Comptech Rear Swaybar Install - With Pics!
#121
Originally Posted by scheißterhöffer
I, er, the guy I know who this happened to, didn't have to get a new endlink. They were somehow able to retighten it. But this has soured me, er, him, to the sway bar install for the time being.
Thanks for the input.
By the way, joerockt and others, thanks for the install guide and pics, input. Made it relatively easy, removing the end link bolts notwithstanding.
#122
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Originally Posted by scheißterhöffer
Redemption day for scheißterhöffer! Managed to get the Comptech RSB installed today with the help of my buddy, an impact wrench, and some dogged determination in spite of the somewhat stripped hex threads. Generally rainy out and busy with some other stuff so I haven't had a big chance to drive it and feel the difference. But I'm curious, is it necessary to get an alignment or anything after this work?
Thanks for the input.
By the way, joerockt and others, thanks for the install guide and pics, input. Made it relatively easy, removing the end link bolts notwithstanding.
Thanks for the input.
By the way, joerockt and others, thanks for the install guide and pics, input. Made it relatively easy, removing the end link bolts notwithstanding.
No alignment is needed. However, you may want to re torque everything after driving around for several miles.
#123
OK so I got a progress RSB a couple of weeks ago (first mod!) and I got around to intaslling it today. I had borrowed a floor jack and jack stands. I was very excited to do the install today, however, it didn't work out. I jacked up the car until the jack was fully extended and the freaking wheels didn't even get off the ground! The frame was still several inches away from being able to get on the jack stands! I had the jack positioned at the spot just in front of the center of the rear bumber. So my question is what's going on here? Is the TSX an unusually high car (I doubt it)? Did I have the floor jack positioned in the wrong place (I doubt that too)? Or is the floor jack I borrowed a piece of @#$%? Any thoughts?
#124
Senior Moderator
If you borrowed a little (standard) floor jack and tried to jack it using a center jack point, you're not going to get very far. You need to jack on the frame next to the tire, there is just enough space to jack there and still slip in a jack stand, then move to the other side and repeat.
You need a pretty hefty jack to get the car high enough from either of the center points, so it does all depend on what kind of jack and where you jack from.
You need a pretty hefty jack to get the car high enough from either of the center points, so it does all depend on what kind of jack and where you jack from.
#125
Originally Posted by Killdozer77
I jacked up the car until the jack was fully extended and the freaking wheels didn't even get off the ground! The frame was still several inches away from being able to get on the jack stands!
#127
Thanks for the input. I tried aarong's suggestion with the concrete block yesterday but the blocks I happened to have laying around weren't big enough. Next weekend I'll see if I can pull off Reach's suggested method. Thanks again.
#128
Team Owner
When I was using my dad's jack I ran into the same problem. I made up my own spacer. I cut a 6-inch section of a 4"x4" piece of wood and used it between the jack and the jack point. It got the car high enough to slip the jack stands under it. I do not recommend this method for raising your car all the time but in a pinch, it'll do.
The next weekend I went out and bought this: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes
With a 21" lifting range it got the TSX high enough (on both the front and rear jacking point) to get the stands in without a problem.
The next weekend I went out and bought this: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes
With a 21" lifting range it got the TSX high enough (on both the front and rear jacking point) to get the stands in without a problem.
#129
Originally Posted by aaronng
Get a huge piece of concrete, place it under the jack. Jack the car up and put the stands underneath.
#130
Originally Posted by scheißterhöffer
If you have a rolling jack (not the one that comes with the spare), only do this if the huge piece of concrete is big enough to accommodate the wheels of the jack. As you jack the car up, the jack has to roll forward, as the jacking point is moving forward as well. If you do this in a way that will not allow the jack to roll forward while jacking, it will start to lean up on its toe and may eventually drop it.
I followed jlukja's link to the Jack he recommended and man, it got some really negative reviews. That surprised me. I mean how hard is it to make a jack that works?
Thanks again for the input.
#131
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by scheißterhöffer
If you have a rolling jack (not the one that comes with the spare), only do this if the huge piece of concrete is big enough to accommodate the wheels of the jack. As you jack the car up, the jack has to roll forward, as the jacking point is moving forward as well. If you do this in a way that will not allow the jack to roll forward while jacking, it will start to lean up on its toe and may eventually drop it.
#133
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I just finished the installation and took her for a drive and tightened everything down and WOW is that ASS tight as a straight guy in prison!! It def should have come with this standard because the handling is so improved! It was actually very easy and took me 1.5 hrs and thanks to MrHeelToe how informed me just un-bolt the exhaust pipe from the muffler, the rear sway bar slide right through nice and easy And of course thanks for the illustrations joerockt cause that made my life sooo much easier! You guys on this forum are awesome and a plethora of knowledge!
#135
Ok, after freakin out and canceling my Tein springs (I was afraid I would open a can of worms, tire wear ect.) I just ordered the RSB from Comptech. This will me my first "big" mod, other than the Comptech short shift kit. I LOVE that by the way!! I read the the rear can "break away" easier with the RSB installed. Wont the VSA help with that, or is it just something you can play with, and still remain in controll of? I kindda like the idea of being able to swing the ass end around alittle bit. Not that it will ever be a drift car.
Thanks,
Ken
Thanks,
Ken
#136
Driver/Detailer
Your rear doesn't break away like a RWD car accelerating in the corner. Instead, your car rotates more when you turn. If you are not used to driving your car, that rotation can catch you offguard. But since it is your own TSX, you'll be driving it heaps and you'll get used to it very quickly.
#138
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by kennungesser
Cool, thanks. Oh, and thanks for not flaming me on the springs.
Thanks aaronng,
Ken
Thanks aaronng,
Ken
#139
Well, I finally got the Progress Bar installed. Once I got a jack that worked, the install was pretty quick and easy. The handling improvemnet is subtle but definately noticeable, especially in hard cornering. The new bar definately does highlight the inadequacy of the stock tires, there is a lot more squealing going on while cornering. What I found strange was, in normal driving the ride actually feels smoother. Is that possible or am I just imagining this?
#140
Racer
I just got my Comptech RSB in the mail yesterday and am looking to install it (1st mod...ever). I noticed most people on here used jacks for install, can wheel ramps be used as well? I have neither, however was looking for an inexpensive way to do it. The other question I had was (don't shoot the noob), I noticed in the pics of the tools required they were pretty standard stuff, however there was mention of specific torques for bolts, is a torque wrench truly necessary or is tight...tight enough? Thanks guys!!
#141
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Originally Posted by markm929
I just got my Comptech RSB in the mail yesterday and am looking to install it (1st mod...ever). I noticed most people on here used jacks for install, can wheel ramps be used as well? I have neither, however was looking for an inexpensive way to do it. The other question I had was (don't shoot the noob), I noticed in the pics of the tools required they were pretty standard stuff, however there was mention of specific torques for bolts, is a torque wrench truly necessary or is tight...tight enough? Thanks guys!!
Oh, and you should be fine ramps however, it might make it a little harder to get the old sway bar out and put the new one in.
A little side note to help you get it out and put the new one in, Marcus ake MrHeelToe had a suggestion that made things a lot easier and that was, unbolt the exhaust pipe from the muffler (2 bolts) on the drivers side, and the sway bars will slide out and in really easy! Those bolts are on there TIGHT though, so spray em' with some lube (WD-40 etc) and your good to go!
#143
Team Owner
Originally Posted by markm929
I just got my Comptech RSB in the mail yesterday and am looking to install it (1st mod...ever). I noticed most people on here used jacks for install, can wheel ramps be used as well? I have neither, however was looking for an inexpensive way to do it. The other question I had was (don't shoot the noob), I noticed in the pics of the tools required they were pretty standard stuff, however there was mention of specific torques for bolts, is a torque wrench truly necessary or is tight...tight enough? Thanks guys!!
My guess is that doing the RSB swap on wheel ramps may be possible but a little more difficult in removing the OEM bar and fitting in the new one. With the car jacked up and on stands the wheels hang free and the suspension is fully decompressed so it hangs lower away from the underside of the car. On ramps the car would be higher off the ground to give you access but the suspension will still be compressed by the weight of the car which will make access to the bar and bolts more difficult.
edit: jwood beat me to it.
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Originally Posted by jlukja
A torque wrench isn't truly necessary. I did my RSB swap without one. I tried to feel the amount of effort it took to loosen the bolts and then apply the same amount of effort to tighten them. Not very scientific but so far so good. If you plan to do future mods then investing in a torque wrench isn't a bad idea. Its a good tool to have in your toolbox and it'll come in handy.
My guess is that doing the RSB swap on wheel ramps may be possible but a little more difficult in removing the OEM bar and fitting in the new one. With the car jacked up and on stands the wheels hang free and the suspension is fully decompressed so it hangs lower away from the underside of the car. On ramps the car would be higher off the ground to give you access but the suspension will still be compressed by the weight of the car which will make access to the bar and bolts more difficult.
edit: jwood beat me to it.
My guess is that doing the RSB swap on wheel ramps may be possible but a little more difficult in removing the OEM bar and fitting in the new one. With the car jacked up and on stands the wheels hang free and the suspension is fully decompressed so it hangs lower away from the underside of the car. On ramps the car would be higher off the ground to give you access but the suspension will still be compressed by the weight of the car which will make access to the bar and bolts more difficult.
edit: jwood beat me to it.
#145
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Originally Posted by jwood_04TSX
The two bolts on the exhaust pipe on in the middle on the right side of this pic
#146
Team Owner
Originally Posted by jwood_04TSX
I am learning my way around obtaining info pretty fast thanks to all you guys! It allows the newer, not so noobs to answer the questions that you older guys have answered for us!!
:killer:
#147
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Originally Posted by jlukja
:killer:
Xizor - i actually tried to do that and had some problems with it for some reasons and when you unbolt the exhaust, the bar slides into place sooo much easier! Either way will work...just make sure you bolt it back on tight if you go that route
#148
Racer
Thanks guys...this site is a great resource and thanks for your valuable input. Guess I should look to invest in a jack and some stands before I attempt this as it will make it 100x easier. Don't want the first mod to be such a pain that I don't do more down the road. I'll let yah know how I make out.
#150
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I installed this comptech RSB a few weeks ago and I gotta say it's quite an impressive improvement. I just jacked the car up and placed it on some jack stands.
The hard part was getting the bar out. I used a lot of the space in the rear driver's side to push the bar into that area to get the passenger side out first and then it came out pretty nicely.
Getting it in, I just reversed the process and went in within 5 minutes or so. My arms got tired just trying to figure out how to get that OEM bar out.
The hard part was getting the bar out. I used a lot of the space in the rear driver's side to push the bar into that area to get the passenger side out first and then it came out pretty nicely.
Getting it in, I just reversed the process and went in within 5 minutes or so. My arms got tired just trying to figure out how to get that OEM bar out.
#151
WOW!! You guys weren't kidding! This thing is awesome! My cousin and I got the old one off and the new one in about an hour, with no problems. Passenger wheel off and dropped the drivers side exahust, smooth as butter. Oh, I may have over killed a little, I used grease AND teflon tape. No noise yet.
We did a before and after test drive along a nice twisty road. It starts going uphill, and turns slightly right at the top( where you can see forever) before dropping down with a hard left at the bottom then back up and to the right, best s curve around! I had Dan watch the I-way (it has a digital speed read-out, very accurate and...COOL) and I just drove not caring about the speed. Just trying to "feel" the car. At one point I did notice the flashing VSA out of the corner of my eye. And I drove it till I felt the "your going too fast, idiot" feeling kicked in. Dan said we hit 75.2 MPH. After the install , did the same run again, again waiting for the above mentioned "idiot" feeling to kick in. This time the speed reading was 95.4 MPH
Not very scientific (or smart for that matter) but you can see the difference. The car is just much more stable and flat. Also, you don't have to drive like that to feel the difference, I could tell on the way home, driving normal, that the car was just more tight.
Great mod!!
Ken
We did a before and after test drive along a nice twisty road. It starts going uphill, and turns slightly right at the top( where you can see forever) before dropping down with a hard left at the bottom then back up and to the right, best s curve around! I had Dan watch the I-way (it has a digital speed read-out, very accurate and...COOL) and I just drove not caring about the speed. Just trying to "feel" the car. At one point I did notice the flashing VSA out of the corner of my eye. And I drove it till I felt the "your going too fast, idiot" feeling kicked in. Dan said we hit 75.2 MPH. After the install , did the same run again, again waiting for the above mentioned "idiot" feeling to kick in. This time the speed reading was 95.4 MPH
Not very scientific (or smart for that matter) but you can see the difference. The car is just much more stable and flat. Also, you don't have to drive like that to feel the difference, I could tell on the way home, driving normal, that the car was just more tight.
Great mod!!
Ken
#152
Team Owner
I replaced the comptech bushings with energy suspension bushings this morning. Anyone know what the torque specs are for the bolts holding the bushing brackets?
#153
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Originally Posted by jlukja
I replaced the comptech bushings with energy suspension bushings this morning. Anyone know what the torque specs are for the bolts holding the bushing brackets?
http://www.comptechusa.com/store/med...waybar2005.pdf
It shows it to be 29 FT-LBS
#154
Team Owner
Originally Posted by jwood_04TSX
Here are the installation instructions for the comptech rear sway:
http://www.comptechusa.com/store/med...waybar2005.pdf
It shows it to be 29 FT-LBS
http://www.comptechusa.com/store/med...waybar2005.pdf
It shows it to be 29 FT-LBS
endlinks: 29 ft-lbs
flange bolts: 16 ft-lbs
BTW, I replaced the Comptech bushings with the Energy Suspension bushings because I was hearing a thump/knock in the back (as many others have posted). I just took a test drive and.......no thump/knock. Car felt nice and tight as I did a number of slalom moves and hard curves around my neighborhood.
#155
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Originally Posted by jlukja
Thanks jwood. I meant the flange bolts. According to the Comptech RSB instructions the torque specs are:
endlinks: 29 ft-lbs
flange bolts: 16 ft-lbs
BTW, I replaced the Comptech bushings with the Energy Suspension bushings because I was hearing a thump/knock in the back (as many others have posted). I just took a test drive and.......no thump/knock. Car felt nice and tight as I did a number of slalom moves and hard curves around my neighborhood.
endlinks: 29 ft-lbs
flange bolts: 16 ft-lbs
BTW, I replaced the Comptech bushings with the Energy Suspension bushings because I was hearing a thump/knock in the back (as many others have posted). I just took a test drive and.......no thump/knock. Car felt nice and tight as I did a number of slalom moves and hard curves around my neighborhood.
I used the bushings that came with it and haven't had a problem yet! Just hope i don't get the noise when the weather changes and stays cold
Enjoy the new quiet ride
#156
Photography Nerd
I'm going to have to replace my bushings again...
I heard squeaking again last week, so I jacked the car up and lubed them again. When I had them off the bar, I noticed that the right one was starting to wear out. There were little strings of poly all rolled up inside the bushing, sort of like eraser rubbings. I cleaned the bushings up and re-greased them and now I've got clunking.
I guess the little strings were just taking up enough space to prevent the clunking.
What grease are you guys using? I'm using a thick silicone grease, similar to what was shipped with the bushing. If I get another set of bushings, I'm putting on a set with a grease zirk and greasing the hell out of them every 3-4 months.
I heard squeaking again last week, so I jacked the car up and lubed them again. When I had them off the bar, I noticed that the right one was starting to wear out. There were little strings of poly all rolled up inside the bushing, sort of like eraser rubbings. I cleaned the bushings up and re-greased them and now I've got clunking.
I guess the little strings were just taking up enough space to prevent the clunking.
What grease are you guys using? I'm using a thick silicone grease, similar to what was shipped with the bushing. If I get another set of bushings, I'm putting on a set with a grease zirk and greasing the hell out of them every 3-4 months.
#157
Team Owner
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
...
What grease are you guys using? I'm using a thick silicone grease, similar to what was shipped with the bushing....
What grease are you guys using? I'm using a thick silicone grease, similar to what was shipped with the bushing....
#158
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
What grease are you guys using? I'm using a thick silicone grease, similar to what was shipped with the bushing. If I get another set of bushings, I'm putting on a set with a grease zirk and greasing the hell out of them every 3-4 months.
#159
joerockt's DIY mentions washers that are included in the kit.
i'm looking at the comptech site, and it makes no mention of washers, although in the pics i can see a pair (http://www.comptechusa.com/store/140145tsx.html).
i'm asking because i just bought a used set. i have the bushings and brackets, but, no washers.
you guys know what size the washers are?
i'm looking at the comptech site, and it makes no mention of washers, although in the pics i can see a pair (http://www.comptechusa.com/store/140145tsx.html).
i'm asking because i just bought a used set. i have the bushings and brackets, but, no washers.
you guys know what size the washers are?
#160
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Originally Posted by afici0nad0
joerockt's DIY mentions washers that are included in the kit.
i'm looking at the comptech site, and it makes no mention of washers, although in the pics i can see a pair (http://www.comptechusa.com/store/140145tsx.html).
i'm asking because i just bought a used set. i have the bushings and brackets, but, no washers.
you guys know what size the washers are?
i'm looking at the comptech site, and it makes no mention of washers, although in the pics i can see a pair (http://www.comptechusa.com/store/140145tsx.html).
i'm asking because i just bought a used set. i have the bushings and brackets, but, no washers.
you guys know what size the washers are?