Hi all, so I had quite the adventure in my S2K over the weekend. Instead of deciding to drive my SUV, with the weekend rain forecast in CA, I took my s2k for a what I have heard is a very scenic drive along HW1. Rain ain't that bad... but 10ft visibility fog, downpouring rain, blind turns w/ cliffs, and falling boulders are. Long story short, I ran over a significant sized irregular shaped rock, maybe 9-12 inches in height going about 15-20mph. I lived, and so did my car...kinda.

I got around to snapping some pictures of the damage - it appears to be localized to a cross bar that spans the front of the undercarriage. I know basics of auto maintenance (fluids, brakes), but nothing about this. The bar looks to support parts of the engine, and the steering linkage.

What are your opinions are on the extent of the damage. The car is still drivable, and tracks straight - I can't tell it's been damaged except visually. I haven't bombed the car in to any corners though, afraid it might aggravate the dent/bend.

What is the function of this bar? Is it important I get it fixed/replaced? This appears to be something with aftermarket support - should I go for that, or stock? How much $$$ am I looking at? And finally, is this a job I can do with jack stands? I'm afraid it might be difficult to tighten w/o having the car fall on me or if the components attached are bent, may be difficult/impossible to install.

Thanks for looking and help!

Steve

 

That is the STIFFENER, ENGINE MOUNTING. They can be purchased new for less than $50. You were lucky.

 

I just saw one for sale yesterday on eBay. I am going to try to find it for you.

 

You probably don't have to get it replaced, but I would. It costs less than $50.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/j...gry5=CROSS+BEAM

You could buy an aftermarket replacement, for more money.

The purpose is to help stiffen the frame of the car. Based on the name for that part, it may be particularly important for stiffening the engine mounts.

You should be able to do it at home with basic tools (wrenches, torque wrenches, etc.). Definitely have the car up on jack stands, as it always should be if you are under it.

 

Found it. I don't know this seller, but it is the piece you are looking for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-2005-H...081584156QQrdZ1

 

That's cheaper than the eBay one and it's new. Go that route.

 

Great, thanks guys for the links. What I'm concerned with is if the mounts for the cross bar are bent, I won't be able to remove/install and will probably have to bring it in to a shop and file a claim. But, for less than $50 for a brand new bar to try, not a big gamble.

Any idea on what kind of torque I'm looking at here for those bolts or any significant ones like those on the frame?

Thanks again

Steve

 

28 ft-lb for the bolts and nuts on the bar. For other stuff, check the Helm manual (which is where I got this from). If I were you, I would try pulling it off and inspecting things before I ordered the new part. At the very least you might need new bolts.