Why is Honda now using an Upper Front Strut Tower Support

[Ben&Jen]

I test drove a 2017 and spent a lot of time looking it over. I looked at this 2017 Hatch.

I was looking at the engine bay, and noticed that they are now using an upper support bracket on the strut tower. I asked around, and what I got was, improved suspension on the 17's. My 2016 does not have this bracket.

I had an issuee with a few loose strut bolts (fixed myself) and a crazy popping sound at times with driving up a driveway slow. Still got the popping

I was thinking on getting these from parts and adding them myself. Any opinions? From those that know suspension issues.

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[DarkLight]

That is P/N 74185-TGG-A00 Front shock absorber base plate. It costs $3.19 per side so not much to lose by getting one.

IMO it probably acts like a crush washer in that it keeps the strut mounting bolts from loosening over time, as some have reported. I seriously doubt it ability to enhance performance though.

You could upgrade to TGG struts/shocks though. They're definitely stiffer than what the sedan/coupe gets.

 

[Ben&Jen]

Thanks, just have to see if the strut mounting bolts are long enough for this plate. Also, do you think it adds the the structural reinforcement of the struts and ride. - Hey thanks. This popping over bumps sometimes is aggravating, not all the time, does not make me feel good.

 

[DarkLight]

I don't think it will make a difference either way. The gen x chassis is very rigid, and a thin metal plate on the strut tower will not make a difference in ride quality or steering feel. You could paint them and add some color to your engine bay.

It sounds to me like you have a noisy bearing in one of your struts. Nothing to worry about unless you fell grinding/friction when you turn the wheel.

 

[Ben&Jen]

Anyone have this on the couple? Thanks

 

[CivicLX2016]

That is P/N 74185-TGG-A00 Front shock absorber base plate. It costs $3.19 per side so not much to lose by getting one.

IMO it probably acts like a crush washer in that it keeps the strut mounting bolts from loosening over time, as some have reported. I seriously doubt it ability to enhance performance though.

You could upgrade to TGG struts/shocks though. They're definitely stiffer than what the sedan/coupe gets.

Thanks for the parts number! I picked up a couple....figured it's a good idea since I have a SiriMoto strut tower ball installed....

Doing some research, I see that other manufacturers use these to prevent a mushrooming effect in the strut towers....see this link: https://blog.modbargains.com/bad-shrooms-stop-bmw-e46-strut-towers-mushrooming/

 

[augustus]

out of curiosity, will adding these base plates or a strutbar necessitate an alignment?

 

[CivicLX2016]

out of curiosity, will adding these base plates or a strutbar necessitate an alignment?

I wouldn't think so, but I'm no expert

I didn't do alignment after adding strut tower bar, drives just a fine, true and straight

 

[inv4zn]

No need for alignment, as long as all 3 are evenly torqued as they were before.

You only need an alignment if the suspension geometry has changed, which these plates do not.

 

[Design]

I think it's exclusive to the hatch. The Si doesn't have these either.

My only concern would be how much camber adjustment or play is possible at the strut attachment point. If minimal, no alignment should be required.

 

[PolishedLX]

I am not enlightened on the subject myself but I really enjoy hearing about this exclusive piece on the hatch. I've always wondered in the 3 months I have had this hatch why does it like moving at all speeds, peculiarly at slow speeds is when it feels most agile but that may be a fallacy cause it just might be the same at high speeds, I don't know since the majority of time, I am driving right in this suspension's wheelhouse. Disprove my insanity.

 

[hawk02]

I am not enlightened on the subject myself but I really enjoy hearing about this exclusive piece on the hatch. I've always wondered in the 3 months I have had this hatch why does it like moving at all speeds, peculiarly at slow speeds is when it feels most agile but that may be a fallacy cause it just might be the same at high speeds, I don't know since the majority of time, I am driving right in this suspension's wheelhouse. Disprove my insanity.

Tires

 

[CivicLX2016]

Tires

Yeah but what kinda?

 

[baldheadracing]

Yeah but what kinda?

Round

 

[CivicLX2016]

Round

So you'd recommend round, bald tires from a shady junkyard?

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