Fitting a Rear Strut bar. Gen 3 Prelude.

[Bob]

Get the new parts
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1137Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1137Small.jpg)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1138Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1138Small.jpg)

Tools needed
14mm Socket
Pliers
Shifter or correct spanner for the stut bar if you have it.
Knife
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1151Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1151Small.jpg)

Before
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1141Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1141Small.jpg)

1 method of removing fur tree studs easily
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1142Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1142Small.jpg)

Remove nuts and spring washers
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1143Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1143Small.jpg)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1144Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1144Small.jpg)

Fit and adjust the bar to the correct length.
Make sure the end plates are sitting flat
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1146Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1146Small.jpg)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1148Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1148Small.jpg)

Refit springwashers and nuts
Tighten the nuts ensuring that there is no tention on the strut bar
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1149Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1149Small.jpg)

Adjust the strut bar.
Note. One side is left hand thread and the other is right hand.
You can add and remove tension by rotating the bar
Tighten the lock nuts on the bar when done
Tighten the end bolts wich attach the bar to the end plates
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1150Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1150Small.jpg)

Trim the boot carpet to allow it to go back over the strut bar
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1152Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1152Small.jpg)

After
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/th_IMGP1153Small.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f68/ludebob89/Strut%20bars/IMGP1153Small.jpg)

Results
I like it and believe that it has stiffened up the rear. Car seems to have more direct steering. I need to give it a good drive over a period of time though to see how it really performs.

[SiReal]

nice. perhaps create a DIY in teh DIY forum. and post up bigger pics (so we dont have to click on them).

[Bob]

I don't mind if someone moves it.

[egSi]

cool. diy forum worthy for sure :thumbsup:

[[ricer]]

I like it and believe that it has stiffened up the rear. Car seems to have more direct steering. I need to give it a good drive over a period of time though to see how it really performs.

i think after a while u get use to suspension mods and u cant tell the difference till you get into another car like yours where everything is stock...

[Bob]

;1075211']i think after a while u get use to suspension mods and u cant tell the difference till you get into another car like yours where everything is stock...

I'm not quite sure what you are refering to, but there is not much stock about the suspension in my car anymore.

It does work as a package. A strut bar on it's own does not do much.