FamilyGuy's 6MT Type S
03-05-2015, 06:08 PM
#161
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Besides the coils and rear sway bar, I replaced all the OEM bushings on the front lower arms (compliance bushing and others), front sway bar, and one in the rear, and all the arms / links in the rear suspension, all new OEM parts.
I did this because the car came from the north with 60k miles, and there was a lot of rust on the arms and links in the rear (there's a photo of it above), and most of the original bushings were ripping. One of the toe camber bolts was seized (rusted) to the toe arm bushing. In all, 3 bolts were seized and were replaced as well.
I can finally park next to my neighbor's Eibach springs lowered M235i without feeling like I have a 4x4
Now I need wheels, but that will take a while..
The following users liked this post:
mattpete (03-05-2015)
03-05-2015, 06:15 PM
#162
Jeff
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Port City, New Brunswick Canada
Posts: 5,728
Received 815 Likes
on
726 Posts
Thx bud I think I agree, I like the drop. So far I've cleared all the local speed bumps and gas station ramps, and most concrete tire stops when parking. I've only scrapped the front air dam once coming out of a gas station.
Gonna keep an eye on it in case the springs settle after it breaks in and drops a little, but my tires are also getting bald so new tires should raise the car up a good 1/4" I think?
I plan to soften the dampening next week to get rid of the slight bounce. Luv the handling so far.
Gonna keep an eye on it in case the springs settle after it breaks in and drops a little, but my tires are also getting bald so new tires should raise the car up a good 1/4" I think?
I plan to soften the dampening next week to get rid of the slight bounce. Luv the handling so far.
nice!! yea I noticed in one of the pics the tire looked kinda rough. this is the exact same kind of drop I'm looking for as well, I think it looks great with the 17s, still aggressive but not slammed so you are scared to drive it LOL.....nice beemer too!
03-05-2015, 08:29 PM
#163
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
The following users liked this post:
FamilyGuy (03-06-2015)
The following users liked this post:
FamilyGuy (03-06-2015)
03-07-2015, 08:41 AM
#166
Suzuka Master
You lucky that rear bolt is the only thing need to be replaced, mine has replace the whole arm. I told the dealer to replace the whole trailing arm but they told me "it's just the bolt". That when I roll my eyes and they end up give a discount on the job.
03-07-2015, 01:02 PM
#167
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
03-09-2015, 10:12 PM
#168
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Alright, driving home for lunch today heard a clunk, didn't think much of it, figured it was a loose 19mm nut, somewhat common, but it felt like it was coming from under the car, so just to make sure, took a peak under it and would you believe it, I've never seen something like this before, a failed bushing on the Progress RSB:
I have it on the street (soft) setting too.
Already sent the claim to Progress, hopefully will get a replacement soon. Not driving it like this, so she's parked for now. Was driving sooo good too
I have it on the street (soft) setting too.
Already sent the claim to Progress, hopefully will get a replacement soon. Not driving it like this, so she's parked for now. Was driving sooo good too
03-10-2015, 10:15 AM
#171
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Well, Progress' customer service has been nothing short of excellent. New bushings are mailing out today. They've never seen this before either, esp on a street car, so they've asked me to ship both original bushings back for testing (they're replacing both). They were even trying to trace it to the production lot but unfortunately I don't have the box anymore. Still, good product support!
03-10-2015, 07:52 PM
#173
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
Ouch....good to hear they're taking care of things.
The following users liked this post:
FamilyGuy (03-10-2015)
03-10-2015, 10:02 PM
#175
Not surprisingly, these have sold already, but I think these would look fantastic against the CBP.
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...cs-set-927078/
Just noticed he said he has another set
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...cs-set-927078/
Just noticed he said he has another set
03-10-2015, 11:03 PM
#176
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Not surprisingly, these have sold already, but I think these would look fantastic against the CBP.
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...cs-set-927078/
Just noticed he said he has another set
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-par...cs-set-927078/
Just noticed he said he has another set
Though I'm leaning towards the Advan RSII, to try and up the tire size for more grip and keep the weight the same as stock or even save a few pounds. But that's at least next year.
Right now I'm working on little stuff while I recoup from the suspension:
- Fixing the failed bushing on the RSB, and try to find out how it happened
- Finish setting the dampening on the coils to my liking
- Install 5k LED DRLs
- Install a redline center arm rest cover
- Paint the brake and clutch fluid covers under the hood
- Touch up paint on rear bumper (Floridians CANNOT park if their life depended on it)
03-11-2015, 07:05 PM
#177
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
^^^^ That list will keep you busy.
03-11-2015, 07:19 PM
#178
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I see the vette is coming along nicely too, luv that car. A guy at work has one, same color as yours
03-12-2015, 10:48 PM
#179
'12 TL AWD Advanced
I now have full faith that you are a serious car guy that will give a solid evaluation on the condition of that '12 AWD!
And DAMN you have a super clean and mean looking TL-S!!!!!!!!!
And DAMN you have a super clean and mean looking TL-S!!!!!!!!!
The following users liked this post:
FamilyGuy (03-12-2015)
03-12-2015, 11:46 PM
#180
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thx Forest. Hopefully I'll be able to make it out there for you Saturday.
The new bushings came in today, very fast shipping, I only called it in Monday afternoon!
After installing the new bushings myself, I'm not sure the bushings are the problem. The bar feels like it's just a hair too short in length before it bends right after the bushings. It was a bit difficult to install the last bolt on the last bracket because of this, as the bar exerts a force on the bushings since the bends are too close to the bushings once it's mounted on the car (is this intentional?). The factory sway bar has more available length between the bushings and the bends, so it doesn't have this issue. Thus, we'll see how long the new bushings will last. Fingers crossed...
Here are 2 photos immediately after installation, where you can see how close to the bushings the bends are:
And here are 2 photos after a short test drive - on one of these, you can already see the driver's side bushing being stretched and pushed out of the bracket away from the bend, towards the middle of the car. This is the bushing that failed on the original:
The new bushings came in today, very fast shipping, I only called it in Monday afternoon!
After installing the new bushings myself, I'm not sure the bushings are the problem. The bar feels like it's just a hair too short in length before it bends right after the bushings. It was a bit difficult to install the last bolt on the last bracket because of this, as the bar exerts a force on the bushings since the bends are too close to the bushings once it's mounted on the car (is this intentional?). The factory sway bar has more available length between the bushings and the bends, so it doesn't have this issue. Thus, we'll see how long the new bushings will last. Fingers crossed...
Here are 2 photos immediately after installation, where you can see how close to the bushings the bends are:
And here are 2 photos after a short test drive - on one of these, you can already see the driver's side bushing being stretched and pushed out of the bracket away from the bend, towards the middle of the car. This is the bushing that failed on the original:
The following users liked this post:
Oh Sickest TL (03-13-2015)
03-13-2015, 12:46 PM
#181
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Mmmm after more reading I might go back to my stock rsb...many people with broken links and brackets with the Progress. It handles so good, tough call but I don't want to break shit either. Or have to weld something...the geometries are definitely off...the end links are pushed to the extremes, you can see the boots being squished all the way.
Last edited by FamilyGuy; 03-13-2015 at 12:49 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Oh Sickest TL (03-13-2015)
03-13-2015, 01:55 PM
#183
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Well at least you have a base auto, so a type s rear sway bar is an upgrade for you. You can always do that. Be sure to get the type s bushings and brackets as well.
03-13-2015, 01:57 PM
#184
03-13-2015, 02:05 PM
#185
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Should. I'm on the OEM end links myself. But it's def a tight fit. I had to push on the bar for the U brackets to lign up with the holes on the frame. I can see how this sway bar is breaking things. Maybe it's because once you start lowering the car things shift around, I don't know, but I'm gonna see how it goes over the next few days. The way everything fits, the end links appear to be stressed. I don't like this, but I luv the cornering stability / no body roll. Tough call.
I haven't tried my stock type s bar with the coils either, so maybe it's good enough now, idk might try that. It's such a pain to crawl under the car for this though. You can't jack up one side only for this job and I don't have jack stands. Ideally I think you want the suspension loaded before tightening the sway bar, so car on the ground is best. Wish I knew someone with one of those below ground car bays.
The factory bushings are also not flat / cylindrical. They are dome shaped and so are the brackets. This helps the brackets keep the bushings in place without ripping them, unlike the Progress, which relies only on the tiny little lip on each side of the bushings. This is what ripped out on mine and once that happened, the whole bushing got pushed out under pressure.
I haven't tried my stock type s bar with the coils either, so maybe it's good enough now, idk might try that. It's such a pain to crawl under the car for this though. You can't jack up one side only for this job and I don't have jack stands. Ideally I think you want the suspension loaded before tightening the sway bar, so car on the ground is best. Wish I knew someone with one of those below ground car bays.
The factory bushings are also not flat / cylindrical. They are dome shaped and so are the brackets. This helps the brackets keep the bushings in place without ripping them, unlike the Progress, which relies only on the tiny little lip on each side of the bushings. This is what ripped out on mine and once that happened, the whole bushing got pushed out under pressure.
Last edited by FamilyGuy; 03-13-2015 at 02:10 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Oh Sickest TL (03-13-2015)
03-13-2015, 02:13 PM
#187
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Solving issues is the part of this hobby nobody likes
But when things work out in the end, it's worth it (most of the time).
But when things work out in the end, it's worth it (most of the time).
03-13-2015, 02:29 PM
#188
Jeff
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Port City, New Brunswick Canada
Posts: 5,728
Received 815 Likes
on
726 Posts
I won't be lowering my car until next year so we will see how this progress bar holds up at stock height. Thank you for sharing those pics and your experience!
Last edited by Oh Sickest TL; 03-13-2015 at 02:32 PM.
03-13-2015, 03:20 PM
#190
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
I've had no issues with the progress bar for over 6 years, give it a little bit and see how it works out. I was on the street setting for 4 years and track mode for last 2. I love the tight feel from it
03-13-2015, 03:24 PM
#191
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Are you on stock height? If not, about how much did you lower the car?
The following users liked this post:
mattpete (03-13-2015)
03-13-2015, 05:39 PM
#192
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
At least got this done today
Original
New one
Original
New one
my god... Its so beautiful. Amazing looking arm rest.
03-13-2015, 09:02 PM
#194
Drifting
iTrader: (9)
My RSB has been on for close to 2 years now with no issues, on stiffest setting. Sucks yours is acting up.
Who did the arm rest, redline? I really need to stop talking about it and just have them make me one too. My stock one is terrible.
Who did the arm rest, redline? I really need to stop talking about it and just have them make me one too. My stock one is terrible.
03-13-2015, 10:37 PM
#196
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thx guys def better it has padding now.
Yes redline black nappa with jdm red stiching.
Yes redline black nappa with jdm red stiching.
03-14-2015, 08:33 AM
#197
yah looks good man!
did you do the steering wheel too?
I've thought about getting one from redline cuz having someone else do it is almost 500!
sent them a message today to see if their wrap can be done with extra padding under or if it can be done over existing leather on the steering wheel. anyway...
did you do the steering wheel too?
I've thought about getting one from redline cuz having someone else do it is almost 500!
sent them a message today to see if their wrap can be done with extra padding under or if it can be done over existing leather on the steering wheel. anyway...
03-14-2015, 10:53 AM
#198
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I didn't do the steering wheel and not sure if I will, it's a bit pricey. Maybe in the future if all goes well. I have seen photos of some and def looks good when done right
I wish Acura still made the rest of the dash kit, over the heated seat buttons and around the cup holders. It's discontinued.
The new arm rest rocks. You actually want to rest your arm on it now because it's comfortable. Funny what diff a little piece of foam can do.
I wish Acura still made the rest of the dash kit, over the heated seat buttons and around the cup holders. It's discontinued.
The new arm rest rocks. You actually want to rest your arm on it now because it's comfortable. Funny what diff a little piece of foam can do.
Last edited by FamilyGuy; 03-14-2015 at 10:56 AM.
The following users liked this post:
mattpete (03-14-2015)
03-14-2015, 01:28 PM
#199
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
The armrest looks great-I need mine re-done too.
The following users liked this post:
FamilyGuy (03-14-2015)
03-15-2015, 07:13 PM
#200
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Had a good day yesterday, took a quick measure of the length between the end link bolt hole and the edge of the bracket at center pipe on the stock RSB, gave me ~10.5"
Measured the same on the Progress RSB and I got 11" on the street setting and 10" on the track setting. Assuming the bars are the same shape, gives me an idea why I had to fight with it just to instal it. I went back and loosened up the Progress bar and allowed its brackets to slide back as much as possible - they have a small adjustability on the bolt holes (sry no photos).
Relieved some stress, but the end links are still stressed a bit:
Might try the track setting to see if that helps, should anything else break. Fingers crossed. I'm bummed that I didn't see how the end links were positioned with the stock bar, so I have no idea how far off they are at the moment
Also adjusted my dampers, down 2 clicks all 4 corners. Car feels perfect now, not bouncy anymore but still sportier than stock.
Painted brake and clutch fluid covers under the hood from stock grey to black:
So far, after the powder coating, I have painted the following:
Brake, clutch and power steering fluid covers under the hood
The 3 blue covers
The front spark plug wire shroud (was all grey'd out from aging)
And a few new bolts to replace the old ones.
Before:
After:
Measured the same on the Progress RSB and I got 11" on the street setting and 10" on the track setting. Assuming the bars are the same shape, gives me an idea why I had to fight with it just to instal it. I went back and loosened up the Progress bar and allowed its brackets to slide back as much as possible - they have a small adjustability on the bolt holes (sry no photos).
Relieved some stress, but the end links are still stressed a bit:
Might try the track setting to see if that helps, should anything else break. Fingers crossed. I'm bummed that I didn't see how the end links were positioned with the stock bar, so I have no idea how far off they are at the moment
Also adjusted my dampers, down 2 clicks all 4 corners. Car feels perfect now, not bouncy anymore but still sportier than stock.
Painted brake and clutch fluid covers under the hood from stock grey to black:
So far, after the powder coating, I have painted the following:
Brake, clutch and power steering fluid covers under the hood
The 3 blue covers
The front spark plug wire shroud (was all grey'd out from aging)
And a few new bolts to replace the old ones.
Before:
After:
