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I’ve got an 01 Civic LX with 101k miles and likely the original front struts. The right one has been making a clunking noise and both struts feel worn out.

This is a 100% stock car used for daily driving only.

Can anyone recommend an affordable OEM quality front strut replacement? Preferably one fully assembled with new springs and etc for an easy install?

I am hearing mixed things about Monroe and Gabriel.


Thank you!

 
Rep Power: 367

there are no mixed - both are garbage
go to rockauto site, stay away from those two
truhart is a decent one

 
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The only other brands Rockauto carries is PRT and FCS...

 
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/22504015524...7CMake%3AHonda

I found these on eBay but they are listed for 2003-2005 Civics. I was under the impression that 2001-2005 civics are all the same. Now I'm wondering if 2001's are unique in some way that require 2001-model year specific parts. I am having a hard time finding complete strut kits for the 2001 Civic besides from Monroe and Gabriel....aside from a few off-brand ebay ones too.

 
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01-02 uses 14mm crash bolts to the knuckle
03-05 uses 16mm - you will need reducer washer to use the 03-05 ones, but it is possible

https://ksportusa.com/product/reducer-washers/

other than that, the shock body have larger diameter, but that does not affect the mounting them to the car.

 
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^^ Thank you, that makes total sense and explains it.

Upon doing further internet research, it appears that no reputable company makes an OEM quality complete/quick strut for the 01-02 Civics. KYB makes complete/quick struts but for the 03-05 civics. Seems like I have two options:

1. Buy the bare KYB struts for the 01-02 Civic and all the related components to make it all work, along with reusing my stock coils. This will also mean added labor with spring compressors and what not to swap over the coils.

2. Buy the complete/quick KYB struts intended for the 03-05 Civic and use the reducer washers and be done with it.

It seems like both options come up to roughly the same price....option 2 is slightly more expensive but does mean I will get new springs as well (presuming the KYB springs are decent and won't start sagging in a week).

Any added risks involved with going with the reducer washer option? Will the struts still otherwise be 100% "plug and play" with my Civic with no short term or long term issues? Just making sure I won't be going down the rabbit hole of potential issues using a strut intended for 03-05 Civics when mine is an 01.

So far I am leaning towards option 2.


Thank you!

 
Rep Power: 222

No issues with option 2

 
Rep Power: 367

most aftermarket suspension install in 01-02 uses the reducer washer or a whole knuckle change or drilling bigger holes in the knuckle) they are fine to use

 
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Thanks. Just real quick, do you guys know if the rear shocks are exactly the same for 01-05 or does the same reducer washer come into play?

 
Rep Power: 367

rear should be OK