Parts for your 2012 Honda Civic-Strut mounts

2012 Honda Civic strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2012 Honda Civic uses strut mounts on the front suspension. The Honda Civic (2012, 9th gen) is built with a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi‑link with separate shocks. The Honda Civic 2012–2015 Service Manual (Front Suspension section) details the front strut assembly including its upper mount and bearing, and major fitment catalogues from KYB and Monroe list front strut mounts/strut bearings for this model, the rear uses shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut mounts.

On the front of a 2012 Civic, the strut mount is the top attachment point for the strut assembly. It isolates road noise and vibration from the body, supports vehicle weight together with the spring, and, on most models, houses a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly with the steering. That little bearing is key to light, consistent steering feel and even tyre wear.

Because strut mounts live under the bonnet and cop loads over every bump, they age just like the struts and springs. Rubber can harden or crack, and the bearing can dry out or pit. When that happens, the Civic may develop a clunk or creak over speed humps, vibration through the dash, or a notchy feel as the steering is turned at parking speeds. Left too long, it can accelerate tyre wear and knock the alignment out.

Best practice is to inspect the mounts whenever front struts are replaced, and generally to renew them at the same time. It saves double labour, restores steering feel, and keeps noise down. Quality aftermarket mounts and bearings are built to OE spec and suit Australian and New Zealand conditions. After fitment, a wheel alignment is a must, and all hardware should be torqued to spec with the vehicle at normal ride height.

Signs it’s time to act include:

• Clunking, creaking, or a dull thud over bumps
• Steering that binds, sticks, or returns unevenly
• Feathered or uneven front tyre wear and vague turn‑in
• Visible rubber cracks or play at the top of the strut

For most owners, checking the strut mounts every 20,000–30,000 km and replacing them with the struts somewhere between 80,000–150,000 km (usage dependent) keeps the Civic riding tight and quiet.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda Civic strut mounts

Do both the front and rear of a 2012 Civic have strut mounts?
The front does, because it uses a MacPherson strut and needs a top mount and bearing to support and steer the assembly. The rear is a multi‑link with separate shock absorbers, so no rear strut mounts—just shock mounts/bushings.

What are the common symptoms of worn front strut mounts on a 2012 Civic?
Owners often notice clunks or creaks over bumps, a notchy feel when turning the wheel at low speed, light steering shudder, and uneven front tyre wear. On inspection, the upper mount rubber may be perished or the bearing may feel rough when rotated.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the struts?
Yes—doing mounts, bearings, and dust boots with the struts is smart. It saves labour, avoids refitting tired parts over new dampers, and restores ride and steering feel. Always finish with a proper wheel alignment.