Rep Power: 0

I'm trying to install a strut bar on my 2001 civic ex. I already checked out the clutch fluid container and moved it a little bit so the bar would fit. Now the bigger problem is the strut tower bolts are stuck on like glue. I have a 14mm long socket and I tried jacking up the side i'm unscrewing, but I had no luck. I gave it all my force, and tried using a hammer but it wouldn't unscrew.

How do you guys remove the strut tower bolts? I'm not down to go to sears or some auto shop to get it installed for $50 or something when I can possibly do it by myself. Any tips on how to get the bolts loose? Thanks

 
Rep Power: 280

Use a breaker bar, or a long 1/2" ratchet.

Doing any suspension work with a 3/8" hand ratchet is not the best option.

 
Rep Power: 243

^ agree.

I actually broke my 14mm socket because I used a 3/8 drive. Went and bought a 1/2 drive 14mm and used a large ratchet, came off like butter. I used WD40 on the nuts also.

 
Rep Power: 256

first don't jack the car up leave it flat then spray them with PB blaster and let it soak for awhile keep spraying it periodically then attempt removal.

 
Rep Power: 367

^ PB Blast or oil. Yes.
and maybe buy/borrow an impact wrench.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ahh I see. I've been using a small hand one and it wasn't doing anything. How tight should I tighten it when I install it? Should I just tighten it until it won't be any tighter?

 
Rep Power: 243

If you tighten it to much you will break it.

Do you have a torque wrench?

 
Rep Power: 0

35 ft/lbs of torque.., 5th post down on attached link

btw, A torque wrench is yer friend


https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...cket-size.html


Ghost

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks guys. I got a breaker bar and it came off so easily. After I removed all 3 bolts from both sides, I tried putting the strut bar on but it doesn't fit. I also tried jacking one side up until the wheels were off the floor, but it didn't really help much.

Here are pictures of the strut bar and the current fit

 
Rep Power: 256

well thats ebay quality fitment i would just chuck that thing in the garbage because those 3 piece bars do absolutely nothing. upper strut bars don't really do much on 7th gens to begin with a good solid one piece bar like Neuspeed helps a tiny bit those 3 piece bars flex and accomplish absolutely nothing. buy this its the cheapest one piece you can find actually worth using http://www.corsportusa.com/store/cat...roducts_id=190 you can also find them used.

 
Rep Power: 0

OP

1.) Disconnect the strut bar from the mounts

2.) Install mounts and torque

3.) Loosen the jam nuts on both end of the strut bar

4.) Finesse/ adjust the rod ends (on the strut bar) to fit into the brackets (ensure there are ~ equal length of rod showing on either ends of the strut bar

5.) Install / tighten the bolts attaching the strut bar to the mounts

6.) Tighten the jam nuts

Stick a fork in it you’re done

Ghost

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah but the problem is the 3 holes don't line up with the strut tower bolts

 
Rep Power: 511

Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

 
Rep Power: 0

A problem is simply an opportunity is disguise, unless you’re easily swayed

Options;

Widen / drill out the existing holes (widening each hole a little will provide a lot of adjust-ability) (Drill & ~ 1 hour)

Modify the existing bracket (cut it) so you end up using only two holes (30 min and a hacksaw)

Fab a bracket (band saw…, jig saw…, or plasma cutter / welder / drill / grinder - and a 3 or 4 hours)

Buy replacement brackets ($'s)

Buy another strut bar (more $'s)

Say to hell with it (But where’s the fun in that)

Ghost

 
Rep Power: 0

I ended up just hitting it gently with a hammer and it went in a bit, and then I used my breaker bar to screw on the screw and push it down all the way. I got it installed. Thanks guys!!!

 
Rep Power: 0

Well shoot..., forgot about the BFH option

Congrats on getting it installed

Ghost

 
Rep Power: 367

i would just have loosened all the bolts in the bar and pushed it in with them loose.

 
Rep Power: 212

Ya chances of wrecking the threads and then crossing them is very high

 
Rep Power: 285

This is a good case study.

Why should one have a basic tool set before buying mods?

Why should one buy quality mods instead of ebay junk?

That's why.