DIY: Acura TL AWD rear sway bar to Crosstour upgrade

53552 Views 79 Replies 27 Participants Last post by skylize, 27 d ago

tlarimer

Discussion Starter · Jan 11, 2014

9

This will cover removing the 2011 Crosstour AWD rear sway bar and replacing it with one from a 2011 Acura TL AWD. I believe this will work on Crosstour's 2010-2012, 2WD and AWD, I completed this on my own 2011 Crosstour AWD.

2011 Crosstour AWD rear sway bar size is 15MM:

2011 Acura TL AWD rear sway bar is 20MM:

Parts and tools needed to complete the job:
Acura TL AWD rear sway bar P/N 52300-TK5-A02
Acura TL AWD rear sway bar bushings P/N 52306-TK5-A01 x2
14MM wrench
5MM allen wrench
12MM socket
silicone grease

Start cleaning the threads of the endlinks. Then place 14mm wrench onto endlink bolt, then insert 5mm endlink stud and remove nut from endlink.

Slide endlink stud out of rear sway bar and repeat on the other side.

Using 12mm socket to reach the 4 bolts, 2 per side, holding the d-link brackets/rear sway bar bushings and loosen them, I left mine in the bracket and let the swat bar drop, then moved to the other side.

Now remove the swaybar, it took a little rotating, but it comes out without having to remove anything, I didn't even jack up the car.

Rear sway bars side by side comparison:

Install new rear sway bar bushings onto new rear sway bar, I used a dab of silicone grease on each one to make sure it doesn't squeak. Make sure to install the new bushings in the same direction and orientation as the old one, making note of the factory cut opening.

Next slide the new rear sway bar in place, slide the d-link brackets over the rear sway bar bushings and attach it using the 4 12mm bolts, torque to OEM specs.

Now reattach the endlinks and torque to OEM specs.

That's it, you're done. The total cost of this upgrade was:
Parts $75.44
Shipping $10.95
Total $86.39

Car feels much better on the road and in corners, this was my major complaint and I believe the car should have come with this bigger rear sway bar from the factory.

Hope this helps somebody out.

Tim

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GL84

· #41 · Jun 27, 2014

It is confirmed!

I just installed the Acura TL rear sway bar in a 2014 Model!

I had the rear wheels on a plastic ramp, and I barely had the room to get all the parts off (rusted bolt threads). I have no idea how you guys do it without jacking it up.

I got scared the first time I tried to install it cause it was the wrong direction and wouldn't fit... and you really have to do some wiggling to get the bar through the exhaust pipes... but all is well at last.

I've got to say, I agree with one of the other posters on here, I think the thicker sway bar should be standard. Even if you're not cornering aggressive it definitely feels more confident, flat and smoother in the turns.

I'm not sure what the difference between these vs. a 22mm sway bar, but I think these are enough.

I took the CT through some rougher areas and really didn't notice a harsher / bumpier ride... I'm 29 so I don't really mind any bumps, but still I think the ride is fine.

Thanks guys for all your tips, if it wasn't for this forum, I'd never have know about this awesome upgrade.

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Zuco

· #42 · Jul 29, 2014

Looking at ordering parts to put the Accura RSB on my CT.

These 2 sites are the same company, the RSB part number shows up on both but a big difference in price.

$111 http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/oem/acura~spring~rr~stabilizer~52300-TK5-A02.html
$56 http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/honda~spring~52300-TK5-A02.html

I am guessing the difference despite the parts number being the same is the 19mm Accura part.

Does anyone have the torque spec for all of the bolts?

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tlarimer

Discussion Starter · #43 · Aug 11, 2014

I haven't been on here in a while, so it took a while to read through all of this.

My observations are unchanged, I have had it on since January and have put thousands of miles on it trouble free, no hitting, rubbing, banging, etc. For me this has been well worth the money and effort. I do a lot of hauling, from pavers to luggage, with my CT and I couldn't be happier. Experiences may vary depending on trim, 2wd vs 4wd, etc.

I don't have wheels, suspension, etc and don't plan on doing any of that to my CT. This is a third vehicle that see's either the open road or a trip to Homedepot. Adding other parts into the mix will change the geometry and handling characteristics to the point that it "Could" lead to clearance issues, but in stock form I have found zero issues.

GL84

· #44 · Aug 11, 2014

tlarimer said:
I haven't been on here in a while, so it took a while to read through all of this.

My observations are unchanged, I have had it on since January and have put thousands of miles on it trouble free, no hitting, rubbing, banging, etc. For me this has been well worth the money and effort. I do a lot of hauling, from pavers to luggage, with my CT and I couldn't be happier. Experiences may vary depending on trim, 2wd vs 4wd, etc.

I don't have wheels, suspension, etc and don't plan on doing any of that to my CT. This is a third vehicle that see's either the open road or a trip to Homedepot. Adding other parts into the mix will change the geometry and handling characteristics to the point that it "Could" lead to clearance issues, but in stock form I have found zero issues.

Did you notice the end links connecting to the sway bar a little tight? (giving a little extra pre-load? If I'm using that term correctly?)

In anycase, I do like the upgrade, no negatives / banging / touching, etc...
(I'm on 4WD, and think that people that find it touching actually installed it the wrong way and need to flip it over?)

Anyway, since you haul stuff, do you find that you're experiencing the same handling that I am in my other post? http://www.crosstourownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6882

Any feedback would be appreciated?

Thanks!

ivanoski

· #45 · Aug 11, 2014

How will this work with the AWD 2014 v6?

L8Apex

· #46 · Aug 12, 2014

How do I know that this is an UPGRADE? I'm not into cosmetics on my CT but if the handling is unquestionably improved by some measurable standard, I'm interested.

tlarimer

Discussion Starter · #47 · Aug 12, 2014

GL84 said:
Did you notice the end links connecting to the sway bar a little tight? (giving a little extra pre-load? If I'm using that term correctly?)

In anycase, I do like the upgrade, no negatives / banging / touching, etc...
(I'm on 4WD, and think that people that find it touching actually installed it the wrong way and need to flip it over?)

Anyway, since you haul stuff, do you find that you're experiencing the same handling that I am in my other post? http://www.crosstourownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6882

Any feedback would be appreciated?

Thanks!

With a load of pavers is the only time I've noticed sluggish acceleration. I have had it loaded with 4 passengers, 2 fullsize boxers and a roof mounted cargo bag and drove it from So. Cali to WY and back with nothing bad to say about handling, mileage, acceleration, etc.

I have the 4WD as well, because we do lots of winter driving trips through UT/ID/WY, loaded it handled really well considering its not fulltime 4WD. Coming from a 2008 Dodge Durango Limited with the 5.7L, the CT handled the roads as well as it did.

GL84

· #48 · Aug 12, 2014

tlarimer said:
With a load of pavers is the only time I've noticed sluggish acceleration. I have had it loaded with 4 passengers, 2 fullsize boxers and a roof mounted cargo bag and drove it from So. Cali to WY and back with nothing bad to say about handling, mileage, acceleration, etc.

I have the 4WD as well, because we do lots of winter driving trips through UT/ID/WY, loaded it handled really well considering its not fulltime 4WD. Coming from a 2008 Dodge Durango Limited with the 5.7L, the CT handled the roads as well as it did.

Hmm... Do you go by factory tire pressure 33 PSI when loaded? (Assuming you have stock wheels) I hear some people +2 PSI in normal driving just to save on gas, and +5 or more (close to max tire) when fully loaded.

Also, did you use winter tires for the CT?

I drove last winter in NY and it did well, but I was by myself, or +1 Passenger... not fully loaded + ski gear.

Thanks.

dave230

· #49 · Aug 12, 2014

Some input on the tires for GL84... I live up the river from you a bit (Saratoga County). We go up into the Adirondacks/Lake Placid area a good bit, year round, and I also need to run up and down the Thruway to the Westchester area for business at times, often at the drop of a hat, regardless of the weather.

I've run "real" snows since the second time I drove it in snow in Clifton Park, one of those days where there was that really slippery sort of packed down snow out on route 9. 4WD or not, I found the thing would "go" just fine, but wouldn't stop worth a damn, at least in those conditions. Between the small tread gaps on the OEM Michelins that pack right in with snow and the physics of stopping a mass the size of a Crosstour, it was not ideal. It would tend to slide a bit, especially in intersections where the surface was sort of polished by other cars sliding around.

A set of good snows makes all the difference in the world in this car - or any car, really. I feel like I can go pretty much anytime, which is exactly what I often need to do. Better bang for the buck out of the 4WD too.

I'm glad the tire size didn't change on the 2014s - the new one I just got will wear these same sneakers this winter. It really makes a difference if you're in an area where you can count on some snow in an average year.

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GL84

· #50 · Aug 12, 2014

dave230 said:
Some input on the tires for GL84... I live up the river from you a bit (Saratoga County). We go up into the Adirondacks/Lake Placid area a good bit, year round, and I also need to run up and down the Thruway to the Westchester area for business at times, often at the drop of a hat, regardless of the weather.

I've run "real" snows since the second time I drove it in snow in Clifton Park, one of those days where there was that really slippery sort of packed down snow out on route 9. 4WD or not, I found the thing would "go" just fine, but wouldn't stop worth a damn, at least in those conditions. Between the small tread gaps on the OEM Michelins that pack right in with snow and the physics of stopping a mass the size of a Crosstour, it was not ideal. It would tend to slide a bit, especially in intersections where the surface was sort of polished by other cars sliding around.

A set of good snows makes all the difference in the world in this car - or any car, really. I feel like I can go pretty much anytime, which is exactly what I often need to do. Better bang for the buck out of the 4WD too.

I'm glad the tire size didn't change on the 2014s - the new one I just got will wear these same sneakers this winter. It really makes a difference if you're in an area where you can count on some snow in an average year.

Thanks for the note.

Which Snow tires you run?

I'm thinking I might end up getting 18 inch snows (with stock rims), and then getting 20 inch rims with All Seasons.

dave230

· #51 · Aug 13, 2014

Mine are Mastercraft, but I expect any good dedicated snow and ice tire - with the snowflake rating on it - will do fine, just down to personal preference. They're the same size as the stock 18" tires the car came with. Same on my 2012 and my new 2014.

They really made a big difference in the snow. My wife's CR-V has it's own dedicated snows as well. We get some pretty good winters around here!

OKstate11

· #52 · Aug 15, 2014

Just finished this mod, took her for a spin, and all I have to say is EVERYONE who owns a Crosstour should do this mod. It handles sooooo much better in the corners and on the highway it feels much more composed over dips and curves without loosing any comfort. Best $113.00 I've spent on a car!!!!
Thanks tlarimer for this post.
It took about 1.5 hours with most of that getting all 6 bolts off, then it went back together easy...

ivanoski

· #53 · Aug 15, 2014

I need to know if this will work for a 2014 crosstour.

GL84

· #54 · Aug 16, 2014

ivanoski said:
I need to know if this will work for a 2014 crosstour.

Yes, I've already confirmed this with my CT EX-L V6 4WD.

My notes are:

1) I don't know how some people can do this job w/o jacking up the rear... I bought me some ramp stands... and just rolled on them for easy access, and it was still pretty tight for me.

2) I'm a newbie with cars, so it took some trial and error, but take a picture of the original setup before you remove it... I tried to install the TL sway bar flipped around, and I couldn't get the bar to go through all the way to the other side... So yes, there is only 1 way to install this w/o bending stuff or it bumping into other parts... it requires you to tilt the bar around the wheel and a lot of wiggling, etc... but if you get stuck and you can't force it through, then you're probably doing it wrong.

3) Bring some WD40 to help with the rusty bolts so you can remove them easily (I've heard you should use WD40 anyway)...

4) I just bought a bottle of silicon grease spray, and it seems to work fine.

5) DO NOT tighten the end links down to the new sway bar right away... get them both on there, and wiggle it... I think I installed mine where one is slightly more at an angle than the other... and will need to fix this when I get the chance.

Long story short, yes this is good for 13/14 models, and yes I love this mod!

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ivanoski

· #55 · Aug 18, 2014 (Edited)

amazing, I'm very interested in doing this mod, do I need anything else or does it swap right in? how does the car feel now with the bar? Where can i find a store that accepts international credit cards or paypal

GL84

· #56 · Aug 19, 2014

ivanoski said:
amazing, I'm very interested in doing this mod, do I need anything else or does it swap right in? how does the car feel now with the bar? Where can i find a store that accepts international credit cards or paypal

Nope, it's a simple uninstall, and replace... you just need the tools, and some silicon lube (and I recommend jack stands or ramp, and some WD40 to loosen up the rusty bolts).

As far as performance, you still won't handle like a sports car, but you definitely feel more defined and confident on the turns. You'll understeer less, but you'll also push the limits of your tires more... (assuming you drive more aggressively than everyday driving) I've pushed my CT in very curvy roads, and you will definitely still slip and go wide with stock tires... especially in the rear (lighter).

No idea about the credit card, but I'm sure you can figure it out or find it on e-bay or something...
Where are you anyway?

ivanoski

· #57 · Aug 20, 2014

GL84 said:
Nope, it's a simple uninstall, and replace... you just need the tools, and some silicon lube (and I recommend jack stands or ramp, and some WD40 to loosen up the rusty bolts).

As far as performance, you still won't handle like a sports car, but you definitely feel more defined and confident on the turns. You'll understeer less, but you'll also push the limits of your tires more... (assuming you drive more aggressively than everyday driving) I've pushed my CT in very curvy roads, and you will definitely still slip and go wide with stock tires... especially in the rear (lighter).

No idea about the credit card, but I'm sure you can figure it out or find it on e-bay or something...
Where are you anyway?

Honduras, need to find somewhere where they take paypal and have it shipped to miami (where my shipping company sends it to me later), some sites have restrictions to buyers outside the USA (wont let you use an international billing address) , Yes I love to drive my crosstour aggresively , honduras is a very mountainous country with curvy roads, the stock tires suck im planning on puttin som falken tires on them as soon as i burnthrough these.

GL84

· #58 · Aug 20, 2014

ivanoski said:
Honduras, need to find somewhere where they take paypal and have it shipped to miami (where my shipping company sends it to me later), some sites have restrictions to buyers outside the USA (wont let you use an international billing address) , Yes I love to drive my crosstour aggresively , honduras is a very mountainous country with curvy roads, the stock tires suck im planning on puttin som falken tires on them as soon as i burnthrough these.

So you have someone in Miami to ship it to you? Well, if you can't figure anything out maybe I can help you ship it to Miami or something... PM me.

I love it when I take my CT up to the mountains and smell the brakes

, but it is definitely not a sports car by any means, lol.

I'm going for K Sport Coilovers, 245/50R19 Tires, probably Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 to help with some of the handling deficiencies.

ivanoski

· #59 · Aug 20, 2014

GL84 said:
So you have someone in Miami to ship it to you? Well, if you can't figure anything out maybe I can help you ship it to Miami or something... PM me.

I love it when I take my CT up to the mountains and smell the brakes , but it is definitely not a sports car by any means, lol.

I'm going for K Sport Coilovers, 245/50R19 Tires, probably Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 to help with some of the handling deficiencies.

It's no BMW thats right, but the power makes up for it, I think with some better tires and with the sway bar it might make a difference, it is still enjoyable powering that v6 though the corners.

mrq

· #60 · Sep 3, 2014

Just Did the 20mm Sway-bar upgrade

easy job makes a HUGE difference. the car feels planted. turn-in is snappier. it maintains composer over dips and ridges at speed.

all in all it should have come that way.

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