1997 HONDA CIVIC rear suspension

Lift and SupPort Points
L,O
Lift and SafetY Stands
t!ffi when heavv rear components such as suspension' fuel tank' spare tire' hatch' and trunk lid are to be
-aEremoved, place additional wetght Inihe luggage arga before hoisting. when substantial weight is lemoved from the rear
of the vehicls. the center of gravity may change and can cause the vehicle to tip tolward on the hoisi
NOTE:
. Since each tire/wheel assembly weighs approximately 30 lbs (14 kg)' placing the front wheels in the luggage area can
assist with the weight distribution
. Use the same support points to suppon the vehicle on safety stands'
Place the lift blocks as shown.
Raise the hoist a lew inches (centrmeters) and rock the vehicle to be sure it is firmly supported'
Raise the hoist to full height, and inspect lift points for solid support
1.
2.
3.
REAR SUPPORT POINT
1-41

Towing
lf the vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional tow-
ing service. Never tow the vehicle behind another vehi
cle with iust a rope or chain lt is very dangerous'
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle:
Flat-bed Equipment - The operator loads the vehicle on
the back of a truck. This is the best way of transporting the
vehicle.
Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow truck uses t\ivo pivoting
arms that go under the tires {front or rear} and lifts them
off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the
ground.
Sling-type Equipment - The tow truck uses metal cables
with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of
the frame or suspension, and the cables lift that end of
the vehicle off the ground The vehicle's suspension and
body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing
is attemDted.
lf the vehicle cannot be transported by flat-bed. it should
be towed with the front wheels off the ground lf due to
damage, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels on the ground, do the following:
lvlanual Transmission and CW
. Release the parking brake
. Shift the transmission to neutral (CW to E position)'
Automatic Transmission
. Release the Parking brake.
. Sta rt the engine.
. Shift to LDll position, then E position.
. Turn oif the engine
CAUTION;
o lmploper towing preparation will damage ihe tfans-
mission. Follow the above procedute exaqtly lf you
cannot shift the tlansmission or start the engino
laulomatic transmissionl, yout vehicle must be trans-
ported on a flat-bed.
. lt is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 mil€s
(80 km), and ksop thE speed below 35 mph (55 km/hl
. Trying to lift 01 tow your vehicle by tho bump€F will
caus€ setious damagg. Ths bumpers are not dEigned
to supportthe vshicle's weigh.
tJO
1-43
Front:
Rear:
TIE DOWN HOOKS
TOWING HOOK

MEASUREMENTSTANOARO INEW}SERVICE LIMIT
algnmenlCamber FrontRearCaster FrontTotaltoe FrontBearFront wheel turning angle Inward wheelOutward wheel
0"00'1 1"-1.1 1'1'40' I 1"In'1.01 2.0 {1/16 t 1/'16)In 2.0 ljB (1/161 1/16)39.50'33'10'(Reference)
Bim runout Aluminum wheel AxialBadialSteelwheel AxialRadla I
0 0.7 (0 - 0.03)0- 0.7 (0 - 0.03)0 - 1.0 (0 0.04)0 - 1.0 (0 0.04)
2.0 (0.08)
1.5 10.06)2.0 {0.0B)1.5 (0.06)Wheel bearingEnd play FrontRear0 0.0s (0 - 0.002)0 0.05 (0 0.002)
Standards and Service Limits
Suspension - Section 18
Brakes - Section 19
*1. 5410 Stamped on the caliper body.*2. 2056 Stamped on the caliper body.
Air Conditioning - Section 22
*: When using a new belt, adjust deflection or tension to new values. Run the engine for 5 minutes then turn it of{.Readjust deflection or tension to used belt values.
3-18
MEASUREMENTSTANDARO INEWISERVICE LIMIT
Parklng brakePlay in stroke at 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbfi lever forceTo be locked when pulled6 - I notchesFoot brakepeoalPedal height (with floor mat removed) M/TA/'T, CVTFree play
156.5 {6.16)161 (6 5/16)1 5(1/16-3/16)
Master cvlinderPiston to pushrod clearance0 - 0.4 (0 0.02)
Disc brakeDisc thickness FrontRearDisc runout FrontRearDisc parallelism Front and rearPad thackness Front
Rear
20.9 - 21.8 (0.82 - 0.86)8.9 - 9.1 (0.350 - 0.358)
9.5 10.5*'8.5 - 9.5*'7.0 8.0 (0.28-0.3r)
19.0 (0.75)
8.0 (0.31)
0.10 (0.004)
0.10 (0.004)
0.015 (0.0006)
1.6 (0.06)1.6 (0.06)'r.6 (0.06)
Rear brakedrumLD.Lining thickness200 17.a7l4.0 (0.16)201 \7 .9112.0 {0.08}
MEASUREMENTSTANDARD INEWI
Conditioning
SANDEN
Lubricant type: SP 10 (P/N 38897 - Pl3 - A01AH or 3889Lubricant capacity Condensermf (floz, lmp oz) EvaporatorLine or hoseReceiver
I - P13 A0li lFor refrigerant: HFC-134a (R,134a))
| 20 \2t3 0.11
I 45 (1 2/3, 1.6)10 (1/3,0.4)
10 t1/3,0.4)NIPPONDENSOLubricant type: ND'O|L8 (P/N 38899 - PR7 - 003) (For ReLubricant capacity Condensermf (floz, lmp oz) EvaporatorLine or hoseReceiver
f.igerant: HFC,134a (R-134a))25 (s/6 0.9)60 (2,2.11
10 (1/3,0.4)
10 (1/3.0.4)
CompressorSANDENLubricant type: SP-10Lubricant capacity ml lfl oz, lmp oz)Field coil resistance at 68'F (20"C) OPulley-to-pressure plate clearance
130 150 (4 1/3 4.6, 5.0 - 5.3)
0.5 r 0.15 10.020 t 0.006)
NIPPONDENSOLubricant type: ND-OlL8 {P/N 38899 - PR7 ,003 or P/N 38899 pR7 - AO1) (For Refrigerant: HFC 134a {R,134a))Lubricant capacity m{(fl oz, lrnpoz) | 14O(4.7,4.9J -15S{5.2.5.4)Stator coil resistance at 20'C (68.F) 0Pulley-to-pressure plate clearance3.4 - 3.80.510.15 (0.0210.006)
Compressorbelt*Deffection with 98 N (1Okgl.22lbllbetween pulleys7.5 - 9.5 (0.30 0.37) with used belt5.0 - 6.5 (0.20 - 0.26)with new belt
Belt tension N (kgf, lbf)Measured with belt tension gauge340 490 i35 50, 77 - 110) with used bell690 - 830 (70 - 85, 150 190) with new belt

ITEMMETRICENGLISHNOTESTEERINGSYSTEMTvpe P/sM/SOverall Ratio p/S
M/STurns, Lock-to Lock p/S
M/SSteering Wheel Dia.
Power assisted, rack and pinionRack and pinion1l.120.33.64..1380 mm 15.0 inSUSPENSIONTYPe Front and RearFront and RearIndependent double wishbone, coil springTelescopic, hydraulic nitrogen gas-filled
WHEELALIGN| 4ENTCamber FrontRearCaster F.ontTotalToe FrontRear
0.00,- 't'
1.40'ln 1 mm ln 1/16In 2 mm In 1/16EBAKE SYSTEMType FrontRea r
Pad Surface Area Front
Rea r
Parking Brake Type
Power assisted self adjusting ventilated discPower assisted self adiustjng solid discPower assisted sell adjusting dr!m37.5 cm'x 4 5.8 sq in x 4
44.1ctn,x4 ] 6.84sq-inxa
67.2 cmz x 4 | to.+ sq in ' I21.2 cm, x 4 3.3 sq in x 4Mechanical actuating, rear two wheelbrakes
5410 stamped onthe caliper body2056 stamped onthe caliper bodyDrumDisc
TIRESize and PressureSee lire intormation label
WASHERCapacity 2door Coupe/4,door Sedan
2,door Hatchback
2.5 f (2.6 LJS qt, 2.2 lmp qt)4.5 | (4.8 US qt,4.0lmp qt)2.51 (2.6 US qt, 2.2 lmp qt)4.5 f (4.8 US qt, 4.0 lmp qt)
USA modelCanada modelDXExcept DXELECTRICALBafteryStarterAlternatorFuses In Under dash Fuse/Felay BoxIn Under-hood Fuse/Belay 8oxIn Under hood ABS FLrse/Relay BoxHeadlightsFront Turn Signal/Parking LightsRear Turn Signal LaghtsBrake/TaillightsInner Taillights*,High Mount Brake LightBack up LightsLicense Plate LightsCeiling Light
Trunk LightsGauge LightsIndicator Lightslllumination and Pilot LightsHeater Control Panel Lights
12 V 38 AH/5 HR12 V 1.0 kW, 1.2 kW12V 75 A,80 A7.5 A, t0 A, 15 A, 20 A7.5 A, 10 A, 15 A, 20 A, 30 A, 40 A, 80 A7.5 4.20 A, 40 A12V_60/55W12V -2115W
12V - 21W12V - 21/5W12V-5W12 V 18 W*" 21 W+" *3
12V 21W12v-5wl2V-8W(Withmoonroofl12 V - 5W (Without moonroof)
12V-1.4W,3W't2 v 1.12W. 1.4 W12v-0.84w, 1.4 W12V 1.4 W
Design Specifications
(cont'd)
P/S: Power Steering M/S: Manual Steering*l: 2-door Coupe *2: 2door Hatchback *3: 4-door Sedan*4: USA (HAM), Canada (HCM) produced *5: Japan produced
3-22
L'

)
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.

Rear Suspension
ISuspension Arms Replacement ('96 - 99 modelsl
tffi Whsn ths suspension arms ar6 to be removed. place additionsl weight in the trunk bafore hoisting' Wh€n
-substantial weight is removed ftom th6 teal of ths vehicl6, the center of gravity may change causing ths cat to tip tor'
ward.
CAUTION:
. Replace the selt-locking nuts after removal.
.Thgvehic|eshouldb€onthggroundboforeanybohsornutsconnectodtorubbelmountso]bughingsaretighton.
NOTE:
. Make sure the toe adjusting bolts on the compensator arm are installed in the same direction'
. ,,t UP 1,, or ,,t UP LH G,. or ,.t UP LK,, or "t UP LS'. is stamped on the |eft upper arm and ,,t UP R" or "t UP RH G., or
"t UP RK" or "t UP RS" on the right upper arm'
. The rightand left "ornp"n""to, uitt rre symmetrical lnstall sothe "t UP" stamped side faces forward'
.Afterinsta||ingthesuspens|onarm,checktherearwhee|alignment,andadjustifnecessary(seepagelS-4).
FLANGE BOLT10 x 1.25 mm54 N.m
ADJUSTING BOLT(FLANGE BOLTI10 x 1.25 mm
BUSHINGCheck for deteriorationand oamage.
(5.5 kgf'm, 40 lbf'ftl
UPPER ARM INNER
47 tbf.ftl
tJ
l0 mm FLANGE BOLT
N.m t4.0 kst m, 29lblftl
DAMPER MOUNTING BOLT(FLANGE BOLT}
10 x 1.25 mm
54Nm(5.5 kgd.m, iro lbf'ft)
FI.ANGE BOLT10 x 1,25 mm54 N.m(5,5 ksrf.m, 4{} lbf'ft}
UPPER ARMCheck for bendangdamage-
TRAILING ARM
COMPENSATOR ARM
Check for bendingano oamage,
COMPENSATOR ARM
INNER BUSHING
.- SILICONE.@] GREASE
Check tor deteriorataonand damage.
FLANGE BOLT10 x 1.25 mm64 N.m {6.5 kgt'm,47 lbf.ft)
LOWER ARMCheck for cracksano damage.
LOWEN ARM BUSHING
.,- SILICONE..i@l GREASECheck for deteriorationand oamage,FLANGE AOLT12 x 1.25 mm64 N.m {6.5 kgf m,47 tbf.ftt
FLANGE BOL10 x 1.25 mm
I 54 N.m

(5.5 ksrm, ao lbf'ftl
1A-21