Tech Tip: Knocking from the Front Suspension on Honda Civics

Tech Tip: Knocking from the Front Suspension on Honda Civics

Some owners of Honda Civics may complain of a knocking coming from the front suspension while driving over a bumpy road. This may be caused by the damper shaft nut not being tight enough. To correct the problem, loosen and retorque the damper shaft nut to the appropriate torque specification.

Vehicles:
• 2002 Civic Si — All;
• 2003 Civic Si — from VIN SHHEP3…3U400001 thru SHHEP3…3U406119; and
• 2003 CR-V — from VIN SHSRD6…3U100001 thru SHSRD6…3U106587; from VIN SHSRD7…3U100001 thru SHSRD7…3U141932.

Symptom:
Knocking coming from the front suspension while driving over a bumpy road.

Probable Cause:
The damper shaft nut isn’t tight enough.

Corrective Action:
Loosen and retorque the damper shaft nut to the appropriate torque specification.

Diagnosis:
Test drive the vehicle over a rough road while turning left or right. Note any noise and the side(s) it comes from.

Repair Procedure:

  1. Hold the damper shaft with a 6 mm hex (Allen) wrench, and loosen the damper nut 1/2 turn with a 17 mm crowfoot and ratchet. See Figure 1.
  2. Hold the damper shaft with a 6 mm hex (Allen) wrench, and use a torque wrench with a 17 mm crowfoot to torque the damper shaft nut to 49 Nm (36 lb-ft).
  3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other side, if necessary.
  4. Test drive the vehicle to confirm that the noise is gone.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For additional information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

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