Important info for all those with aftermarket sways!

[mbringle]

Did those reenforment plates ever get made? I was planning on installing Tein Flex's then the sway bar to minimize my chances of brakeing something, but since I'll be there, might as well add them at that time.

[8thgenuser]

Originally Posted by mbringle

Did those reenforment plates ever get made? I was planning on installing Tein Flex's then the sway bar to minimize my chances of brakeing something, but since I'll be there, might as well add them at that time.

Just put yourself on the interest list here: http://8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47299

[ibanez37]

I just had the Progress bar installed. I skimmed through the thread and it seems not really anyone is having this problem. Is this something that could be an issue given more time? I see reinforcement plates might be an option, but not required? Just a random post until I have more time to read through the thread.

[J-Ro]

I think it's more of a safety/peace-of-mind add-on. Something may or may not happen, but at least those plates will make it less likely.

[truflip]

I'll drive mine the way I want to. I'll let you guys know if anything breaks. LOL
Jason, your car still feels more superior around the corners than mine. Now I gotta get H-Brace, Struts, and a dang lowering kit! =(
See what you've done?

[J-Ro]

^ Haha, sorry
I'm always available for installs though... I love taking stuff apart!

[abs0lutexer0]

Originally Posted by ibanez37

I just had the Progress bar installed. I skimmed through the thread and it seems not really anyone is having this problem. Is this something that could be an issue given more time? I see reinforcement plates might be an option, but not required? Just a random post until I have more time to read through the thread.

It really depends on how you drive the car. I autox every other week. I wouldn't want anything to break. So it's better to spend $30 - $40 to be safe than to be sorry. +1 rep to J-Ro for looking out for all of us!

[abs0lutexer0]

I'm kinda scared right now... I'll have to check my car when I get home from work today.

[truflip]

Originally Posted by J-Ro

^ Haha, sorry
I'm always available for installs though... I love taking stuff apart!

heheh sweet! BTW, the sway bar was extremely easy. The worst part was jacking up the car, and loosening the rusty bolts (Yes, I used WD-40). I cant way to drive it again! So yea, we got 5 ppl now who voted their brackets failed? who are the others?

[J-Ro]

Originally Posted by abs0lutexer0

It really depends on how you drive the car. I autox every other week. I wouldn't want anything to break. So it's better to spend $30 - $40 to be safe than to be sorry. +1 rep to J-Ro for looking out for all of us!

eugenekim broke his on the track. I've never tracked mine, but maybe I just drive like I'm on the track...
And thanks for the rep

Originally Posted by truflip

So yea, we got 5 ppl now who voted their brackets failed? who are the others?

One was retracted, but three more unknowns...

1. J-Ro
2. eugenekim.net
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?

[eugenekim.net]

here are some photos...

[Highrev1]

SAME THING AS J-RO.........Dam my man Wait J-Ro has an lx or somthiing and this is an SI right so we now know that they are the same bracket that the endlinks connect to right?

[J-Ro]

Yeah, that's the EXACT same way mine broke... mine's an ex, but I still don't know for certain about those brackets. I'd have to get under an Si and have a look.

*EDIT* Also, I installed the Corsport endlinks today that Tai had replaced for me (the original ones I got were clunking...), so while I was under the car, I had a look at my reinforcements, and they're holding up nicely, so Greg, your reinforcements should do a nice job as well

[Highrev1]

Well the basic shape appears to be the same so I will go ahead with production of the new brackets

[urbanj]

seeing as its failing the same way why not try using 2 grade 8 uss flat washers to distribute the load over the entire bracket.

"Flat washers are used to improve stress distribution."

imo the link is pulling at the bracket where there is the least cross sectional area of metal. that area is under tension and seeing as a larger swaybar is providing more tension than the bracket and metal is designed for the washers should increase the strength by moving the focus point out to where there is more metal. as if its pulling further out from the edges.

[stinky06]

looks like the nut initially started pulling through the hole and then the combined stresses pulled the metal apart. since these parts are punched/stamped ,the metal is already stressed from production. add in the fact that the bracket is a little limp in the wrist to start with and you get a part which is prone to premature failure. just adding flat washers will only delay the bolt ripping through the bracket.... welding(all around) washers to both sides, which will thicken the weak spot, thus moving the stress-point inwards to where the bracket is signifantly stronger.

[CaliGuy]

In for more info

[xtant21]

Originally Posted by J-Ro

Yeah, that's the EXACT same way mine broke... mine's an ex, but I still don't know for certain about those brackets. I'd have to get under an Si and have a look.

*EDIT* Also, I installed the Corsport endlinks today that Tai had replaced for me (the original ones I got were clunking...), so while I was under the car, I had a look at my reinforcements, and they're holding up nicely, so Greg, your reinforcements should do a nice job as well

Yes I know I could easily crawl underneath my car and measure it myself but can you (or anyone) give me an idea of how thick that stock mounting plate is on the civic? Also...whoever drew up the new stiffener plates...what thickness material are you planning on using? Also...how far from the outer edge is that bolt hole? That will make a difference.

I can run an FEA on the parts and give us a very good indication if all is well or not even with the fix. Just offering. Let me know. Thanks.

PM me if you want.

[Budokha]

I had a tear last week. My driver side rear sway bushing bracket(the one that holds the bushing to the frame) tore in half. I have had the prog bar on for a long time and just recently added the corsprt links and a megan rear lower tie bar. Bracket tore in half. When I ordered the new piece the tech asked driver or passenger? The brackets looked the same to me, but apparently theres a subtle difference. So pay attention and dont mix them up cause im sure they fit backwards.

[mbringle]

Originally Posted by Budokha

I had a tear last week. My driver side rear sway bushing bracket(the one that holds the bushing to the frame) tore in half. I have had the prog bar on for a long time and just recently added the corsprt links and a megan rear lower tie bar. Bracket tore in half. When I ordered the new piece the tech asked driver or passenger? The brackets looked the same to me, but apparently theres a subtle difference. So pay attention and dont mix them up cause im sure they fit backwards.

Pics please!