The Complete Guide to CRX Suspension Parts: Upgrades and Replacements

The Honda CRX is a lightweight, nimble car that earned its reputation as a driver's favorite. Over time, suspension components wear out, and many owners look to upgrade for better handling or a smoother ride. Understanding the key parts and their functions is essential for making smart decisions. This guide covers everything from shocks and springs to bushings and sway bars, helping you maintain or improve your CRX's suspension.

Key CRX Suspension Components

The suspension system on a CRX is relatively simple, but each part plays a critical role. Here are the main components you'll encounter.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts control the movement of the springs and dampen oscillations. On the CRX, the front uses a MacPherson strut design, while the rear has separate shocks. Worn shocks lead to excessive bounce, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Replacement options range from OEM-style to performance monotube shocks. Consider your driving style: daily driving does not require race-oriented valving, while autocross or track use benefits from firmer damping.

Springs

Coil springs support the vehicle's weight and absorb road impacts. Factory springs are designed for comfort and moderate handling. If you lower the car with aftermarket springs, you'll lower the center of gravity and reduce body roll but may sacrifice ride quality. Spring rates are measured in lbs/in; a higher rate means stiffer. For a street-driven CRX, a moderate drop of 1-1.5 inches with a spring rate increase of 20-30% is common. Progressive-rate springs offer a softer initial feel and more stiffness under compression.

Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars)

Sway bars connect the left and right sides of the suspension to reduce body lean during cornering. A thicker bar increases roll stiffness but can make the car more prone to oversteer if the rear bar is too stiff. Many CRX owners upgrade to adjustable sway bars, which allow tuning the balance. Stock front sway bars are around 20mm; aftermarket options go up to 27mm or more. Pairing a front bar upgrade with a rear bar or upgraded end links can transform handling.

Bushings

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane inserts that isolate vibration and allow controlled movement between suspension components. Factory rubber bushings degrade over time, causing slop and imprecise steering. Replacing them with polyurethane bushings (like Energy Suspension or Prothane) tightens up the suspension, improves feedback, and lasts longer. However, polyurethane transmits more noise and vibration. For a daily driver, consider using rubber on the street and poly for track-focused setups.

Control Arms and Ball Joints

The CRX has upper and lower control arms in the front (the upper arm is part of the strut assembly), with a lower control arm and trailing arm in the rear. Ball joints connect the control arms to the steering knuckle. Worn ball joints cause clunking and looseness. Replacing them with OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts ensures safety and proper alignment. Some aftermarket control arms offer adjustable camber, which is useful if you've lowered the car.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Suspension Parts

When buying CRX suspension parts, you have two main paths: OEM (genuine Honda) or aftermarket. OEM parts are designed to match factory specifications, offering reliable performance and long service life. They are ideal for restoration or maintaining stock comfort. Aftermarket parts cover a range from budget replacements to high-performance upgrades. Quality varies widely. Stick with reputable brands: KYB, Monroe, and Bilstein for shocks/struts; Eibach, H&R, and Ground Control for springs; Energy Suspension for bushings.

Factors to Consider

• Intended Use: A daily driver does not need race-hard bushings or ultra-stiff springs. A track car can sacrifice ride comfort for grip.
• Budget: Complete suspension overhauls can cost $500-$2,000 depending on choices. Prioritize safety items like ball joints and bushings first.
• Installation: Some parts require special tools (spring compressors, bushing presses). Factor in labor costs if not DIY.
• Compatibility: The CRX shares some suspension parts with the Civic of the same era (1984-1991). Verify fitment for your specific model year (HF, Si, or DX).

Performance Upgrades for Handling

If you want to improve cornering ability without turning the car into a spine-jarring machine, a balanced upgrade path is recommended.

Start with Shocks and Springs

A matched set of performance shocks and springs is the foundation. Koni Yellows are adjustable and pair well with aftermarket springs for a customizable ride. For a budget-friendly option, KYB GR-2/Excel-G shocks with Eibach Pro-Kit springs provide a good balance.

Add Sway Bars

Upgrading the sway bars reduces body roll significantly. Consider a larger front bar (like 22mm) and a matching rear bar (19mm). Adjustable end links help preload the bars for fine-tuning.

Replace Bushings

Polyurethane bushing kits for the front and rear complete the package. They tighten the suspension, making the car feel more responsive. Combined with new shocks and springs, the handling improvement is dramatic.

Don't Forget Alignment

After any suspension work, a proper alignment is crucial. Lowered cars often need adjustable camber bolts or upper control arms to bring alignment back into spec.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Rear Shock Mount Failure: The top shock mounts in the rear can separate or crack. Replace them with reinforced aftermarket mounts or weld in a reinforcement plate.
• Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear: The front lower control arm bushings are a known weak point. Press in new polyurethane bushings for longevity.
• Suspension Noise: Squeaks and clunks often come from dry or worn bushings, ball joints, or sway bar end links. Inspect and lubricate or replace as needed.
• Rust: CRXs in salt-belt regions may have rusted suspension bolts and components. Use penetrating oil and heat to avoid snapping bolts.

Final Recommendations

For most CRX owners, a practical upgrade path is: replace worn shocks/struts with quality units (KYB Gas-a-Just or Bilstein), add lowering springs for a moderate drop, install a larger front sway bar and polyurethane bushings in the rear, and replace all ball joints and tie rod ends. This setup maintains daily drivability while sharpening handling. Always prioritize safety: if you find rust or play in critical parts, address them immediately. Keep the original suspension geometry in mind and avoid extremes that compromise ride quality or reliability. With careful selection, your CRX can handle better than new without breaking the bank.