2004 Civic repair thread

[ChopStix]

Although I do have a press, I've used a big C-clamp and a set of large sockets when replacing suspension bushings. Big C-clamps work good as a press.

Also don't skimp on the grease when installing new poly bushings! You will kick your own butt from the squeaks if you don't goober enough in there. Or if you wanna be slick, drill and tap your suspension arm bushing ends for zerk fittings, to allow for future greasing operations.

[MetroMPG]

Nice to see this old heap back on the active project list!

Fix, sell, and put the funds to better use.

Plus: free up garage space to make room for your next stray.

[Daox]

Yeah, its good to be working on it again. Its been way too long.

The current plan is to get it running, title it and drive it for a while while I tear out the Insight's transmission and fix the input shaft bearing and 2nd gear grind. Then, I'll go back to driving the Insight and the Civic will be sold.

Anyway, more progress from working on it yesterday. Basically, the engine is back in. The engine had been sitting like this (but with the trans on) for the past year or so. All the work was done to it, the transmission bearing and seal were replaced, a new clutch kit was put in, and the timing belt and water pump were replaced.





Now, it looks like this. Almost everything is back in. I still don't have bushings to install into the control arms, and the drive shafts aren't in either quiet yet. Also fluids need to be procured and added. But, thats all pretty minor. I should hopefully have this thing road ready this week.

[MetroMPG]

I should hopefully have this thing road ready this week.

I have learned to refrain from making predicitons like this.

But it's good to have a goal!

[Daox]

Haha, yeah I know how that goes. I really only have to get the fluids added and control arms back on and I'm good to roll. I sure hope that is doable this week!

Beyond that I have a few smaller things to take care of. Both exterior mirrors needed replacing. The passenger side was missing the glass, and here is what they did to the driver's side because the guts inside came apart (cheap design Honda). I just ordered the replacements today. Wow are they cheap on amazon, $20 for one and $22 for the other one.





It also needs just a tad bit of rust repair around the tail light. Its the only visible rust on the outside of the car so I'd like to take care of it. There are also some scratches and stuff to buff out. After that it'll look extremely clean for an 2004 Civic. Combine that with the 116,000 miles and I'll have a great car to sell.

[Daox]

Besides OEM fluid, what are you guys running for transmission fluid in your manual transmission?

[California98Civic]

10w40 full synthetic motor oil in my 93 CX/VX transmission (5w30 was spec). Honda had a spec MTF by the seventh gen Civics, but I don't know how important it really was.

[Daox]

I got a few more things taken care of yesterday. I added engine oil and coolant to the engine. I forgot to grab some transmission fluid when I went out so I'll get some today on the way home.

While I have the control arms out, I figured I would take a look at the brakes. I removed the calipers, cleaned things up, re-lubed the slides, checked the dust boots, etc. All the normal stuff besides replacing parts. I'm glad I did it as the passenger side slides were pretty stiff.





While I was finishing that up, my wife came out and asked if she could help with anything. I grabbed some rubbing compound for her and she went to town on some scuffs on the bumper. Looks much better now.

[MetroMPG]

Getting closer.

[Daox]

Yup, getting very close now.

Last night was another good work night. I got the new ball joints put in.





And the new poly bushings.







My 'press'. I used one of the adapters from the ball joint press to hold the bushing. Even then they both went in cocked. After retrying several times I finally just kept pressing it in after it cocked. It eventually popped in and through.







So, I got those back on the car, bolted everything up and was very proud of myself. Then, I saw the CV axles laying on the ground... DOH! Off some parts came, and I put those in and buttoned things back up again.

Now, I'm just waiting on my Honda MTF to arrive so I can fill up the trans and fire it up and make sure all is well.