Parts for your 2002 Honda Stream-Strut mounts

2002 Honda Stream strut mounts: what they are and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2002 Honda Stream (RN1–RN3) uses MacPherson struts at the front, which require strut mounts with an integrated bearing. This is specified in the Honda Stream Service Manual (2000–2005, RN-series front suspension section). Honda’s electronic parts catalog for RN1/RN3 lists the front “shock absorber mounting” and top bearing components, and major aftermarket catalogues (KYB, Monroe) list front strut-mount kits for this model. The rear of the Stream is not a MacPherson layout, so rear strut mounts are not applicable.

On the 2002 Stream, the front strut mounts sit at the top of each front strut assembly, tying the suspension to the body while isolating vibration. Inside is a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly with the steering. When the mounts and bearings are healthy, the steering feels light and direct, road noise is kept in check, and tyre wear stays even.

As they age, the rubber can crack or compress and the bearing can dry out. Typical signs include a clunk over sharp bumps, a spring “twang” when turning at low speed, heavier or notchy steering, wandering on cambered roads, and feathered front tyres. In a high‑kilometre Stream, these often show up alongside tired top hats, bump stops, and dust boots.

Best practice for servicing includes:

• Replace strut mounts in axle pairs whenever front struts are renewed, or at roughly 120,000–160,000 km depending on use and road conditions.
• Choose quality mounts with the correct integrated bearing for RN1–RN3, and new self‑locking nuts.
• Assemble with the spring correctly indexed, torque fasteners with the vehicle’s weight on the wheels to avoid bush pre‑load.
• Inspect and, if needed, replace bump stops and dust boots, check the upper spring seat for deformation.
• Finish with a proper wheel alignment, recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres.

Owners who notice new noises after hitting a pothole, heavier steering on wet mornings, or rapid inner‑edge front tyre wear should have the mounts assessed. With fresh mounts and bearings, the Stream’s front end regains its tidy turn‑in and calmer cabin, which is exactly what’s wanted for school runs and long Kiwi or Aussie highway hauls.

Popular questions about 2002 Honda Stream strut mounts

Do the rears have strut mounts on a 2002 Honda Stream?
No. The rear suspension isn’t a MacPherson strut layout, so there are no rear strut mounts. The rear uses separate shock absorber upper mounts/bushes, which can also wear, but they’re a different design to front strut mounts.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the struts?
Yes, it’s smart to do them together. The mounts and bearings age at a similar rate to the struts. Replacing as a set saves duplicate labour, reduces the chance of new‑strut/old‑mount noises, and helps the alignment hold true.

What symptoms point to worn front strut mounts on a Stream?
Common tell‑tales are a dull clunk over speed bumps, a creak or spring “ping” when turning the wheel at parking speeds, heavier or self‑centering‑slow steering, and uneven front tyre wear. Any of these warrant an inspection.