sway bar concern

[xivera]

After seeing Dezoris sticky thread, I'm a bit concerned if my 22mm Progress rear sway bar may cause a tear in the subframe after it's installed. Would a tie bar help? Or, something?

[xivera]

upsiedaisie...

[SilverY2KCivic]

I'm not Dezoris, but I'll try to take a stab at this for you... If you remember Jaron95 from the "old" PH board, he recently got a Skunk2 rear swaybar for his '92 Si hatchback. In the box with the bar, (it's a 21mm bar) came a paper (or maybe it was an entire page in the install directions for it) that basically said it's HIGHLY recommended that you get the mounting brackets for the sway, welded to the frame of your underside once they are bolted on. The welds should theoretically prevent the subframe tear out that can happen from larger diameter bars, to the subframe. Some of the newer swaybars out there are now incorporating some sort of back-place that is supposed to reduce the likelyhood of subframe tear out, without having to get the brackets themselves welded on. But if your bar didn't come with such backplates to accompany the mounting brackets, I myself would recommend you just get the brackets welded on ALONG with being bolted on like they normally are.

Hope that helps you out.

[SilverY2KCivic]

Forgot to mention above that a tiebar won't do anything (to my knowledge) that will prevent subframe tear out. The tiebar is connected completely seperate from the swaybar, so it wouldn't have any effect on tear out. The Tiebar just stiffens up the flex that can occure between the 2 lower control arm connecting points, while the sway bar actually incures weight transfers to help balance out the suspension and neutralize yaw in the car during cornering manuvers.

[xivera]

A response!?
Thank you...
Well, my Progress bar did come with a mounting plate. I need to read the instructions again. Would you believe that I haven't installed yet!? (problem: Frozen bolt) This tearing subframe is an issue that prevents me from installing it.
I think I need to call the guys at Progress also...

[Racing Rice]

As stated earlier, to best prevent subframe tear have it welded over the factory welds since this is where most of the stress will be. A tiebar may help a very little but not much. The welding is your safest bet. Now when you say came with a mounting plate... Are you talking about a flat piece of metal that goes on the inside of you subframe above your LCA on the nut side of the bolt? If it didnt come with this flat piece then I would either get some large washers or have a thin piece custom made so that the bolts dont tear through your subframe.

[xivera]

Originally posted by Racing Rice
Now when you say came with a mounting plate... Are you talking about a flat piece of metal that goes on the inside of you subframe above your LCA on the nut side of the bolt? If it didnt come with this flat piece then I would either get some large washers or have a thin piece custom made so that the bolts dont tear through your subframe.

I don't think so...
Like I said, I need to check the instructions/hardware. To be honest, I haven't seen my Progress gear for some time. They're in the garage & it's fuggin cold.
Thanx...

[SilverY2KCivic]

Oh crap, should I worry about putting on washers with my OEM Si sway bar, I put on my DX coupe?

[xivera]

Originally posted by SilverY2KCivic
Oh crap, should I worry about putting on washers with my OEM Si sway bar, I put on my DX coupe?

I think your safe. Isn't the Si bar less than 20mm?

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by SilverY2KCivic
Oh crap, should I worry about putting on washers with my OEM Si sway bar, I put on my DX coupe?

You should be fine, but if you get bored one day if sure wouldnt hurt anything thats for sure. I dont think the SIs have any washers or anything either but I maybe wrong.