Summonern

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum. I have a 2005 Civic Canadian Si/American EX 4DR 1.7L
My suspensions feel so harsh, like it's one stiff rod that doesn't move.

I've been thinking of getting new quick struts for all 4 sides.
These are the struts I'm thinking about getting.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....430771&jsn=250
Are they good?
It would be really nice if someone could give me the torque specs for DIY struts replacements. One more thing, are there any other parts that I should replace while I'm doing my struts?

My brakes also needs replacing soon. I'd appreciate it very much if I can get a recommendation on ones that aren't too expensive but works for a daily driver.

I live in Canada as well so I can't buy from many online websites that only ship to the US.

Thanks very much!

Wankenstein

Have you tried doing a bounce test on the current shocks/struts? Maybe one or more shock/strut is stuck and won't move up and/or down properly. KYB is the stock shock/strut on 01-05 Civics and are good quality. I can't say whether or not the Monroe's would soften the ride but, they are generallyknown as a basic replacement and probably not as good as a properly functioning KYB.

I can recommend Koni STr.T (orange): http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...A5577A0A0.aspx You'll need a set of springs for them and they can lower ride height by: rear 1.5 inches and front 1 inch. That site list a kit too: http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...0-lowering-kit Lowering it 1.5"s shouldn't affect ride quality and the benefit is better handling and (IMO) asthetics. You will not need a camber kit.

I had the STr.T's on an '07 Mazda 3 (replaced stock KYB2) and was surprised that they softened the ride even while lowering ride height. I don't recall them bottoming out and handling was much better than stock.

Front and/or rears? just pads or rotors too?

Koni STr.T video:

Summonern

I have done a bounce test on all four sides but they all seem to be good. I believe these are the OEM struts from Honda. But it feels like it offers not even a bit of damping at all compared to any other cars I've been in. They are 12 years old. I see the Konis you recommended but I prefer to have a complete set so I don't have to mess with the springs.

Also, for brakes I want to switch out pads and rotors. Although my rear are drums which needs replacing too.

Thanks very much

Wankenstein

If the current KYB shocks/struts are working properly I doubt you'll notice an improvement with the Gabriel's. As far as installation there's no difference between stock and Str.T w/lowering springs..both are installed the same way. Have you driven or rode in other 7th gen civics? Maybe they all feel the same way due to engineering? My mom has an '04 Civic VP and compare to the (stock height/KYB) 5th and 6th gens Civics I've owned hers has a softer ride. Some of it's due to the thicker padded seats and higher side wall tires on the 7th gen. If you are used to bigger cars, American/European cars then a 7th gen Civic may seem stiff but, along with the stiffer ride there may be better handling and less curb weight body roll.

When it comes to suspension there's always a trade off of some sort between handling and ride comfort. The best balance between the two is generally met in high end cars such as BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc... Go-Karts are a harsh ride too but a lot of fun in the corners.

Honda OEM rotors (part# 45251-S5D-A10) http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-OEM-20...-/181467470432 and brake pads (45022-S5D-415) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-OEM-...-/111220771304 are always a great choice. If you want to go with lower price option a good quality ceramic pad set is around $30 (U.S) and coated (rust resistant) rotors around $50 each.

Brembo coated rotor: http://www.partsgeek.com/71zpc27-hon...ake-rotor.html
Bosch pads: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Bosch-BP...38.m2548.l4275