Parts for your 2012 Honda Cr-v-Strut mounts

2012 Honda CR‑V Strut Mounts

Technical sources confirm the 2012 Honda CR‑V uses strut mounts at the front. The Honda CR‑V 2012–2014 Service Manual (Front Suspension section) specifies a MacPherson strut design with an upper mount and bearing plate. Honda’s electronic parts catalogue lists a front shock/strut upper mounting assembly with an integrated bearing. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list dedicated front strut-mount kits for this model. The rear of this CR‑V uses separate shock absorbers with upper mounts, not strut mounts. So, strut-mounts are relevant to the front suspension only.

On the 2012 Honda CR‑V, the front strut mounts carry the top of the strut and coil spring, isolate road vibration, and provide the smooth pivot point for steering via an integrated bearing. Good mounts help keep the steering feel tight and predictable, reduce cabin noise and harshness, and support front-end geometry so tyres wear evenly.

When strut-mounts start to go, this CR‑V can develop clunks over bumps, creaks when turning the wheel at low speed, vague or notchy steering feel, and feathered or uneven tyre wear. Excess play at the top of the strut or visible cracks in the rubber are other giveaways.

• Typical check interval: every 20,000–30,000 km during routine servicing, and any time tyres, brakes, or front-end components are inspected.
• Replacement timing: commonly 80,000–150,000 km, sooner if driven on corrugations, rough rural roads, or with regular loads.

Best practice on this CR‑V is to replace strut-mounts in pairs and usually at the same time as front struts and coil spring seats. The bearing orientation matters, follow the Honda procedure for assembly order and alignment marks. New self-locking nuts are recommended, and all fasteners should be torqued to Honda specs with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid bushing preload. Because the strut assembly comes out, a wheel alignment is a smart move afterwards to keep it tracking straight and protect tyre life.

• Listen for knocks over speed humps and driveway entries.
• Turn the steering at a standstill and note any graunching or spring bind.
• Inspect the upper mount rubber and the bearing for play or roughness whenever front struts are off the car.

Done properly, fresh front strut-mounts bring back that neat, quiet, and confident CR‑V steering feel Aussies and Kiwis expect.

Popular questions on 2012‑Honda‑CR‑V strut‑mounts

Does the 2012 CR‑V have rear strut‑mounts?
No. The rear uses separate shock absorbers with their own upper mounts, not MacPherson struts. Only the front suspension has strut-mounts with an integrated bearing to allow steering movement.

How long do front strut‑mounts last on a 2012 CR‑V?
Many last 80,000–150,000 kilometres, but heavy loads, rough roads, or lifted suspension can shorten that. If the front struts are being replaced and the mounts show wear or the bearing feels gritty, it’s wise to replace them together.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut‑mounts?
Yes. Any time a front strut assembly is removed or replaced on a CR‑V, a post‑repair alignment helps keep steering straight and protects tyre life.