Balzdpr

looking to put a strut tower bar on my Civic but I have this problem here.... Does anyone know if it would be wise to break these and put the bar on they are a bit rusty.

lowlife9

they don't look that bad just spray them with pb blaster or liquid wrench and let it soak for awhile.

Balzdpr

Cool I was a little worried that I would end up kicking the **** can on this one and turn a small upgrade into a major suspension repair.

maxtierney

iTrader: (5)

I agree with Lowlife9.

PB Blaster overnight. Take a brass wire brush to them to take some of that surface corrosion off. Break them free, the next day. On all of my exposed, threads, I try to coat them with a little film of PB Blaster or Anti-Sieze, occasionally. Keeps them from rusting out like that. Some people use WD-40, but it's more of a water displacing compound (hence the name), not a protectant or lubricant or lithium grease, but that stuff is like a magnet for dirt.

lowlife9

get a neuspeed bar it comes with plugs that cover those bolts and keep water and debris out.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

just use a breaker bar. if the bolts snap, you get new shocks too!

MindBomber

If you can't get them off don't push them with a breaker bar, if the bolts snap you'll need to get new strut mounts. Just go to a shop, pop the hood and ask them to break the torque on those bolts with an impact for you, they should only charge you a few bucks.

lowlife9

from the looks of them he could use some new mounts.

Balzdpr

If the worst does happen what can I expect to have to buy and how long would the car be laid up for? Meaning... if those bolts snap. Im looking to do minor inexpensive repairs and mods now.

MindBomber

You'd need to buy a new strut mount, which costs around $50 and will require removal and disassembly of the strut to replace. Although, if you were feeling motivated I think you could hammer or press the broken bolt out out of the mount and just push a new one through.

Balzdpr

Jabba no botha', ill just buy 'em.