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Aftermarket Front Strut Bars for 2006-2011 Civics Pictured above are three piece front strut bars from two different manufacturers. They may look similar but only one will easily bolt into place. The other required extensive modifications before it could be installed.
Is this a before or after photo? Hard to tell because once installed the strut bar is not easy to spot.
The first step is to position the wiper blades so they are pointing straight up. This gives access to the strut nut hidden by a round plastic trim piece. To install the strut bar begin by removing the plastic cowling at the base of the windshield then disconnect the windshield washer hose. Remove components from the plastic piece that surrounds the windshield wiper for access to the three strut nuts.
You might find it easiest to pre-assemble the strut bar, leaving the two bolts that attach the bar to the mounting brackets loose.
Remove the three nuts holding the strut in place on each side.
With plastic protecting the bar from scuffing the strut bar is positioned into place.
Not so obvious from the photo but this bar didn't fit to begin with, but where there is a will there is a way...
When it comes to strut bars you get what you pay for. Avoid low-cost strut bars unless you are an experienced installer and willing to spend the extra time to get them to fit. It was no trouble at all to install this high quality front strut bar from Megan Racing. Mounting brackets and the bar itself are made from heaver materials than those found on bargain strut bars.
Attach the three nuts securing the strut bar brackets on either side of the strut bar then proceed with the final tightening of the bar to the brackets. With limited space for tools this can be a bit challenging.
With a layer of protective plastic still in place this what the Megan Racing strut bar looks like before the cowling is reattached.
Another look after the Megan Racing strut bar has been installed.
Using a Megan Racing strut bar as a guide low-cost strut bars can be re-engineered to fit. The main problem with this particular one was that it was not level - it bowed up in the center. Space is limited for this installation so the strut bar must somewhat lay flat. To accomplish this a wooden 2"x4" was place under each end of the bar as it lay on the ground then the weight of a vehicle was lowered onto of it, bending it into a flatter shape. Mounting brackets had to be swapped end for end.
- Links - DIY Installation of Front Strut Bars on 8th Gen Civics Does your 8th Gen Civic have ~twitchy~ steering? Civic Steering Gearbox Adjustment
Of what benefit is a front strut bar on 8th Gen Civics? If your Civic's steering at times seems "twitchy" a front strut bar may help. Expect that with a quality strut bar installed your steering will feel firmer and you will have improved directional stability. Less driver input is needed to maintain any given direction - going straight or rounding a curve. Anytime you're considering a modification from stock it's a good idea to get as much information as you can beforehand. In the case of front strut bars do a search to find what others are saying about them. In your search don't limit yourself to just 8th Gen Civic applications. But when it comes to 8th Gen Civics pay special attention to those who have actually installed them on their vehicles.
Last updated 8/24/14
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