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TANABE SUSTEC Strut Tower Bar & Under Brace DIY Installation PIX !!!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 11, 2011.

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  1. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    ALOHA PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    :):):):)

    As promised here is the TANABE SUSTEC STRUT TOWER BAR & UNDER BRACE DIY Installation Pictorial Walkthrough.

    The included installation instructions are in Japanese / English. However I wanted to provide Prius Chat folks a supplementary DIY of my experience with these Great TANABE Products !!!

    This is my first DIY so please bear with me. Feel free to ask any questions along the way !!!

    For any other questions feel free to contact TANABE USA directly here:

    Tanabe USA Inc. - Contact Us

    SUSTEC STRUT TOWER BAR INSTALLATION

    ** The engine compartment of the vehicle must be accessed to perform this installation. If you do not feel comfortable working within the engine compartment, PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS RECOMMENDED. **

    INSTALL AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!

    TOOLS NEEDED:

    Grip Wrench
    Monkey Wrench 11/16th
    Socket Wrench
    12mm Socket
    14MM Socket
    Microfiber Towels
    Painter's Tape

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    PROCEDURE

    **I was advised to install this Strut Tower Bar with the vehicle on the ground as it creates a neutral stiffened installation**

    #1 TANABE Sustec Strut Tower Bar

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    A. Begin by removing BOTH Windshield Wiper Blades
    Open the Hood.

    [​IMG]

    B. There are (2) Screws for the Passenger's Side and (1) Screw for the Driver's Side. Use a 12mm Socket.

    [​IMG]

    Passenger's Side

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The Driver's Side Windshield Wiper has a cap that can be pried off and will reveal the bolt underneath.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    HARDWARE REMOVED:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    C. On the Windshield Wiper Cowl locate the Push Fasteners, (1) on each end of the Cowl. Push the center of the Fastener to Loosen and Remove.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    D. Remove the (2) Cowl End Caps by lifting them up from the bottom portion to release them.

    [​IMG]

    E. There are (5) clips along the Top Front portion of the Cowl. Push the underside of these toward the back part of the vehicle to release them.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    F. Remove the complete Windshield Wiper Cowl by firmly yet gently lifting up on the bottom assembly then pulling towards the front of the vehicle. Pay close attention to the fitment at the bottom portion of the windshield where it was attached.

    HARDWARE REMOVED:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    G. Remove the Windshield Wiper Motor by unscrewing (3) Bolts on the Passenger Side and (1) Bolt on the Driver's Side.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    H. Loosen the Electrical Tape which attaches the Windshield Wiper wiring to the the fastener and remove.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I. Remove the Bottom Half Portion of the Windshield Wiper Cowl by locating the (12) 10mm screws fastening the Cowl to the body of the vehicle.

    [​IMG]

    HARDWARE REMOVED:

    (4) Windshield Wiper Motor Screws
    (12) Bottom Portion Windshield Wiper Cowl Screws

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    J. Locate the Outer (2) Strut Tower Bolts and Remove.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    K. Obtain the (2) Supplied Strut Tower Brackets (Black) and (4) Bolts.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    **The Removed OEM Bolts (Left) compared to the Supplied TANABE Bolts (Right)**

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    L. Install the Strut Tower Brackets and fasten with the supplied bolts.

    [​IMG]

    M. Slide in the Strut Tower Bar ends into the "U" shaped clamp portion at the end of each Bracket. Make sure the "TANABE" logo faces forward and that the Hex holes face forward. Using the provided Fastener Bolts and Washers tighten them securely.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    N. Adjust the Strut Tower bar so that it is angled at 110 degrees. This is extremely important for clearance during reassembly.

    [​IMG]

    O. Tighten the Strut Tower bar using the Monkey Wrench for both bolts at opposite ends of the bar.

    [​IMG]

    REINSTALLATION

    Use Painter's Tape to protect the bar from scratching during reinstallation. Cover only the top portion as this area is the only area in concern. This will also aid in its quick removal at the end.

    [​IMG]

    P. Reinstall the Bottom Portion Winshield Wiper Cowl, Windshield Wiper Motor, Windshield Wiper Cowl and End Caps, and Windshield Wipers in the reverse order.

    Q. Remove the Painter's Tape

    R. And VOILA !!!

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    SUSTEC UNDER BRACE INSTALLATION

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    ** The underside of the vehicle must be accessed to perform this installation. If you do not feel comfortable working underneath the vehicle, PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS RECOMMENDED.

    INSTALL AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!

    TOOLS NEEDED:

    Socket Wrench
    19mm Socket
    Ramp / 2 Ton Jack Stands
    (I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE the usage of the OEM supplied Jack to raise the vehicle.)

    A. Locate the upside down "L" Shaped Braces under the vehicle. Locate the (2) 19mm bolts of top portion of the "L" and Remove.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    B. Utilizing the OEM bolt, install inside the Under Brace sockets, and tighten.

    [​IMG]

    C. VOILA !!!

    [​IMG]

    AGAIN if you FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE INSTALLING ANY of these items, PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION !!!

    CONCLUSION

    Installation Time:
    STRUT TOWER BAR - ~1.5 hours
    FRAME BRACE - <30 Minutes
    DIFFICULTY - This wasn't a difficult installation for me personally, just time consuming. Difficulty however varies per individual.

    All in all I am VERY PLEASED with the TANABE SUSTEC PRODUCTS !!! I have the peace of mind knowing the chasis is rigidly reinforced and improved thus helping to achieve the "fine-tuning chasis balance."

    Again for any further questions feel free to ask !!!

    And if it is beyond my knowledge, feel free to contact TANABE USA directly ...

    Tanabe USA Inc. - Contact Us

    If you are interested in purchasing any of the TANABE products specifically designed for the PRIUS, contact JAMES and tell him I sent ya !!!

    Happy SAFE PRIUS Modding Folks !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #1 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 11, 2011
    Bullet Salvador, riceroni87, joerockt and 15 others like this.
  2. Jands

    Jands New Member

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    Nice write-up!
     
    #2 Jands, Jan 11, 2011
    somebody7 likes this.
  3. seegarman

    seegarman Junior Member

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    Thanks for the timely post since I will start the same installation once the weather warms a bit.

    After your installation, did you find the driver's side strut tower plate prevents access to the fuse box? Unfortuantely, your photos do not show that part of the installation. The paper instructions that came with the strut tower kit mentions to that design "feature". If so, I am considering returning the kit for a brace from another manufacturer which

    I am please with the Under Brace installation.
     
    #3 seegarman, Jan 11, 2011
  4. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    Thanks JANDS !!!

    :):):):)

    I didn't realize how much goes into a DIY until I finished it !!!

    I tried to be as thorough as possible as I know there may be some questions along the way for folks ...

    So I hope this helps !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #4 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 11, 2011
  5. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY THERE SEEGARMAN !!!

    :):):):)

    Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it !!!

    Yes, because of the location of the Strut Tower placement in comparison to the Fuse Box, there isn't much room to keep the Fuse Box unobstructed.

    I will look more carefully at what I could possibly do to modify this in case I do need to access the Fuse Box. If you come up with any solutions feel free to let me know !!!

    I am glad that you were pleased with the Under Brace Installation, that was quite a snap once the underside was accessed !!!

    Keep us posted with you progress !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #5 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 11, 2011
  6. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Rodney, thanks for the excellent instructions. Even though I don't plan to install a strut bar I bookmarked your post in case I ever need to tear into that part of the car.
     
    #6 xs650, Jan 11, 2011
  7. seal2cc

    seal2cc New Member

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    Thanks a lot! I had just ordered both parts today! They are/were in stock at Options Auto. Also thinking about the CUSCO 4-point power brace. Your write up will be a great help to me and any others undertaking this project (s).
     
    #7 seal2cc, Jan 11, 2011
  8. GloryThief

    GloryThief Junior Member

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    great write up!
     
    #8 GloryThief, Jan 11, 2011
  9. seegarman

    seegarman Junior Member

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    I have both the Tanabe Under Brace and Cusco Power Brace installed at this time. The two changes did stiffen up the chassis and the handling is somewhat improved.

    One trait I could feel is the chassis/suspension is less compliant (more stiff) while driving over any kind of rut or bump in the road.

    The next install is the strut tower bar and a rear anti-sway bar.

    I know the Prius will not handle like a sports car but at least I can go around corners with some level of finesse.
     
    #9 seegarman, Jan 11, 2011
  10. seal2cc

    seal2cc New Member

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    Do you consider this a positive? Or too harsh?
     
    #10 seal2cc, Jan 11, 2011
  11. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    :):):):)

    Hi XS50, thank you !!! Should you ever need help as you're tearing into that part let me know !!!

    Hey there SEAL2CC, I am curious to see what the items will look like once you receive them and they are installed !!! Please keep us updated with your progress !!! Feel free to ask if you have any questions !!!


    Thank you GLORYTHIEF !!!

    Hi SEEGARMAN, I have noticed considerable improvement in the handling alone from the addition of these two Tanabe Products. Being that my Prius is lowered on the Tein H-Tech Springs, I have a lower center of gravity, which also helps in handling. Together it's a great combination !!! I would like to see pictures once you're items are installed !!! I am considering the Sway Bar as well. Please keep us posted !!!

    Thanks again !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #11 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 13, 2011
  12. seal2cc

    seal2cc New Member

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    I'll chime in here again since last night I installed the strut cross brace and the Sustec 2-point underbrace...the Cusco 4-point should arrive tomorrow. First, hats off again to Rodney who's original post and pics greatly simplified the project. Everything was pretty straightforward. The only things I would add are:

    1) Re the strut brace; the mounting plates have a bit of 'play' when mounted to the two strut tower bolts (2 each side). I found that at least for MY crossbar, the crossbar inserted into the plates easier and seemed more aligned if I, when tightening the plates to the strut tower, 'pressured the plates forward and outward from the relative center of the car. In other words, the driver's side plate should be pressed toward the forward left (from driver's seat) of the car etc. I actually went back in to loosen and re-tighten the plates after finding that the crossbar was not aligned to insert smoothly into its respective mounts. Also gives a little more clearance from the wiper shroud.

    2) I actually got pretty good at disassembling the wiper and shrouds... I had re-assembled everything then found that the rubber frame mount for the actual wiper assembly (mounted on the firewall and into which an extension of the wiper assembly plugs) had fallen down into the engine compartment. After disassembling everything again, I could see the little rubber mount. Eureka...get a part grabber and retrieve. Well, I just pushed the thing further down and out of sight! :(

    My only thought was to try to reach the thing from under the car.

    So I jacked the car up with my floor jack- the Prius has front and rear center-located floor jacking points which are VERY handy and are highlighted in the owner's manual - surprising. I also situated two jack stands under suspension arms for added safety! While there I decided to go ahead and mount the Sustec 2x underbrace. Took five minutes, no problem. Then moved to the driver's side wheel well - because that's the only really open spot at the front of the car....and stuck my hand in, felt around a bit ...and THERE WAS THE WIPER MOUNT!! Yeah! So actually not so bad since I got the underbrace done.

    So, if you take this - or any engine compartment project on - really be careful about dropping parts. The Prius is so sealed up with aerodynamic shrouds that it is hard to retrive anything easily. I feel pretty lucky and had visions of ordering the part.

    Haven't had the car out since I finished up about midnight and we had a little ice storm overnight. But everything looks and feels good. The strut bar adding a little flash to the engine compartment. I DID leave the rear of the fuse box cover loose and feel like I could finesse it looser and off if I run into a fuse problem; but at the same time everything is covered and protected.

    So, I turned what should have been a 40-45 minute job into about 1 1/2 hours with the re-situating of the mount plates and the dropped part, but I guess I know the car a little bit better. It is easy and straightforward especially using Rodney's pics and writeup...there is virtually nothing instruction-wise that comes with the parts, but about four pages of Japanese with the easiest one to do - the underbrace. Quality of everything is great. Now on to the Cusco when it arrives.

    Fun projects...

    Enjoy...cheers

    Chris
     
    #12 seal2cc, Jan 18, 2011
  13. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY CHRIS !!!

    :):):):)

    Thanks for your help buddy !!!

    I'm glad the install worked for ya, I know in regards to positioning of the plates and the cross bar that you kind of have to work with it to shimmy it correctly ... takes a bit, but when it's all in place it's set.

    In regards to the Cusco under bracing, please share some pix when you're completed with the install, I've been looking at those as well !!!

    I think they would greatly complement the Tanabe Sustec System !!!

    BTW: I'm still in search of that 10mm socket lost in the compartment hehehehe !!!

    Happy Prius Modding !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #13 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 18, 2011
  14. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    #14 HI MPG, Jan 18, 2011
  15. seal2cc

    seal2cc New Member

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    Thought I'd add this little addendum to my strut crossbrace installation details:

    There are six thread 'peaks' on each side of the crossbar once the lock nuts have been secured. In other words, if you move a fingernail along the exposed threads of the crossbar, you will count six 'notches' on each side. May help you configure the crossbrace before installation in the mounting plates.

    Best,

    Chris
     
    #15 seal2cc, Jan 18, 2011
  16. MrGuardia

    MrGuardia Junior Member

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    awesome job like always! you need to start a youtube channel HB!
     
    #16 MrGuardia, Jan 19, 2011
  17. seegarman

    seegarman Junior Member

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    I consider the new ride less compliant and positive rather than harsh.

    If I go with installing Tanabe 210 lowering springs, I am concerned the ride may tend toward too positive for me.
     
    #17 seegarman, Jan 19, 2011
  18. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    :):):):)


    Thanks for sharing the link HI MPG !!!

    I think that would make a great addition to the Chassis for the HB II Ride !!! I like the way the design is on the Cusco 4 Point Brace !!!


    HEY CHRIS !!!

    Thanks for sharing the heads up !!! It is through specifics like that which really help out !!!


    HEY FREDDY !!!

    Gee that sounds DANGEROUS !!!

    We'll see ... maybe for an upcoming mod !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #18 HAWAIIANBUILT, Jan 19, 2011
  19. GloryThief

    GloryThief Junior Member

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    Tanabe springs are known to be slightly stiffer than stock so the ride shouldn't be too bad. They like to still have great daily driveability out of their NF210 springs.
     
    #19 GloryThief, Jan 19, 2011
  20. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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    Does anyone know the torque specs for the bolts used with the Cusco 4-point brace? I'm about to install mine. Also, the Tanabe underbrace bolt torque specs would be appreciated.
     
    #20 Dark_matter_doesn't, Jan 22, 2011
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