Parts for your 2009 Honda Cr-v-Strut mounts

2009 Honda CR‑V strut mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2009 Honda CR‑V. Honda’s factory service manual for the 2007–2011 RE‑series CR‑V and OEM parts catalogues specify a front MacPherson strut with an upper mount and bearing plate. The rear suspension uses a separate spring and shock (no rear strut mount). So any talk of strut mounts on this model refers to the front pair.

The front strut mount does three big jobs: it bolts the strut securely to the body, it isolates vibration and harshness with a rubber insulator, and, because the CR‑V steers through the strut, it houses a bearing so the assembly can rotate smoothly. When the mounts are in good nick, the CR‑V feels quiet over bumps, the steering is light and consistent, and the tyres keep better contact with the road.

They’re a wear item. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—corrugations, coastal air, speed humps, and plenty of stop‑start driving—the rubber can perish and the bearing can develop play or binding. It’s smart to have the front strut tops inspected every 40–60,000 kilometres, or any time the front suspension is apart for other work.

• Tell‑tales include clunks or knocks over bumps, a creak or graunch when turning the wheel at low speed, slight steering “notchiness” or poor self‑centring, and irregular inner/outer tyre wear.
• Under the bonnet, look for cracked rubber around the top hat, rust staining, or excessive movement at the mount while someone bounces the front corner.

When replacement’s due, doing both fronts together keeps the steering feel even left to right. Choose quality mounts with the integral bearing, and replace any single‑use (self‑locking) nuts. Torque the top mount and strut‑to‑knuckle fasteners to spec. A wheel alignment is a must straight after, because camber and toe can shift when the strut stack height changes.

DIYers should note the front coil springs are under serious preload—use a proper spring compressor. If the struts and mounts are original and the odometer’s north of 150–200,000 km, many owners opt to refresh struts, mounts, and stabiliser links together, or fit pre‑assembled strut units to save time and tools.

The payoff is immediate: tighter front‑end feel, quieter running over broken surfaces, more consistent steering, and tyres that wear more evenly. The 2009 CR‑V really responds to fresh, correctly fitted strut mounts.

How long do strut mounts last on a 2009 Honda CR‑V?

Typically 120,000 to 200,000 kilometres, depending on road quality, loads, and climate. City cars that hammer speed humps, or vehicles that see corrugated roads or coastal exposure, often need them earlier. Inspect at regular services and any time the front shocks are replaced.

What are the signs of a bad strut mount on this model?

Common symptoms are a clunk over bumps, a creak when turning the wheel at parking speeds, vague or “notchy” steering return, and irregular tyre wear at the edges. You might also notice the top mount rubber cracking or rust staining around the strut tower.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing a strut mount?

Yes. Changing the mount can alter the installed height of the strut and the relationship between the strut and knuckle, which nudges camber and toe. Book an alignment straight after the job to protect your tyres and keep the CR‑V tracking straight.