Broken Sway Bar Mount - NOT an endlink
#1
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Broken Sway Bar Mount - NOT an endlink
Ok boys and girls ...
I had been hearing a faint clunk for a few days and the car had not been handling right. I finally had the time today to investigate today after work.
This is what I found (see pics.) The right side (passenger) sway bar mount is broken. I have had the Comptech sway on for about 2.5 years and the ESP bushings on for about 15 months.
moda_way - Can you tell me if the entire part that is broken is available for replacement using your online part number sources? I did not have time to completely jack up the car, so I could not really tell if the part unbolts from the car or is welded on permanently.
Or should I just have the broken areas welded?
I do not think the dealer is going to accept this as a warranty issue since I changed out the OEM sway with the Comptech sway.
Suggestions?
I had been hearing a faint clunk for a few days and the car had not been handling right. I finally had the time today to investigate today after work.
This is what I found (see pics.) The right side (passenger) sway bar mount is broken. I have had the Comptech sway on for about 2.5 years and the ESP bushings on for about 15 months.
moda_way - Can you tell me if the entire part that is broken is available for replacement using your online part number sources? I did not have time to completely jack up the car, so I could not really tell if the part unbolts from the car or is welded on permanently.
Or should I just have the broken areas welded?
I do not think the dealer is going to accept this as a warranty issue since I changed out the OEM sway with the Comptech sway.
Suggestions?
#5
my acura sanctuary
clifton,
that really SUCKS!!! Hope you can get it sorted out.
I am curious about your driving habits.
....on a 1-10 scale. 10= very aggressive,
how would you rate how you have driven your TSX?
that really SUCKS!!! Hope you can get it sorted out.
I am curious about your driving habits.
....on a 1-10 scale. 10= very aggressive,
how would you rate how you have driven your TSX?
#6
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Originally Posted by Lone Starr
still have your OEM one to put back?
Originally Posted by kangjin
ohh, that sucks...
did you feel a difference in your right-hand turns vs left-hand turns?
did you feel a difference in your right-hand turns vs left-hand turns?
Originally Posted by JTso
I have always supspected that area will break with a larger bar. It doesn't look like a difficult welding fix if replacement part is not available. I would recommend adding additional reinforcement during the welding to strengthen that area.
Originally Posted by subdued
I am curious about your driving habits.
....on a 1-10 scale. 10= very aggressive,
how would you rate how you have driven your TSX?
....on a 1-10 scale. 10= very aggressive,
how would you rate how you have driven your TSX?
The DFW area has a lot of rough pavement in areas. I wonder if that bump and grind of the highway contributed to the failure. I really think the mounts are just too weak as JTso pointed out for the larger bar.
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#8
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Dude, before i put on my comptech rear sway bar and intake, i asked the dealership if i installed them myself and even bought them from somewhere else if it would void the warranty and the service guy told me that no comptech voids warranties. All comptech parts do not void the warranty and my dealership even sells comptech there they just don't install them (not sure why though). I even called up about the aspec suspension and i asked them if i installed it myself would i need them to check it and he said no, you won't void the warranty since its an Acura product. I would try and talk to your dealership first and at least see what they say before you go welding things. I mean i don't know how much that part is worth so it might change things, but i would at least try and ask them!! However, you have a ton of other mods, so that might screw you anyway......
EDIT: Just saw Ryan's post saying it will have to be welded.....that means it def can't hurt to at least ask the dealership about warranty since mine told me it would be covered.....
EDIT: Just saw Ryan's post saying it will have to be welded.....that means it def can't hurt to at least ask the dealership about warranty since mine told me it would be covered.....
#11
The Comptech sway bar is what? 30 odd % stiffer than stock?
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
#12
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Originally Posted by PJS
The Comptech sway bar is what? 30 odd % stiffer than stock?
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
This frame and suspension is a derivative of the Accord and I don't recall that one having this issue. So it is either a defect in engineering or manufacturing or something specific to use.
#13
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Originally Posted by moda_way
or something specific to use.
I have a call into my SA at the local dealership. Since they could never fix my horn problem, I am not the most popular client at service.
#14
Pro
The rear suspension subframe is a bolted-in replaceable part...but it's a rather big job to replace. I'd think you'd be better to have the mount welded back together with gussets to strengthen it.
A dealer might agree to warranty this at their own risk of getting the claim kicked back by Acura. In my experience there's no way an Acura DSM would approve this as a warrantable repair, knowing that a stiffer aftermarket sway bar was used.
A dealer might agree to warranty this at their own risk of getting the claim kicked back by Acura. In my experience there's no way an Acura DSM would approve this as a warrantable repair, knowing that a stiffer aftermarket sway bar was used.
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Originally Posted by moda_way
or something specific to use.
Seriously, that sucks man. I think a reweld would fix it right up though.
#16
Originally Posted by moda_way
The bar is 1.46 times bigger. (15mm -> 22mm)
This frame and suspension is a derivative of the Accord and I don't recall that one having this issue. So it is either a defect in engineering or manufacturing or something specific to use.
This frame and suspension is a derivative of the Accord and I don't recall that one having this issue. So it is either a defect in engineering or manufacturing or something specific to use.
Otherwise, we'd have heard long before now of other RSB's doing the same damage, and I'm guessing Swift, H&R, Progress, Comptech, etc have all put considerable time into R&D'ing the strength of the mounts.
I'm sure the Japanese companies would have direct technical channels into Honda, and the numbers calculated before beginning to produce various prototypes and testing them on circuits.
#17
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Originally Posted by PJS
The thickness of the bar could be an issue, but I think the stiffness of the bigger one exerts only a little (relatively) extra strain on the area, that it should be considered a defective part in this case.
Otherwise, we'd have heard long before now of other RSB's doing the same damage, and I'm guessing Swift, H&R, Progress, Comptech, etc have all put considerable time into R&D'ing the strength of the mounts.
I'm sure the Japanese companies would have direct technical channels into Honda, and the numbers calculated before beginning to produce various prototypes and testing them on circuits.
Otherwise, we'd have heard long before now of other RSB's doing the same damage, and I'm guessing Swift, H&R, Progress, Comptech, etc have all put considerable time into R&D'ing the strength of the mounts.
I'm sure the Japanese companies would have direct technical channels into Honda, and the numbers calculated before beginning to produce various prototypes and testing them on circuits.
#20
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by PJS
The Comptech sway bar is what? 30 odd % stiffer than stock?
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
Assuming this is so, then I'd definitely be pulling Acura on it, since it's a very fine margin they've left themselves in the designing of that part.
#21
How do you work that out? The shape of the bar will dictate matters as well.
In all honesty, I don't see the Comptech being that much stiffer, maybe 150%, which translates to 1.5x stiffer.
When I wrote that, I was thinking of the Swift ones for the CL7, which its rear is 132% - so typo and not fully appreciating the %age term stated.
A bit more research shows the Swift to be 15mm apparently.
So, 22mm starts to look like you may not be far wrong.
Looks like I may be way out on just how much additional stress and stiffer the Comptech unit is creating.
In all honesty, I don't see the Comptech being that much stiffer, maybe 150%, which translates to 1.5x stiffer.
When I wrote that, I was thinking of the Swift ones for the CL7, which its rear is 132% - so typo and not fully appreciating the %age term stated.
A bit more research shows the Swift to be 15mm apparently.
So, 22mm starts to look like you may not be far wrong.
Looks like I may be way out on just how much additional stress and stiffer the Comptech unit is creating.
#22
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guys i suggest you havea look at this pdf
http://www.whiteline.com.au/docs/bulletins/010barup.pdf
small incriments in diametre have a huge affect on stiffness
http://www.whiteline.com.au/docs/bulletins/010barup.pdf
small incriments in diametre have a huge affect on stiffness
#23
^^^ I agree... When you take into account the greater stiffness under load taking a sudden hit or "shock", there is less inherent residual flex left to take the shock. Given certain conditions, something’s got to give.
I have in the past broken more than a few suspension parts and in hindsight I could most probably guess when & how I broke them. It comes with the territory.
I always thought on the TSX it would be the end link that broke first. Go figure.
I have in the past broken more than a few suspension parts and in hindsight I could most probably guess when & how I broke them. It comes with the territory.
I always thought on the TSX it would be the end link that broke first. Go figure.
#24
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by PJS
How do you work that out? The shape of the bar will dictate matters as well.
In all honesty, I don't see the Comptech being that much stiffer, maybe 150%, which translates to 1.5x stiffer.
When I wrote that, I was thinking of the Swift ones for the CL7, which its rear is 132% - so typo and not fully appreciating the %age term stated.
A bit more research shows the Swift to be 15mm apparently.
So, 22mm starts to look like you may not be far wrong.
Looks like I may be way out on just how much additional stress and stiffer the Comptech unit is creating.
In all honesty, I don't see the Comptech being that much stiffer, maybe 150%, which translates to 1.5x stiffer.
When I wrote that, I was thinking of the Swift ones for the CL7, which its rear is 132% - so typo and not fully appreciating the %age term stated.
A bit more research shows the Swift to be 15mm apparently.
So, 22mm starts to look like you may not be far wrong.
Looks like I may be way out on just how much additional stress and stiffer the Comptech unit is creating.
#25
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UPDATE
This is regodamndickulous
Acura said without a doubt, not a warranty issue
Muffler/Welding Shop #1 no longer in business
Car Repair Shop #1 said they would not touch it
Car Repair Shop #2 said their "wire" welder was not hot enough for the repair
Muffler/Welding Shop #2 said to take it to a body shop or someone with a MIG welder
Comments ... suggestions ... profound statements?
I think I am just going to take the sway bar off and ditch it in the back yard. I do not think I even really need it.
This is regodamndickulous
Acura said without a doubt, not a warranty issue
Muffler/Welding Shop #1 no longer in business
Car Repair Shop #1 said they would not touch it
Car Repair Shop #2 said their "wire" welder was not hot enough for the repair
Muffler/Welding Shop #2 said to take it to a body shop or someone with a MIG welder
Comments ... suggestions ... profound statements?
I think I am just going to take the sway bar off and ditch it in the back yard. I do not think I even really need it.
#27
Team Owner
Originally Posted by gsclifton
UPDATE
This is regodamndickulous
Acura said without a doubt, not a warranty issue
Muffler/Welding Shop #1 no longer in business
Car Repair Shop #1 said they would not touch it
Car Repair Shop #2 said their "wire" welder was not hot enough for the repair
Muffler/Welding Shop #2 said to take it to a body shop or someone with a MIG welder
Comments ... suggestions ... profound statements?
I think I am just going to take the sway bar off and ditch it in the back yard. I do not think I even really need it.
This is regodamndickulous
Acura said without a doubt, not a warranty issue
Muffler/Welding Shop #1 no longer in business
Car Repair Shop #1 said they would not touch it
Car Repair Shop #2 said their "wire" welder was not hot enough for the repair
Muffler/Welding Shop #2 said to take it to a body shop or someone with a MIG welder
Comments ... suggestions ... profound statements?
I think I am just going to take the sway bar off and ditch it in the back yard. I do not think I even really need it.
#29
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I called the dealership again and they said without a doubt, since it was self install, they would absolutely not warranty it. He said they would have no warranty problem if I could prove any Acura dealership installed the part. My problem with this is Acura would have wanted the cost of the bar plus some to install. Also, how in the hell could you f-up a sway bar install?
I called Comptech. They had never heard of a failure like this. They suggested going back to the OEM bar and trying another dealership. He also asked me to send the pictures to engineering.
I have called several places, and I cannot find someone with a MIG welder and a lift.
I called Comptech. They had never heard of a failure like this. They suggested going back to the OEM bar and trying another dealership. He also asked me to send the pictures to engineering.
I have called several places, and I cannot find someone with a MIG welder and a lift.
#30
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Originally Posted by moda_way
Find a body shop and have them MIG it.
Calling some more places.
Moda - are you sure I cannot replace the broken part or is that welded to the sub frame?
#31
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Originally Posted by gsclifton
I have called 2 and both said they only tack and TIG that MIG is custom WTF. I am not a welder.
Calling some more places.
Moda - are you sure I cannot replace the broken part or is that welded to the sub frame?
Calling some more places.
Moda - are you sure I cannot replace the broken part or is that welded to the sub frame?
#32
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Originally Posted by gsclifton
I have called 2 and both said they only tack and TIG that MIG is custom WTF. I am not a welder.
Calling some more places.
Moda - are you sure I cannot replace the broken part or is that welded to the sub frame?
Calling some more places.
Moda - are you sure I cannot replace the broken part or is that welded to the sub frame?
Let's put it this, as far as the catalog showed, it looks to be part of an assembly. I'll see what else I can find.
#33
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^^
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
#34
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Originally Posted by gsclifton
^^
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
#36
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Originally Posted by gsclifton
^^
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
What is the "assembly" part number. I cannot find it at sunnyside
One tuner shop said about $100 to weld it, but said it would fail again most likely. He said I should reinforce the area, but that would be fabrication work and costly.
So ... do I let someone weld it up and hope it stays, or put back to OEM and try another dealer? Wow, what a hassle for a $99 part!
EDIT
NM ... I found the part # 50300-SEA-E00
I'll see if i can find the picture of it as well, but it sheared very similar to that, just from a different, more direct impact, not a slow fatigue break.
#37
Pro
Originally Posted by gsclifton
I called the dealership again and they said without a doubt, since it was self install, they would absolutely not warranty it. He said they would have no warranty problem if I could prove any Acura dealership installed the part. My problem with this is Acura would have wanted the cost of the bar plus some to install. Also, how in the hell could you f-up a sway bar install?
I called Comptech. They had never heard of a failure like this. They suggested going back to the OEM bar and trying another dealership. He also asked me to send the pictures to engineering.
I have called several places, and I cannot find someone with a MIG welder and a lift.
I called Comptech. They had never heard of a failure like this. They suggested going back to the OEM bar and trying another dealership. He also asked me to send the pictures to engineering.
I have called several places, and I cannot find someone with a MIG welder and a lift.
#38
Did the knocking come and go, or was it all the time?
My TSX has been knocking for the longest time, I have a sway bar also. I have checked everything under my car, but never even thought to check the sway mount....I wonder if mine could be broken too.
My TSX has been knocking for the longest time, I have a sway bar also. I have checked everything under my car, but never even thought to check the sway mount....I wonder if mine could be broken too.
#39
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Originally Posted by poltergeist
Nice....so Comptech is encouraging you to commit fraud. Now I know one company I'll never deal with.
Originally Posted by IneedaTSX
Did the knocking come and go, or was it all the time?
My TSX has been knocking for the longest time, I have a sway bar also. I have checked everything under my car, but never even thought to check the sway mount....I wonder if mine could be broken too.
My TSX has been knocking for the longest time, I have a sway bar also. I have checked everything under my car, but never even thought to check the sway mount....I wonder if mine could be broken too.
#40
Originally Posted by gsclifton
It just started knocking one day. I am going to have a welder take a crack at fixing the mount this weekend.
The knocking on my car seems to come and go. I'm gunna try to get under there after work.