Parts for your 2002 Honda Civic-Strut mounts

2002 Honda Civic strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references, strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2002 Honda Civic. The Honda Factory Service Manual for the 2001–2005 Civic range documents a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper mount and bearing plate. The Haynes Repair Manual for Honda Civic 2001–2005 and major parts catalogues from suspension manufacturers (e.g., KYB/Monroe) also list front strut mounts for this model. Note: the rear of many 2002 Civics uses a separate shock and control-arm setup, so there’s no “rear strut mount” in the typical sense—only the fronts have strut top mounts.

On the 2002 Civic, the front strut mounts do a few big jobs. They connect the strut to the body, carry a chunk of the vehicle’s weight, isolate noise and vibration, and—thanks to the integrated bearing—let the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. When these mounts age, the rubber can crack or squash, and the bearing can bind, which can make the steering feel notchy and send annoying knocks through the cabin over bumps.

• Common signs of wear: clunks or creaks on turns and speed humps, steering that feels gritty or sticks on return-to-centre, uneven tyre wear, and visible cracking or separation at the top mount under the bonnet.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the mounts whenever front struts, springs, or top bearings are touched. If one mount is tired, replace both sides together to keep the front end balanced. Because the coil spring is under load, use a quality spring compressor and follow factory torque specs—this is not a “she’ll be right” job without the proper kit. Once the mounts and struts are back in, get a wheel alignment, fresh mounts can sit higher and slightly change geometry.

• Good practice while you’re there: renew the bearing plate if it’s separate, check the spring seats, bump stops and dust boots, and inspect the strut towers for rust or elongation.
• Lifespan varies with roads and load, but many Civics will want mounts somewhere around the 120,000–180,000 km mark, earlier if they cop rough roads or lowered springs.

Done right, new strut mounts sharpen steering feel, quieten the front end, and keep tyres wearing evenly—exactly what a tidy 2002 Civic deserves.

Popular questions about 2002 Honda Civic strut mounts

Do the rear suspension units on a 2002 Civic have strut mounts?
Most 2002 Civic variants run a separate rear shock and control-arm layout, so there isn’t a rear “strut mount” like the front. The rear uses upper and lower shock mounts, which are different parts.

Can worn strut mounts cause a steering pull or alignment issues?
They can contribute. A collapsed or binding mount can change ride height slightly and add steering friction, which may feel like a pull. However, pulls often have multiple causes—tyre pressures, alignment angles, or sticking brakes—so a proper inspection is the go.

Should the strut mount bearing be replaced with the mount?
Yes, if the bearing isn’t integrated, it’s best practice to replace it at the same time. A rough bearing can make a brand-new mount feel ordinary, and it’s all the same labour while the strut is out.