I removed mine cause I needed more trunk space for my sports gear. Does that big metal plate serve any meaningful structual purpose

 

I wouldnt consider it a sway bar, its more like a strut tower bar in function. Think of an Ikea bookshelf with the cardboard backing. Without that backing, the whole shelf will fold pretty easily. With the backing it is much more stable. The metal plate behind the seat provides crossbracing to help minimize chassis flex. If you notice a difference in handling, put it back. If you dont miss it, dont worry about it.

 

good thing ikea doesnt own honda

 

I haven't noticed any difference in handling. I'm just wondering if without it there is more stress on other parts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by piggydog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I haven't noticed any difference in handling. I'm just wondering if without it there is more stress on other parts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If you're taking some hard turns with some sticky tires and loose suspension you might put stress on other parts, but it's no biggie not having that bar for regular driving.

Also, a sway bar is a bar under the car that connects both sides of the suspension and prevents body roll...if anything that brace you're talking about would compare more to a strut bar.

 

yeah I meant strut bar like device. I'm not very attentive in the mornings / afternoons