Parts for your 2013 Honda Cr-v-Strut mounts

2013 Honda CR‑V strut mounts — what they do and when to replace

Referencing the Honda CR‑V 2012–2014 Service Manual (Front Suspension), the Honda OEM parts catalogue, and common aftermarket fitment guides (KYB and Monroe), the 2013 Honda CR‑V runs a MacPherson strut front suspension that uses a dedicated strut top mount with an integrated bearing. The rear is a multi‑link layout with a separate spring and shock, so there’s no rear strut mount on this model—only shock mounts/bushes. That means “strut mounts” are relevant to the front axle only.

Up front, the strut mount is the bit that caps the strut and bolts to the body. It’s a hard‑working combo of a rubber isolator and a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the driver steers. On a 2013 CR‑V, that mount soaks up bumps and vibrations while keeping the strut located, which helps with steering feel, ride comfort, and tyre wear. When the bearing wears or the rubber perishes, the car can develop clunks over speed humps, groans or notchy steering at low speed, and feathered tyres. Left too long, it can stress the new strut you just fitted and knock the wheel alignment out of whack.

There’s no set replacement interval in the factory literature, it’s a condition‑based item. For Aussie and Kiwi roads, many workshops will replace mounts whenever front struts are renewed—often somewhere around the 100–150,000 km mark, or sooner if noises crop up. It’s smart to do both sides together, and to pair them with new struts, boots, and bump stops. The job needs a proper spring compressor, new self‑locking nuts where specified, and correct torque on the centre nut and top mount hardware. A wheel alignment should follow any front strut or mount work.

• Common signs of a tired mount: front‑end clunks, creaks on steering, steering that doesn’t self‑centre cleanly, or cupped/feathered front tyres.
• Inspection tip: look for cracked/perished rubber, rust around the cap, or a rough/loose bearing feel when the strut is out.
• Preventative care: if a strut is leaking or weak, replace the mount with it—cheap insurance against doing the job twice.
• Quality matters: OE‑equivalent mounts and bearings hold alignment and ride height better over time.
• Note: rear suspension on this CR‑V uses shock mounts, not strut mounts.

FAQs

Does the 2013 Honda CR‑V have strut mounts front and rear?
It has strut mounts at the front only. The rear uses a separate shock and spring with conventional shock mounts.

What are the symptoms of a worn strut mount on a 2013 CR‑V?
Expect clunks over bumps, groaning or notchy steering at parking speeds, slight steering wander, and uneven front tyre wear. You might also see the top of the strut sitting off‑centre in the tower.

Should strut mounts be replaced when fitting new front struts?
Highly recommended. The bearing and rubber are wear items, replacing them with the struts restores steering smoothness and helps the new dampers last. Always follow with a wheel alignment.