Replacing Rear Suspension Stiffener
02-08-2011, 10:49 PM
#1
Replacing Rear Suspension Stiffener
Ok, so there's a metal piece called a Suspension Stiffener that is under the car connecting the two halfs of the rear suspension. It got slightly bent when I ran over a tire tread carcass (don't get me started on retread truck tire carcasses littering our roads).
The part is pretty inexpensive, about $15, so I was gonna replace it. It appears it's held on by only 4 bolts.
Is it really that easy to replace? It's not welded or glued or anything also is it?
Here's a link to the part, it's number 7.
http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/index.p...M&submit=submit
or
http://www.hondapartscheap.com/southbay/js...nt=0&quantity=0
The part is pretty inexpensive, about $15, so I was gonna replace it. It appears it's held on by only 4 bolts.
Is it really that easy to replace? It's not welded or glued or anything also is it?
Here's a link to the part, it's number 7.
http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/index.p...M&submit=submit
or
http://www.hondapartscheap.com/southbay/js...nt=0&quantity=0
02-08-2011, 11:28 PM
#3
After I first got my car, I noticed mines was also sharply bent and I do not remember running over anything.
Just so happens there was a sale at the time on the Cusco lower tie bar for under $99..so that became my first mod!
Just so happens there was a sale at the time on the Cusco lower tie bar for under $99..so that became my first mod!
02-09-2011, 03:30 AM
#4
it is very easy to replace, just keep in mind the larger bolts tighten with more torque than the smaller 10mm bolts, the smaller bolts tie into the evap system and shouldn't be over-torqued or they may strip out. Depending on how old your car is the larger bolts might be dry and rusty on their way out, just take your time, I put anti-sieze on the bolts on re-installation.
I'd replace that piece with an aftermarket tie bar, the stock piece looks so flimsy and I could see it being easily bent by road debris.
I'd replace that piece with an aftermarket tie bar, the stock piece looks so flimsy and I could see it being easily bent by road debris.
02-09-2011, 09:08 AM
#6
Yeah, I hate mitchell guide as it way overestimates the time it takes to do a job. I also don't go to repair shops that use it to set their labor prices.
My guess is the OEM bar is strong in the direction it is supposed to add stiffness. But in terms of taking a hit from something on the road, the edges bend easily.
Since I was gonna replace it anyway, I figure I might as well replace it with something different, as long as it wasn't very expensive.
My guess is the OEM bar is strong in the direction it is supposed to add stiffness. But in terms of taking a hit from something on the road, the edges bend easily.
Since I was gonna replace it anyway, I figure I might as well replace it with something different, as long as it wasn't very expensive.
02-09-2011, 09:38 AM
#7
Originally Posted by hecash,Feb 9 2011, 02:00 PM
That's rediculous. It's more like 8 minutes.
BTW, about 6 years ago I crashed my first S. Just for kicks I put the Comptech rear lower tie bar from the car into a press followed by the OEM bar. We don't know what the actual pressure was but it took four more pumps of the press handle after initial contact to bend the OEM. Food for thought unless you are worried about the small amount of weight savings or the asthetics.
BTW, about 6 years ago I crashed my first S. Just for kicks I put the Comptech rear lower tie bar from the car into a press followed by the OEM bar. We don't know what the actual pressure was but it took four more pumps of the press handle after initial contact to bend the OEM. Food for thought unless you are worried about the small amount of weight savings or the asthetics.
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02-09-2011, 11:19 AM
#8
Originally Posted by hecash,Feb 9 2011, 10:00 AM
That's rediculous. It's more like 8 minutes.
BTW, about 6 years ago I crashed my first S. Just for kicks I put the Comptech rear lower tie bar from the car into a press followed by the OEM bar. We don't know what the actual pressure was but it took four more pumps of the press handle after initial contact to bend the OEM. Food for thought unless you are worried about the small amount of weight savings or the asthetics.
BTW, about 6 years ago I crashed my first S. Just for kicks I put the Comptech rear lower tie bar from the car into a press followed by the OEM bar. We don't know what the actual pressure was but it took four more pumps of the press handle after initial contact to bend the OEM. Food for thought unless you are worried about the small amount of weight savings or the asthetics.
are you saying the oem took 4 more pumps to bend than the comptech or... that the oem only took 4 pumps to bend after it was touched by the press.
02-10-2011, 03:54 AM
#9
I made my own from home depot, about $14? aluminum square pipe,
26" long or so, then squared off 4 washers,
drilled from socket size holes on the top side
so a socket/drill can reach the heads.. done
lasted 2+ years and i think came in at 40oz
26" long or so, then squared off 4 washers,
drilled from socket size holes on the top side
so a socket/drill can reach the heads.. done
lasted 2+ years and i think came in at 40oz
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