1997 HONDA CIVIC Susp

Troubleshootin g Procedures
Chccking the Diagnostic Trouble Code IDTC)with an OBD ll Scan tool or Honda PGM Tester
when the PCM senses an abnormality in the input or output systems, the pl indicator light in the gauge assembly willblink. When the 16P Data Link Connector (DLC) (located under the dash on the driver,s side) is connected to the OBD llScan Tool or Honda PGM Tester as shown, the scan tool or tester will indicate the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) whenthe ignition switch is turned ON{ll).
lf the El indicator light or the MIL has been reported on, or lf a driveability problem is suspected, follow this procedure:
1. Connect the OBD ll Scan Tool (conforming to SAE J19781 or Honda PGM Tester to rhe 16p DLC. (See the OBD ll ScanTool or Honda PGM Tester user's manual for specific instructions. lf you are using the Honda PGM Tester, make sure itis set to the SAE DTC type.)
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (lll, and observe the DTC on the screen,3, Record all fuel and emission DTCS, A/T DTCS, and freeze data.4 lf there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first checkthe fuel and emissions system as indicated bythe DTC (except for DTCP0700). DTC P0700 means there is one or more A,/T DTC, and no problems were detected in the fuel and emissions cir-cuit of the PCM.
5. Write down the radio station oresets.
6. Reset the memory with the PGM Tester or by removing the BACK UP fuse in the passenger's under-dash fuse/relay boxfor more than 10 seconds.
7. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds over 30 mph (50 km/hr), and then recheck for DTCS. lf the A"/T DTCreturns, go to the Symptom-to Component Chart on pages 14-52 and 14-53 for'96 - 98 models, and pages 14-54 and14-55 for the'99 - 00 models, lf the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Makesure all pins and terminals in the circuit are tight, and then go to step g.
8. Reset the radio preset stations, and set the clock.
OBD ll SCAN TOOL orHONDA PGM TESTER
DAYA LINK CONNECTOR {16P}
14-44

Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting
Check the following before you begin:. Has the suspension been modified in a way that would affect steering?. Are tire sizes, tire variety and air pressure correct?. lsthe steering wheel original equipment or equivalent?. lsthe powersteering pump belt properlyadiusted?
. ls steeringfluid reservoirfilledto proper level?. ls the engine idle speed correct and steady?
Hard Steering (Check the powor assist. se€ page 17-3o. lfthe torce is over 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6lbo, Procede with this troubleshootinq.)
Abnormallluid pressure
{fluid pressureis too high)
Faulty valve body unit
Relief pres-sure too low
Abnormal
Faulty llow control valve(Replace the pump es anassembly)
Ch€ck the feed snd return circuit lin€s ano nosebetw6€n the gearbox and pump for clogging andd€lormation.
Normal line and hose
Check the pump fluid pressure(soe page 17-34).l/easure steady-state tluid pres-s!re while idling with the bothvalves tully open.It should be 1.500 kPa (15 kgf/cmr,213 psi) or below.
Normal
Check th€ flow control vslve (see page 17-42).. Chock the valvo lor smooth movement in the hous-ing.. Check the reliefvalve for leaks.
Check the pump fluid pressure
{see page 17-34).Measure pump relief pressurewhile idling with the pressure con-trol valve Iully closed.It should be 6,400 - 7,400 kPa (65 -
75 kgflcm,,920 - 1,070 psi)
Normal relisf pressure
17-22
Go to page 17-23Faulty pump assembly

)
Suspension
Special Tools ............. 18-2
Component Locations
lndex ,,.............. ...... f8-3
Wheel Alignment
Caster .............. ....... 18-4
Camber .................. l8-4
Front Toe Inspection/
Adiustment ........ 18-5
Rear Toe lnspection/
Adiustment ........ 18-5
Turning Angle Inspection ................ 18-6
Wheel/Hub Inspection
Bearing End P|ay .............................. l8-7
Wheel Runout ....... 18-7
Front Suspension
Suspension Arms Replacement
('96 - 99 modelsl .......................... 18-8
Suspension Arms Replacement
('99 2D Si and Si-R models) ........ 18-9
Knuckle/Hub Replacement ............. 18-10
Lower Ball Joint Replacement ....... 18-16
Ball Joint Boot Replacement .......... 18-17
Front Damper
Removal ................. 18-17
Disassembly/1nspection .................. 18-18
Reassembly ........... 18-19
lnstallation ............. 18-19
Rear Suspension
Suspension Arms Replacement
('96 - 99 models) ....................,..... 18-21
Suspension Arms Replacement
('99 2D Si and Si-R models) ........ 1A-22
Hub Bearing Unit Replacement ...... 18-23
Upper Arm Eushing
Replacement .....18-25
Rear Damper
Removal ................. 18-26
Disassembly/|nspection ............. ..... 1A-27
Reassembly ........... 18-28
lnstallation ............. 18-29
lr

Component Locations
)
lndex
Wheel Alignment, page l8 4
FBONT DAMPER. Removal, page 18-17. Disassembly/lnspection, page 18-18. Reassembly, page 18'19. Installation, page 18-19
KNUCKLE/HUB. Replacement, page 18'10
Front Suspension:
Rear Suspsnsion:
UPPER ARM' Replscement, page 18-8
. Wheel Bearing Replacement, page 18-14. Lower EallJoint Replacement, page 18-16STABILIZER BAR' Replacement, page 18-8
LOWER ARM. Replacement, Page 18-8
UPPER ARM' Replacement, page 18 20
LOWER ARM. Replacement, page 18-20
REAR DAMPEB. Removai. page 18-26. Disassembly/lnspection, page 18-27. Feassembly, page lS-28. Installation, page 18-29
ARMTRAILING ARM' Replacement, page 18-20l-,. Feplacement, page 18 20
18-3

Wheel Alignment
,f,
Caster
NOTE: For proper inspection/adjustment of the wheel
alignment check and adjust the following before check-
ing the alignment.
. Check that the suspension is not modified.
. Check the tire size and tire pressure.
. Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
. Check the suspension ball ioints. {Hold a wheel with
your hands and move it up and down and right and
left to check for wobbling.)
Inspection
NOTE: Use commercia lly-available computerized four
wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel align-
ment {caster. camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow
the equiDment manufacturer's instructions.
Check the caster angle.
Caster angle: 1',10' I 1'
lf out of specification, check for bent or damaged
suspensron components.
2.
1.
18-4
Camber
lnspection
NOTE: Use commercially-available computerized four
wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel align-
ment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow
the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the camber angle.
Camber angle:
Front: 0'00' j 1"
Rear:-1"11"
2. lf out ol specification, check for bent or damaged
suspensron components.

Wheel Alignment
Turning Angle Inspection
NOTEr Use commercially-available computerized four
wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel align-
ment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow
the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
'1. Turn the wheel right and left while applying the
brake, and measure the turning angle of both
wneets.
Turning angle:
lnward wheel: 39'50'
Outwald wheel (ref erencel: 33'10'
2.lf the turning angle
check for bent or
nents,
is not within the specifications,
da m aged suspension compo-
18-6

Front Suspension
Suspension Arms Replacement ('96 - 99 models)
CAUTION:
. Replace the selt-locking nuts after removal.
. The vehicle should be on the ground betore any bolts or nuts connected to rubber mounts or bushings are tightened.
NOTE:
. Wipe off any dirt, oil or grease on the threads before tightening the fasteners.. The right and left damper forks are not interchangeable. The left damper fork is marked with "AL" while the rightdamper fork is marked with "AR'
. The right and left upper arms are not interchangeable. The left upper arm is marked with "SO1-L" while the right upperarm is marked with "SOl-R".
. Before tightening the upper and lower mounting nuts on the stabilizer link, adjust the location of the link with the sus-pension under vehicle load.
. When installing the radius arm washers, the "FR" mark faces the front ofthe vehicle.. After installing the suspension arm, ch eck the front wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary (see page 18-4).
FLANGE BOLTS10 x 1.25 mm54 N.m 15.5 kgl.m,40 tbf.ftl
STAEILIZER ENDRUBBER BUSHING
BALL JOINT BOOT. Check for deterioration and damage.. See page 18-16 for boot replacement.
STABILIZER BARCheck for bending and damage.
Check for deterioration - ---\--
and damage, -\
FLANGE BOLT14 x 1.5 mm/)l103 N.m {10.5 kg{.m,. t, ,/4,76lb{.ft) t,,"-iV
v:\FLANGE BOLT-
;iffillr-"- ilHitffi*::,"*"
and damaoe,
o.'-----------14 x 1.5 mmReplace.83 N.m {8.5 kgf.m, 61 lbf.ftl
LOWER ARMCheck for
c
JlTTda
1{ x 1.5 mm89 N.m {9.1 kgt m. 66 lbtft)
-6;SILICONE GREASERUBBER BUSHING
DAMPER FORKCheck for damage.
SELF-LOCKING NUT I x 1.2522 N.m (2.2 kg{.m, 16lbf.ftlReplace.
FLANGE BOLT10 x 1.25 mm€ N.m {4.6 kgt m.32 tbf.ft)
SELF-LOCKING NUT12x 1.25 mmReplace.6it N m {6.5 kgf.m, 47 lbf.ftl
RUEBER BUSHING. Check for deterioration and damage.
.6t",.,"o".c"KeSTAAIL|zER END RUBBER EUSHINGSNote the directionof the bushings.
18-8

I
Suspension Arms Replacement ('99 2D Si and Si-R models)
CAUTION:
. Replace the selt-locking nuts after removal.
. The vehicle should be on the ground belore any bolts or nuts connected to rubber mounts or bushings are tightened.
NOTE:
. Wipe off any dirt, oil or grease on the threads before tightening the fasteners
. The right and ieft damper forks are not interchangeable. The left damper fork is marked with "AL" while the right
damper fork is marked with "AR"
. The right and left upper arms are not interchangeable. The left upper arm is marked with "SOl-L" while the right upper
arm is marked with "SO1-R".
. Before tightening the upper and lower mounting nuts on the stabilizer link, adiust the location of the link with the sus-
pension under vehicle load.
. When installing the radius arm washers, the "FR" mark faces the front of the vehicle.
. After installing the suspension arm, check the front wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary (see page 18-4).
FLANGE BOLTS10 x 1.25 mmsit N.m 15.5 kgf.m,40 tbtftl
UPPER ARM' Check the ball joint boot fordeterioration and damage.. Check the bushing for deteriorationano oamage,. Check the ball ioint fo. faultymovement and clamage.STABILIZER BUSHINGAlign the stabilizer markwith the end of stabilizer bushing
FLANGE BOLT14 x 1.5 mm
l./
103 N.m (10.5 kgf.m,76 tbr.ftl
STABILIZER LINK. Check the ballioint bootfordeterioration and damage.. Checkthe ballioint tor faultymovement and damage.
STABILIZER BARCheck for bending and damage.
FLANGE BOLT 8 x 1.25 mm22 N.m (2.2 kgf.m, 16lbf.ft)
SELF-LOCKING NUT14 x 1.5 mmReplace.83 N.m 18.5 kgf m, 61 lbf.ft)
-.6r srr-,co", hSHrtlrT.[*"u
6g619g Check for deteriorationano oamage.
SELF.LOCKING NUT10 x 1.25 mm 29 N m 13.0 kgf m, 22 lbf ftl
Replace.Hold the ball ioint pin using a hex wrench,
and taghten the self'locking nut.
LOWER ARMCheck fordamage.
FLANGE NUT l0 x 1.25 mm
29 N.m 13.0 kgI m,2.2 lbf ft)
Before tightening the {lange nut,position the ball joint Pinin the middle of its range of travel,
with the suspension under vehicle load
FLANGE BOLT14 x 1.5 mm89 N.m 19.1 kgf.m, 66 lbf.ft)
FLANGE BOLT10 x '1.25 mm43 N.m {4.4 kgf.m,32 tbtft)
DAMP€R FORKCheck lor damage.
DAMPER FORKRU88ER BUSHINGCheck for deterioration and damage.
4@lsrlrcoNE GREASE
SELF.LOCKING NUT12 x 1.25 mmReplace.64 N m 16.5 kgl.m, 47 lblft)
J
RANGE
18-9