X Brace - How to correctly install & reviews?

**Chris S15** · 11-07-2008 09:23 AM

Hi All,

Just purchased and installed a TDM Cross Brace.

It was a very very tight fit, installing it by yourself would be pretty difficult.

What i was wondering is, i've never come across a brace that was so difficult to install, is it normal for Cross Braces to be this difficult?

Although, after the install, you can definately feel the difference. The rear is so predictable, sure a little rigid and stiff, but better than a unpredictable rear end.

Couldn't keep my rear strut brace, but was able to keep my C-Pillar Brace.

The main thing that really annoys me is the creaking and squeaking, even when rolling slowly to a stop it creaks and squeaks. Those who have one installed, did you remove the rear trim completely or trim a large hole around the mounting plates on the rear struts?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx!

Chris

**dupac->** · 11-07-2008 09:26 AM

with mine it was a bitch to install too.. just really where you have to rotate the 4 points to get the bar in all right!

i cut a whole in my trim since i've had the hole for my strut before anyways.

i noticed it creaks more coming to un even roads. but when i have my rear seats in.. they creak less as the seats are pushed up against the bar itself.

yeah handling wise feels very tight around the corners.

not a bad buy i would say.

**Riced_Civic** · 13-07-2008 09:57 AM

wats is a cross brace?? where does it go?? ive never heard of it.

**geeang** · 13-07-2008 10:34 AM

A cross brace is like two strut bars in the shape of a big "X", it mounts to the rear suspension struts and the c-pillars.

Like so:

**absolutR** · 16-07-2008 07:39 PM

hey chris, have you been able to keep your seat belts with the mount, i've heard some ppl saying definately not then i've heard a few others saying you can still mount the seatbelts. its looks like you can in this photo
::::::::::>>>

Originally Posted by geeang

**Chris S15** · 17-07-2008 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by absolutR

hey chris, have you been able to keep your seat belts with the mount, i've heard some ppl saying definately not then i've heard a few others saying you can still mount the seatbelts. its looks like you can in this photo
::::::::::>>>

With the bolt that came with my TDM rear cross brace, i can only install the cross brace with the c-pillar brace, nothing else. But if you go to your local nuts and bolts supplier and get the exact same thread and allen key head (but longer) then you can have all three (seatbelt, c-pillar, x brace) installed.

Make sure you get the strongest bolt available. Something like high tensile, etc.

**Zdster** · 17-07-2008 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Chris S15

With the bolt that came with my TDM rear cross brace, i can only install the cross brace with the c-pillar brace, nothing else. But if you go to your local nuts and bolts supplier and get the exact same thread and allen key head (but longer) then you can have all three (seatbelt, c-pillar, x brace) installed.

Make sure you get the strongest bolt available. Something like high tensile, etc.

I would not want to ride in the back if you had those bars installed. I suggest people think twice if they intend to have back seat passenegers.

**dupac->** · 18-07-2008 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Chris S15

With the bolt that came with my TDM rear cross brace, i can only install the cross brace with the c-pillar brace, nothing else. But if you go to your local nuts and bolts supplier and get the exact same thread and allen key head (but longer) then you can have all three (seatbelt, c-pillar, x brace) installed.

Make sure you get the strongest bolt available. Something like high tensile, etc.

my ones came with bolts for the seat belt.
im running the brace with a seat belt.

Originally Posted by Zdster

I would not want to ride in the back if you had those bars installed. I suggest people think twice if they intend to have back seat passenegers.

in the dc2 its kinda bad.. only if you slouch when u sit..
in the ek its fine.. no one has hit the heads or anything like that yet.

**G-Stick** · 18-07-2008 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by absolutR

hey chris, have you been able to keep your seat belts with the mount, i've heard some ppl saying definately not then i've heard a few others saying you can still mount the seatbelts. its looks like you can in this photo
::::::::::>>>

you can pat, i just cbf putting them on.

**Riced_Civic** · 13-07-2008 10:36 AM

oh ok.

**shadou** · 13-07-2008 11:47 AM

now all you need is a 22mm white line sway and you'll be in for a world of creaks and squeaks from the rear.

**hisoka** · 13-07-2008 11:55 AM

ive been wondering for a while, i got JIC strut bar at the back and was going to get J's racing c pillar or JIC if i can find~ will it do the same amount~or is it better to just get the x brace~ive always wondered lol