HOW-TO: Install a MX-6 Rear Strut Tower Bar in a Protege5
- Thread starter ke20sprinter
- Start date
Got the ebay special. Sort of flimsy rod but now that I have it all set up I can get better parts if I really feel the need.
I did not jack up the car because of the following:
1. right and left bar mounting bolts are right an left threaded. You mount left and right sides and then grab the bar and twist and it pushes the end mounts away or closer, hence, tightening and "loading the bar.
2. I cranked it down to a point where I could feel the center of the bar was slightly bowing which means it's totally loaded. Since it is an ebay bar I decided not to push the limit. If I had that beefy bar I see then it'd be different.
Tips:
A. Use an adjustable wrench as stated earlier to bend the braket up while it is still on the car, super easy + gives you all the room you need.
B. Orient the bar so that the widest part is facing the back of the car. I think this is structurally better as the loads move up and down.
C. To find the best spot to drill, mount the brackets, install the front side of the panel as best you can and make sure it is just about to slide perfectly into place but is resisted by the bracket. Then reach back and mark the back of the panel with a sharpie.
D. Cut out a 2" hole centered around that spot. If you uninstall and want to sell, remember that you can cut the hole out to 2.25" and use some stock plastic circle plugs to make it look factory again.
I did not jack up the car because of the following:
1. right and left bar mounting bolts are right an left threaded. You mount left and right sides and then grab the bar and twist and it pushes the end mounts away or closer, hence, tightening and "loading the bar.
2. I cranked it down to a point where I could feel the center of the bar was slightly bowing which means it's totally loaded. Since it is an ebay bar I decided not to push the limit. If I had that beefy bar I see then it'd be different.
Tips:
A. Use an adjustable wrench as stated earlier to bend the braket up while it is still on the car, super easy + gives you all the room you need.
B. Orient the bar so that the widest part is facing the back of the car. I think this is structurally better as the loads move up and down.
C. To find the best spot to drill, mount the brackets, install the front side of the panel as best you can and make sure it is just about to slide perfectly into place but is resisted by the bracket. Then reach back and mark the back of the panel with a sharpie.
D. Cut out a 2" hole centered around that spot. If you uninstall and want to sell, remember that you can cut the hole out to 2.25" and use some stock plastic circle plugs to make it look factory again.
Last edited:
fishdonotbounce
Registered Zombie
- :
- 08.5 CWP Speed3
subbed
Yep, doable, but has a few flaws.
1. I don't weld, don't plan on buying a welder either.
2. The stock brackets are raised 1/2" above the strut mount surface so there is no direct connection with the body.
3. The seatbelt "cup" lip isn't all that strong. Hence being able to bend it with a wrench. If the mount was attached to the lip it would most likely deform under load.
1. I don't weld, don't plan on buying a welder either.
2. The stock brackets are raised 1/2" above the strut mount surface so there is no direct connection with the body.
3. The seatbelt "cup" lip isn't all that strong. Hence being able to bend it with a wrench. If the mount was attached to the lip it would most likely deform under load.
Just got mine in and installed. Not bad for a $6.99 part.
so u took ur back seats out too?? and using a harness with stock seats?? wow... i thought i was the only one... but u have this mod ahead of me..... for now.... off to ebay!!
fishdonotbounce
Registered Zombie
- :
- 08.5 CWP Speed3
yup
- :
- -- 03 P5 / 23 CX-5 --
Lift the rear off the ground in center, tighten up bar, put car back on ground. Preloaded. Done. Enjoy.
ke20sprinter
Member
- :
- Daily Driver Protege5
I'm glad everyone likes the rear strut tower bar...FYI the front STB fits also...If someone that has a regular protege w/o a bar, you can find those bars cheap on ebay too(spin)
WiL
WiL
