 and Honda S500 in 1963. Since then, the Japanese automaker has come a long way, eventually rising to become one of the top brands in the world.

One of Honda’s more popular lines is the Honda Civic, which is best known for its superb style, fuel economy, and size. It has been around since 1972 yet still remains as a top pick among Honda models to this day, which says a lot about the lineup’s reliability.

Despite being made from the finest materials, some components of the Honda Civic may start to fail as it racks up mileage. One example is the shock absorber and strut assembly,  which may fail due to various factors, such as damaged bushings and rust.

A shock absorber and strut assembly is a group of components that help stabilize the vehicle, preventing it from bouncing excessively on uneven road surfaces. It is composed of the shock absorbers, struts, and springs that are located in the suspension system.

Several telltale signs may point to a damaged shock absorber or strut. Here are some of them:

Unsteady Vehicle

A worn or damaged shock absorber or strut can lead to unsteadiness on the road, making your vehicle harder to control.

Excessive Steering Wheel Vibration

Vibrations when driving on uneven road surfaces are normal. However, if you notice the steering wheel vibrating excessively even on a smooth surface, chances are its shocks or struts may be compromised.

Delayed Brake Response

Braking distance increases as shock absorbers wear down, which increases the risk of accidents. If you feel that your vehicle is taking longer to slow down than usual when you hit the brakes, it’s best to have it checked by a licensed mechanic right away.

An aftermarket Honda Civic shock absorber and strut assembly can cost anywhere between $20 and $450. The price varies depending on the parts it includes. The assembly is typically sold individually or as part of a kit.

Aside from your vehicle’s specifications, you should also consider your budget and preferred brand when choosing a shock absorber and strut assembly replacement. For some, this might prove to be a tedious task, especially when there’s a ton of assemblies to look at without knowing which ones are tailor-fit for their vehicles.

Fortunately, with CarParts.com, all you have to do is enter your vehicle’s details into our website’s vehicle selector before starting your search. This will narrow down the results to compatible shock absorber and strut assemblies. Using the search filters, you may also choose your preferred brand, price range, and check which assemblies have return policies.

Regardless what others say about your car, we believe that the Honda Civic is a good car whether you make a daily driver or weekend warrior out of it. It would be wrong to downplay the Japanese import's capabilities on the road. After all, the front wheel drive can stick enough rubber to the pavement wherever your adventure is. But it is not all brakes, rubber and engine power. You also have to attribute some of its performance with the Honda Civic shock absorber and strut assembly. These suspension components keep your car in proper balance and snappy handling. However, continuous driving and exposure to different roads will eventually wear out these parts. The symptoms of an ageing suspension system will definitely manifest as you clock in more miles and will also depend on how you use your car. Here are some tips on how to evaluate your car's shocks and struts.

Tip#1: Make a visual inspection of your car's stance.

You can tell a lot of things from the way your Honda Civic looks while parked and running. In this segment, our focus is your car's stance. You should always take note its stance when brand new or has newly replaced suspension components. Your car should look firm and well-balanced. However, if you notice that your car dips slightly on any corner or side, it could mean that you already have busted shocks.

Tip #2: Feel the ride of your Civic as you drive it around the block.

With new suspension components, the ride of your Honda Civic should be comfortable enough that you don't feel as much bumps when you drive through slightly uneven roads. It should be able to absorb the bumps with ease. However, as your suspension components wear out, its reaction would eventually become soggy and unresponsive. Observe if your car bounces slower and for a longer period of time whenever you drive through a hump. Dead shocks will not be able to have a good suspension play. Therefore there is a tendency that your car bottoms out during turns.