DIY - Password:JDM Strut Tower Brace & Lower Tie Bar Install
 

Tools you will need:

Socket Wrench
12mm Socket
Adjustable Wrench
5mm Hex Key or Socket
Extension (optional, just like to keep the wrench away from the part i'm working on)
Magnet extension in case you drop anything

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D20FA7E008.jpg

Step 1: Remove stock Lower Tie Bars - Grab your 12mm socket and remove the 3 nuts and 1 bolt to each side of the tie bars.

These 2 on each side:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D14271CCBB.jpg

Then these, one side removed, other side in tact:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D173F522C6.jpg

Once you have these removed, set them to the side, and grab your shiny new PW:JDM ones.

Step 2) Install PW:JDM Tie Bars - These bars are adjustable. You will have to unloosen the nut at the end of each side, and then you can twist the bar to adjust the ends in and out. I had to adjust mine out a bit in order to line them up with the studs. Simply just adjust and lay them down onto the body studs. Once you get them fitted, re-install the stock bolts you removed.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1815462BD.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D18F691162.jpg

Bolts installed:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D19EC77CA6.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1AF945D31.jpg

Bars installed: we are half way there!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1970F3D2F.jpg

Step 3) Install Strut Tower Braces - In order to install these, you must first make sure you tighten down the lower tie bars, because if you don't, you cannot get a tool in between the brace to tighten the bolts down.

Diagonal brace nuts - 12ft-lb

Remove the two inner strut top bolts.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...6935F60A-1.jpg

Place the brace over the two studs, and re-install the bolts you just removed (Tighten down but not all the way just in case you need to adjust it). Note, the brace with the PWJDM logo goes on the passenger side. Do this to both sides

*NOTE* You probably can install the Strut bar to the brace first, then install it as one, but this is just the way I did it. It might be easier to install it off the car but there was no issues doing it this way as well.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1B8A1B07E.jpg

Step 4) Install strut bar - Grab the 4 bolts with washers that were supplied with your kit. Again, the bar is adjustable so you will have to loosen the two end bolts with the adjustable wrench, and then adjust the bar inwards or outwards to line it up with the holes on the braces. Once you adjust it, install the supplied bolts into the brace using the 5mm hex key or socket. Do this on both sides. I installed them a little bit loose again just to make sure everything lined up (which it does fine).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1CBC5E2C2.jpg

Step 5) Tighten! - Tighten down the 4 bolts for the strut tower bar, and the 4 bolts on the braces.

Strut nuts - 17ft-lb

Now, you are going to adjust the strut bar and lower tie bars to your liking with the adjustable wrench. I pretty much just spun the bar with my hands to line up the logos and get it tight, and then tightened the bolts on the end of the bars. You can leave one nut loose and tighten the other side down more if you want to further stiffen up the bars.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1EBD6DA5B.jpg

Step 7) Stand back and drool - You are done! Enjoy your new strut bar setup.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D208910809.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D20094AA56.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...D1F3A2565B.jpg
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reserved 2

Note: not sure why that one photo isn't showing up, but photobucket has been stupid today so hopefully it will pop up. The link isn't broken.

@xxscaxx I installed mine the same way but dug through some other DIY posts to get the torque settings. I'm sure someone might ask about them.

Diagonal brace nuts (3), bolt (1) - 12ft-lb
Strut nuts (2) - 17ft-lb

Only thing I don't know is the torque settings for the PWJDM bolts for the lateral bar since they attach to their mounting bracket and not the actual car.

thanks for that, will add it.

Once again another great write up!!

Now after seeing yours, I think I should of waited the 2-3 weeks for the blue instead of the black that I have. I was thinking the blue would of been way too much; I like subtle looks but yours looks really good.

Where did you get that badass carbon fiber engine cover?

That's a Password JDM cover ^

thanks for the write up

no problem!

love them but too expensive

So many different brands to choose from but I've been looking at these and like the design. Did you notice a difference in handling? Thanks.

Looks good thanks for DIY, love the cover but... No ventilation means extra heat trapped into intake manifold.