Parts for your 2021 Honda Cr-v-Strut mounts

2021 Honda CR‑V Strut‑Mounts: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Technical sources including the Honda Service Manual for the 2017–2022 CR‑V platform and OEM parts catalogues confirm the 2021 Honda CR‑V uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper strut‑mount and bearing assembly. The rear is a multi‑link layout with separate shocks and springs, so “strut‑mounts” apply to the front only.

On the front of the 2021 CR‑V, the strut‑mounts do three big jobs. First, they tie the top of the strut into the body, carrying load while keeping everything located. Second, the rubber insulator in the mount damps vibration and harshness, so the cabin isn’t copping every bump. Third, the integrated bearing lets the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels are steered, keeping the steering feel light and precise.

Because the mount has both a rubber isolator and a bearing, it’s a wear item. Over time the rubber can crack or compress, and the bearing can dry out or pit. The brand’s recommendation is to inspect the front strut‑mounts whenever the struts, springs or sway‑bar links are serviced, or roughly every 30,000–50,000 km during a suspension check. Many owners will see well over 80,000 km from a set, but it depends on road conditions, load, and climate.

• Tell‑tales include clunks over speed bumps, a creak or graunch when turning the wheel, vague steering on‑centre, and uneven tyre wear.
• Look for perished rubber, a cracked upper seat, or a shiny ring where the bearing’s been binding.

When replacement time comes, it’s smart to do both front mounts together and pair them with new bearings (often supplied as a combined mount/bearing), plus fresh self‑locking nuts. Given the labour overlap, many workshops will suggest new dust boots and bump stops too. A quality spring compressor and correct torque settings are essential, if in doubt, leave it to a suspension specialist.

1. Replace mounts and bearings in axle pairs to keep steering feel even.
2. Mark strut orientation and refit exactly to avoid spring twist.
3. Tighten the centre nut only with the strut controlled, don’t use an impact on the shaft.
4. Finish with a four‑wheel alignment to reset camber and toe.

Sorted strut‑mounts keep the CR‑V quiet, tight and predictable — better ride, truer steering, and happier tyres for the long haul across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

FAQs

Do all 2021 CR‑V models have strut‑mounts front and rear?
All trims have front strut‑mounts because the front uses MacPherson struts. The rear is multi‑link with separate shocks and springs, so there aren’t rear strut‑mounts in the same sense.

How long do front strut‑mounts last on a 2021 CR‑V?
They commonly last 80,000–160,000 km, but rough roads, heavy loads, coastal exposure and big temperature swings can shorten that. Inspect during regular servicing, especially if there’s noise over bumps or steering feels notchy.

Can the strut‑mounts be replaced without new struts?
Yes. The mounts and bearings can be renewed on their own. If the struts are tired or leaking, doing both together saves labour and brings the front end back to as‑new feel. Either way, finish with a wheel alignment.