Im going to be sending my two sons down to school with a 97 civic EX. About 150 miles away. It has almost 200,000 miles on it. Runs great, drive axles have been done. I know it could use four shocks, but I was also wondering about the front suspension. With almost 200,000 miles on it I know it could use something else. Is it just tie rod ends and ball joints? Or our there other items? Is it a DIY project? I have three other Hondas and do my own timing belts, brakes and drive axles so far. Thanks for any help.

 

What makes you believe that the front suspension needs more than new shocks?

 

Just do a visual inspection on everything. If the ball joints or tie rod ends are leaking, replace them. The lower control arm bushings are probably fine but just check for big cracks/tears. Maybe check the brake lines for cracks, but they are probably fine too. When the car is up with the wheels still on, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and shake it, do it again at 12 and 6. If the wheel shakes, it's a bad bearing.

Always do a visual inspection. It may have 200k miles but some parts will last longer than that.

 

RonJ, I thought at 200,000 miles they would be about do to be replaced. But I will check all of the above and see how everything is. Thanks