Honda Civic FC 2016-2021 Coilover Install Instructions
Welcome to the 2016–2021 Honda Civic FC coilover install instructions. This step-by-step guide is designed to make your install process smooth and straightforward. We’ve included the recommended tools, factory torque specs, and key tips to help you get the best results. While this walkthrough highlights the Function and Form Type 3 Coilover kit, the same steps also apply to our Type 2 and Type 4 systems for the Civic FC. For reference, our test vehicle is a 2016 Civic Sport equipped with 235/40/18 tires on lightweight wheels. Once installation is complete, we recommend scheduling a professional alignment after a short settling period to ensure proper handling and tire wear. A link to our video tutorial is available at the end of this post for those who prefer a visual guide.
The 10th generation Honda Civic (chassis code FC), produced from 2016 to 2021, marked a major leap forward in both design and engineering. Featuring a stiffer chassis, advanced suspension geometry, and a turbocharged engine option, the FC generation blends performance, comfort, and efficiency in one refined package. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension deliver a balanced and predictable ride, making it an excellent platform for upgrades. Installing coilovers not only improves cornering response and stance but also unlocks full control over ride height and damping adjustment, allowing you to tailor the setup to your driving style. Whether for daily driving, spirited canyon runs, or track use, the Civic FC responds exceptionally well to coilover upgrades, elevating both performance and confidence behind the wheel.
TOOLS NEEDED
Sockets: 19mm, 17mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm.
Wrenches: 17mm.
Hex key 5mm.
Impact wrench.
Ratchet.
Trim removal tool.
Torque wrench.
Spanner wrenches (provided with kit).
Measuring tape (provided with kit).
Floor jack.
Jack stands.
Flashlight (optional).
Before beginning the installation, measure the distance from the center of each wheel to the fender for both the front and rear.
Determine your desired ride height adjustment, then write down these measurements for reference.
Safely lift the vehicle using the designated jack points.
Remove the wheels using a 19mm socket.
Remove the bolt for the abs sensor with a 10mm socket.
Remove the bolt on the brake line bracket with a 12mm socket.
Remove the sway bar endlink with a 14mm socket.
Remove lower arm bolt on the strut pinch clamp with a 17mm socket.
Remove the three nuts on the lower control arm and pry it down for strut clearance. Note: the axle may pop out of the cv joint and need realignment during coilover installation.
Remove the three top hat nuts with a 14mm socket and remove the strut.
Adjust coilover to desired height before install.
ATTENTION: Do not adjust ride height using the spring perches, as they are intended for spring preload adjustment only.
Click here for video on how to reset preload.
Place the strut into position and hand tighten the top hat nuts.
Insert the spindle into the lower control arm and torque the three bolts with a 17mm socket to 58 lb-ft.
Insert the coilover into the strut pinch clamp and torque with a 17mm socket to 58 lb-ft.
Make sure to realign the axle if it did pop out of the cv joint.
Install the provided endlink and torque with 17mm socket to 47 lb-ft on both ends.
Make sure to rotate the endlink center with a wrench to tighten down the endlink. Any slop in the endlink can produce unwanted noises.
Torque the ABS/speed sensor with a 10mm socket to 11 lb-ft.
Torque the brake line bracket with a 12mm socket to 16 lb-ft.
Torque the top hat nuts with a 14mm socket to 40 lb-ft.
Make sure the lower mount locking collar is tight. We recommend placing the spanner wrench into lower mount grooves and giving it a couple of solid taps with a rubber mallet to secure it into place.
Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 80 lb-ft.
This concludes the front Honda Civic FC coilover instructions.
Rear Installation
Remove the rear wheels with a 19mm socket.
Loosen but do not remove the camber bolt on the lower mount bolt with a 17mm socket.
Remove the rear endlink bolt from the lower control arm with a 12mm socket.
Support the lower control arm and remove the lower mount bolt on the bottom of the spindle with a 17mm socket.
Remove the lower mount bolt on the shock with a 17mm socket.
Use a trim tool to remove the plastic clips next to the strut to get access to the shock top hat.
Remove the two bolts with a 12mm socket and remove the strut.
Remove the top hat from the OEM suspension with a 12mm socket and torque it down on the new strut to 22 lb-ft.
Next adjust the spring height by loosening with 5mm Allen hex key and rotating the spring perches to desired height before install.
Place the bottom lower mount spring insulator on the bottom of the new spring. Then place the adjusters on the top of the spring for install.
Install the new shock and torque the top hat bolts to 30 lb-ft.
Next rotate the shock lower mount until it reaches the lower mounting position.
Install the spring at the desired height and torque the lower control arm bolt to 56 lb-ft.
Torque the endlink bolt with a 12mm socket to 30 lb-ft.
Torque the damper lower mount bolt with a 17mm socket to 60 lb-ft.
Torque the lower control arm camber bolt to 69 lb-ft.
Torque the lower control arm to 69 lb-ft.
Torque the lug nuts with a 19mm socket to 80 lb-ft.
This completes Civic FC coilover install instructions. An alignment is recommended one week after installation to allow the suspension to settle properly.
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