As the subject suggests, I installed the TL Sway bar this weekend. I've never done suspension work before, so it took me almost 1.5 hours from start to finish including cleanup.

A couple suggestions for anyone thinking about doing this. It is necessary to raise BOTH sides of the rear of the car for the install. All in all, it was a piece of cake!

First drive impressions are fantastic. Normal driving shows little difference in comfort. Some, but not a lot.

Spirited driving shows a significant increase in handeling. The car is much more neutral. I was having some oversteer under extreme cornering before the install, but it's gone now. I don't feel the back end sag either, which is much more confidence inspiring.

I'd be happy to answer any questions for those if you who are on the fence for this mod.

Sounds great! Do you know if this mod would apply to the sedan as well? Where did you buy the sway bar and what's a good price? Did you need any special tools to get it done? Did you have torque specs for the bolts, etc., and where did you get the instructions for the install?

How's that for a few questions?:blah:

Thanks

Yes, the mod applies to both sedan and coupe, I4 & V6, manual & automatic.

You don't need any special tools. A 5mm allan wrench, a 14mm wrench, and I think the brackets took an 11mm socket/wrench.

You can purchase the parts directly from an Acura dealership. You can probably get it from a Honda dealership as well. You are looking for the 2004 Acura TL TypeS rear sway bar along with the corresponding bushings & brackets. If you go to v6performance.com, you can do a search for "acura sway accord", you should be able to find the discussion of this mod, along with part #'s and instructions.

Basically, you just jack up both sides of the rear of the car and do what you need to do for safety (tree stands, chalk the front tires, put it in gear, etc..)

Remove one of the rear wheels. Unbolt the sway bar from the end links. You will need the 5mm allan to keep the threaded part from spinning, and the 14mm wrench to remove the nut. Then unbolt the 2 bracket bolts. Do the same for both sides.

You will want to remove the old bar out the same side that you took the wheel off from. Reverse these instructions to install the new bar. Enjoy your new ride.

I put another 120 miles on the car yesterday, and I'm even more excited about the mod now!

For the comptech 22mm sway, I didn't need to remove the tire, if you position the swaybar right, it can slip right above the exhaust pipes, saves you a step. I used steel ramps, so removing the tire wasn't an option. A little liquid wrench is in order too, cuz the one side bolt was a jerk. Remember to retighten the bolts after a week or so, to ensure they are as tight as possible

Good point on re-torquing bolts dskulski!!! :thmsup:

I1:)

I found the rear sway bar install a piece of cake and it didn't require jacking the car up.

One thing to note is that the bigger bar makes contact with the exhaust hanger but does not create noise because of the contact.

http://members.rogers.com/5555/swayin.jpg

How much did the Acura TL rear sway bar cost?

its somewhere around $60 or $70 for the bar, bushings, and brackets.

Another question, is it from the current TL model- 2004 and up or from the type-S old model? that $60-$70 price tag is really affordable.

the sway is from the current generation (2004+) Acura TL with 6 speed manual.

that last part is important because the automatic TL gets a smaller 17mm rear sway vs. the 20mm in the 6MT.

So the Mt. TL sway bar would not fit on an auto Accord 4 cyl.? I'm new to the whole mod thing so I'm unsure if the manual tranny TL sway bar would be compatible with an auto Accord 4cyl.

the TL sway will fit any 7th gen accord (2003+) coupe or sedan, 4cyl or V6, auto or manual.

i was just saying that when you order it, make sure you order the one for the manual TL since its thicker and better.

The TL has both a 17mm rear sway bar and a 20mm sway bar so you have to specifically ask for the one you want. The "dynamic" model is the 20mm part.

Originally posted by VTECaddict
the TL sway will fit any 7th gen accord (2003+) coupe or sedan, 4cyl or V6, auto or manual.

i was just saying that when you order it, make sure you order the one for the manual TL since its thicker and better.

I installed the 17mm anti-sway bar today. It was very easy. I debated over the 17mm verses the 20mm. I choose the 17mm becasue it the same as a stock TL and should be a better match to the front end.

I removed both rear wheels mainly because I needed to rotate the tires anyway. This gives you a great view, but I believe you could do the swap without this step.

I got the parts from HondaAcuraWorld (http://www.hondacuraworld.com/) It took about a week for the special order.

52300-SEP-A03, 17mm Bar 1@ $31.85
52306-SEP-A02, Bushing 2@ $1.44
52308-S3M-A00, Clamp 2@ $0.84

This should be the stock setup for the Accord. Funny how $36. worth of parts can make your Accord feel like an Acura. :rolleyes: I am not kidding, there is that much of a difference.

Under what links can I find the TL sway bar? I've heard nothing but good reviews about the install and would like to do it myself also. I clicked on the link provided and I couldnt find where to go.
:(

Originally posted by Steven
Under what links can I find the TL sway bar? I've heard nothing but good reviews about the install and would like to do it myself also. I clicked on the link provided and I couldnt find where to go.
:(

You need to call them to place your order. Or go to your local Acura dealer to get the parts.

I listed the part numbers and prices for reference although I doubt you will find them for less. Shipping is $3.95 for all orders.

After driving to work this morning, all I can tell you is the car handles the way it should; much more neutral, but not what you would call sporty.

I agree 100% The car is so much nicer to drive with the 17mm bar... I might have gone for a 20mm bar if I was installing the HFP suspension and bigger wheels but my car is gonna remain more or less stock until the warranty is up.

Originally posted by bcclements After driving to work this morning, all I can tell you is the car handles the way it should; much more neutral, but not what you would call sporty.

I'm considering installing the TL 6speed front sway bar as well to get a matching pair. I'm loving the way the car has changed since I installed the rear bar, and I'm not particular about ride quality. Actually, some say having less body role is really a smoother ride since you don't feel the turns as much.

I'll check pricing and post again when it's done.

i heard that the front doesnt provide such a dramatic improvement as the rear does. tell us how it turns out! :)

fyi for anyone who wants to get the front swaybar also, you HAVE to get the one for the TL 6-speed manual. the automatic TL has the same size front swaybar as we already do.

(27.2mm for TL 6MT vs. 25.4mm for accord/ TL 5AT)

Ya, I know it won't make a huge difference, but on my commute, I'm pretty sure I'll notice it. Part of my drive every morning & evening includes switchbacks on a small road that goes over the Altamont Pass in the Bay Area. The road is pretty wavy in some parts, and when I'm accelerating out of a tight uphill turn on a wavy road surface, I can feel the front suspension reacting too dramatically causing a loss in traction. With a slightly stiffer bar in front, the front won't dive to one side as much, especially on downhill turns.

BTW, anyone know of a good grease to use on the bushings? I think something fully synthetic since the bushings are rubber and could degrade with a petroleum based product.

sway bar bushings usually do not require lubrication

Originally posted by marinakorp
sway bar bushings usually do not require lubrication

That's what I thought too. Maybe I should just clean them off really well with soap, and then clean the bar in the contact area as well? I just lubed them this weekend with a synthetic mechanics grease, and the creaking went away for about 1 day. It's back now, but much more mild.

i was told by an old mechanic that a silicone based lubricant should stop/ keep from creaking. I washed my bushings in the dish washer b/f putting them on the car w/ the lubricant, and no creaks as of late...... knock on woood :cool:

Originally posted by Accordtx1
i was told by an old mechanic that a silicone based lubricant should stop/ keep from creaking. I washed my bushings in the dish washer b/f putting them on the car w/ the lubricant, and no creaks as of late...... knock on woood :cool:

Just a spray on silicone lubricant, or some type of thicker suspension?

Guys, I am also interested in this affordable modifcation. But I am just a normal driver on the street. I have an Accord 03 EX V6. I am wondering if I or you guys can benefit from this mod for casual daily driving. Or how fast the turn should be so that you guys begin to feel the improvment?

My thoughts are that if you don't enjoy spirited cornerning now and then, the upgrade anti sway bar will go unnoticed.

I put on the TL A-spec bar and notice a lot of difference in the way that it handles. With this mod that by far is the cheapest suspension upgrade that I have done that shows great improvement without any hard driving.

To answer the lubrication thing... I have had no squeaks at all. knock on wood. I used a white silicone lubricant from a tube that can be purchased at any auto store and only put it on the inside of the bushing that will be in contact with the bar. todate no noise from the rear of the car.

Hi All:

___I wouldn’t be one for spirited driving in the least but there are times when a Ricer or Lux sedan is doing an ungodly amount above the limit and pulls a three lane cross to pass on the right. I am usually making a dive for the exits when these guys are about ;) I bet the sway bar and STB would come in very handy at that exact moment … These guys for whatever reason begin to come out of hibernation around late March and continue on through early June on the Chicago Interstate’s. God only knows why???

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

Anyone got a part list of what I'll need for an '03 DX?

One thing to note is that the bigger bar makes contact with the exhaust hanger but does not create noise because of the contact.

I read somewhere that this is only a problem on the 4 cyl models due to their singular exaust pipe layout...I just wanted to confirm that I shouldn't have this problem installing it on my EX V6 coupe...

Also just to let you all know, when I spoke to Honda about the swaybar and the warranty, he called "someone", and they told him that adding the TL's sway wouldn't void any warranties on the car at all (except the swaybar itself, but the suspension et all's warranty would stay intact). He said this was because it was considered an "upgrade" by Honda, and would only improve handling and not damage it. Keep in mind I live in Canada, so things may be different in the USA.

Personally I plan on keeping mine stock for the first few months to get used to the car, then I'll probably put the swaybar on and see what difference it makes...I mean, for under $100 its not a big loss even if you do revert back to your stock parts...lol.

Yep, I've got the 4cyl car... no clearance issue with the v6 that I know of. I did my rear sway bar within the first couple of months so I didn't have to deal with rusty nuts. ;)

LBJGH, did you get the 17mm or the 20?
I got the 20 and it rubs the exhaust hanger, now there's a slight dimple on the bar... =(

I've got the 17mm.

I choose the 17mm over the 20mm part since the base TL has the same size front anti sway bar as the Accord and I don't have any plans to change the front bar on my car.

I've read in a few places where people have bent the exhaust hanger to provide the necessary clearance.

Can someone clarify which one is compatible for a 4 cylinder 5-speed coupe '06 EX? The 17mm or 20 mm?

One thing to note is that the bigger bar makes contact with the exhaust hanger but does not create noise because of the contact.
I installed the 17mm bar, but mine does make contact with the hanger. Plus it also squeaks when the car is moving very slowly. Sprayed it with a little white grease & it went away for a few months but has since returned. Hmmmm, maybe I'll give it a quick spray this weekend.

... but the bar only makes contact with the rubber hanger right? ... have a look at the picture above, the bar doesn't hit the hanger bar.

I installed the 17mm bar, but mine does make contact with the hanger. Plus it also squeaks when the car is moving very slowly. Sprayed it with a little white grease & it went away for a few months but has since returned. Hmmmm, maybe I'll give it a quick spray this weekend.

Can someone clarify which one is compatible for a 4 cylinder 5-speed coupe '06 EX? The 17mm or 20 mm?

Either one is compatible, I also chose to go with the 17mm.

I've got the 20mm, and it rubs the hanger bar, not the rubber, gonna try to bend it, cus my sway bar is scrapping away...

Has anyone done this mod on the 2006 Accord? I have the I4 5M Sedan. Is it still compatible? I would assume it is since they didn't make many structural changes between the 05 and 06 but checking to see if anyone made the modification.

Thx,
Tim

I've done the mod to my 2006 EX-L Sedan.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/281873/5

I used the 17mm bar. And yes, the bar can contact the metal support, not just the rubber. I used a 10" pipe on the bar to bend it down about 1 inch. The hangar still supports the rubber piece with no problem and there is no rubbing.

The upgrade was an awesome move! :thmsup: But because it does slightly increase oversteer to help you hustle around corners, IMO I would reccommend an upgrade to grippier tires, too. :yes:

... but the bar only makes contact with the rubber hanger right? ... have a look at the picture above, the bar doesn't hit the hanger bar.
Like avexnsx my 17mm s.b. touches the hanger, not the rubber. Hmm, now I've got to find me a 10" pipe ...

Spirited driving shows a significant increase in handeling. The car is much more neutral. I was having some oversteer under extreme cornering before the install, but it's gone now. I don't feel the back end sag either, which is much more confidence inspiring.


makes no sense at all.....

if anything the opposite should happen by increasing the rear sway bar.

:dunno:

Maybe he just meant understeer...it would make sense that the rear doesn't sag as much anymore.

Maybe he just meant understeer...it would make sense that the rear doesn't sag as much anymore.

tru tru. thought i feel the outside rear tends to sag more now since i have the inside corner lift, and then the outside rear tire tends to overload and you can feel it at higher speed curves.

this is also what causes me to understeer through corners since the inside front wheel just spins since its lifted to a certain extent.

has anyone done both the front and rear w/ the TL-S sway bars? i just ordered both these bars from acuraparts247 and would love to hear some of your install and driving experiences.

so its pretty much a waste of money to get someone to install it?....and i have a 04 v6spd......i would buy the 20MM rear TL-s sway bar but what year TL like a 04 or 05 or what?? and your sayin it would rub against my exhaust hanger so i just need to bent that or what??


If anyone has ordered online what are the parts number for the 20mm, Sway bar, bushings, w.e u need

Like avexnsx my 17mm s.b. touches the hanger, not the rubber. Hmm, now I've got to find me a 10" pipe ...

Yes, and that's not the only problem. If you look at the picture on page 3 of this thread, it's clear that when the car hits a dip, the bar goes forward at the contact point. In other words, if you've got contact at ride height, you've got a major binding issue when you hit a bump. Even when if/when you hit a dip or have anyone in your back seats, that bar will be smashing forward into the exhaust hangar.

Not true CA05LXDriver, I posted the pic and I don't have any problem with contact or binding. The antisway bar doesn't move up and down with the suspension as the bar serves no purpose in a straight line.

Yes, and that's not the only problem. If you look at the picture on page 3 of this thread, it's clear that when the car hits a dip, the bar goes forward at the contact point. In other words, if you've got contact at ride height, you've got a major binding issue when you hit a bump. Even when if/when you hit a dip or have anyone in your back seats, that bar will be smashing forward into the exhaust hangar.

so its pretty much a waste of money to get someone to install it?....and i have a 04 v6spd......i would buy the 20MM rear TL-s sway bar but what year TL like a 04 or 05 or what?? and your sayin it would rub against my exhaust hanger so i just need to bent that or what??


If anyone has ordered online what are the parts number for the 20mm, Sway bar, bushings, w.e u need

the 20mm works fine in the V6 models because the exhaust hanger is not in the same place as the I4 models. Just install it yourself, takes about 20-30 mins on the rear (Rear Sway Bar Install (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/281873/4)). It does not matter what year you order it from they are the same.

Front Sway (27.2mm):
51300-SEP-A01 - SPRING, FR. STABILIZER - 1x
51306-SEP-A01 - BUSH, FR. STABILIZER HOLDER - 2x
51308-SDA-A00 - BRACKET, FR. STABILIZER - 2x

Rear Sway (20mm):
52300-SEP-A11 - SPRING, RR. STABILIZER - 1x
52308-S3M-A00 - HOLDER - 2x
52306-SEP-A11 - BUSH, RR. STABILIZER HOLDER - 2x

enjoy :)

Not true CA05LXDriver, I posted the pic and I don't have any problem with contact or binding. The antisway bar doesn't move up and down with the suspension as the bar serves no purpose in a straight line.

Um no, the part of the bar closest to the hanger moves forward and upward as the bar rotates from suspension compression. As you hit a bump, dip, or put a load in the car, that bar will smash into anything in front of it.

Remember, the endlinks keep the bar ends "associated with the road" while the main clamps/bushings keep the bar mounted to the car. The bar rotates in the bushings with suspension travel.

Whats a good online web site to order the sway bar from??

Whats a good online web site to order the sway bar from??

www.acuraparts247.com :D

52308-S3M-A00 - HOLDER - 2x

^^ that order number brings up one holder for a CL and one for a TL i want 2 for the TL and none from the CL right??

52308-S3M-A00 - HOLDER - 2x

^^ that order number brings up one holder for a CL and one for a TL i want 2 for the TL and none from the CL right??

yes you want the tl ones. but since they are the same part numbers, they are the same part so it really does not matter but just order the TL ones for everything.