[xxDaJackalxx]

How To: Swap an '08 Accord EX-L Coupe's rear sway-bar with the '09 TSX rear sway-bar.

This process is done to replace your OEM rear sway-bar (15mm) with the OEM rear sway-bar from an '09 Acura TSX (17mm). While these directions specifically discuss an Acura TSX to Accord EX-L swap, I would imagine the process can be duplicated to install almost any aftermarket sway-bar.

Installation Time: ~30 minutes.

This is a simple plug-and-play type installation.

Things You'll Need:

1. (Qty. 1) Part #52300-TL-A01 (called SPRING RR; aka sway-bar)
2. (Qty. 2) Part #52306-TL-A02 (called BUSHING RR; aka bushing)
3. Floor Lift and (2) Jack Stands
4. 12mm Socket Wrench
5. 14mm Wrench
6. 5mm Hex (Allen) Wrench
7. Someone to help you - Optional but recommended for installation

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

Step 1: Removing the OEM Sway-Bar

Step 1: Removing the OEM Sway-Bar

• Raise the rear end of your vehicle on jack stands.
  
• Using the 14mm Wrench and the 5mm Allen Wrench, start by removing the nut from the sway-bar end link. (The end-link has four purple dots in a square formation on its back)

• Use the allen wrench to secure the bold from turning while using the wrench to remove the nut.

• Use the 12mm socket wrench to remove the 2 bolts connecting the bushings to the car.

Repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the vehicle to completely unbolt the OEM sway bar from the body of the car. The hardest part of this entire installation was removing the loosened rear sway-bar from underneath the car. It is between the body of the car and exhaust which makes it extremely difficult to maneuver and remove. I ended up removing my right rear tire to create more space; probably not necessary, but I was getting kinda frustrated. Another option would be remove one of the exhaust muffler pipes. Not sure if the I4s would have this problem...Anyway, a little patience and creativity and I got it out of there.

You are now read to install the TSX sway-bar!

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

Step 2: Installing the TSX Sway-Bar

Step 2: Installing the TSX Sway-Bar

This step is the only point during installation where I acquired the help of my brother. It was a total pain in the butt to remove the OEM sway-bar, so I decided to grab another pair of hands. It made installing the TSX sway-bar about 100 times easier.

• Reverse steps 1-3 of uninstallation. You're done!
  
  Just be mindful of the direction of the new bushings when installing them. They have little arrows on them with "FR" indicating that the arrow should point towards the front of the car.

Here are the two bars side-by-side prior to the swap. The size difference is minimal but still visible. The true test is in the car's performance. Review to follow in the next day or two.

 

[blacklisted]

Very well put together. Stoked to read the review!

 

[mattchatwin]

Nice Job DaJackal!! As always.

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

Thanks guys, my pleasure (as always )

 

[Accordingtowho?]

Looks like I can delete the pictures I took of my install today. Haha. Nicely done.

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

^ You don't have to... feel free to add anything you feel is useful to this thread.

 

[tlcr1212]

Looks like I can delete the pictures I took of my install today. Haha. Nicely done.

No please add them, more pics are always helpful!

Thanks Jackal, looking forward to when my sway bar finally arrives off backorder. Should be soon. I've seen some people do this with the Gen7s and not use jacks at all - do you think I could just slide under the car? I just have the jack that comes with the car, no floor lift or jack stand...

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

TLCR1212 - You might be able to, but I think it would be a real PITA if not nearly impossible. I had enough trouble getting the stock bar out from underneath the car with it raised a foot off the ground, I can't imagine it just sitting flat. (I also have the HFP body kit and lowering springs, so my ground clearance is literally 3 inches - no way to get under it)

I suggest going to your local auto-parts store or even Wal-mart and picking up a 2-ton jack and a couple jack stands. I know at Wal-mart you can get a floor jack for about $35 and two jack stands for $25 a pair. Definitely a must-have for any DIY'er. Changing oil, changing tires, checking brakes, hoses, undercarriage, the list goes on. I use mine like every other weekend. You could also pick up a pair of Rhino Ramps at either store as well for about $40. They will work just as well for this application but they are not as versatile or storage friendly.

Where are you located? Anywhere in the DC Metro area and I'd be willing to help you install. I also recommend putting your car specs in your sig

 

[tlcr1212]

I'm in the NYC area, but thanks for the offer anyway. I'm wondering if it's cheaper to just get it installed rather than buy jacks...I want to get it lowered anyway, which I know I can't do myself, and I'm not sure how often I'd use the jacks. To change oil, sure, but I thought that can be done (and is easier, since it's level) without jacks - as for everything else, I'm not very experienced with cars, I don't think I'd do any of that. Also, storage is a problem, as I'm in college.

As for car specs - you're right, I've just been resisting it until I've gotten a couple of mods out of the way.

 

[PersianGodfatha]

great write up man (as always), I will definetly be using this if i get the RSB :thmsup:
I would love to hear the review though to make sure i am not throwing my money away lol

 

[jkcheng122]

The size difference is minimal but still visible. The true test is in the car's performance. Review to follow in the next day or two.

Did I miss the review or has it not been posted?

 

[listen to remix]

TLCR1212 - You might be able to, but I think it would be a real PITA if not nearly impossible. I had enough trouble getting the stock bar out from underneath the car with it raised a foot off the ground, I can't imagine it just sitting flat. (I also have the HFP body kit and lowering springs, so my ground clearance is literally 3 inches - no way to get under it)

I suggest going to your local auto-parts store or even Wal-mart and picking up a 2-ton jack and a couple jack stands. I know at Wal-mart you can get a floor jack for about $35 and two jack stands for $25 a pair. Definitely a must-have for any DIY'er. Changing oil, changing tires, checking brakes, hoses, undercarriage, the list goes on. I use mine like every other weekend. You could also pick up a pair of Rhino Ramps at either store as well for about $40. They will work just as well for this application but they are not as versatile or storage friendly.

Where are you located? Anywhere in the DC Metro area and I'd be willing to help you install. I also recommend putting your car specs in your sig

I agree... You should definitely get the jack stands. I tried doing it with the jacks and it was a REAL PITA especially because of rust. I'm in college and I was in the same position you were in. Now I regret not getting the jack stands earlier.

 

[xxDaJackalxx]

Did I miss the review or has it not been posted?

Sorry, it has not been posted. I thought maybe there was enough literature out there already :dunno:. I will post my thoughts in detail in an hour or so. Finishing a few things here at work then I'll take some time out for you guys :thmsup:

 

[jkcheng122]

Just want to post my thanks for the write up. Very informative and I just got my TSX Sway Bar installed with the help of a coworker.

 

[goldy500]

http://www.corsportusa.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_169&products_id=4289

heres a 22mm 09 tsx sway bar

 

[Takumi]

My hex says 1/4 is it the same one you are referring in the DIY 5mm hex?

 

[Pirate]

http://www.corsportusa.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_169&products_id=4289

heres a 22mm 09 tsx sway bar

Yep, Progress Technology markets that same 22mm TSX sway bar as one suitable for the Accord. Even has the same part number. I still have stock 17" wheels and tires, so I think its overkill for my car (and my wallet).
http://www.progressauto.com/products/sfID1/127/sfID2/34/sfID3/90/productID/615

 

[goldy500]

i just got my 22mm tsx sway bar in today ill have it installed by tomoro