Steeda Billet LCA install (w/pics)
 

This 'How-To' will cover the installation of the Steeda billet LCA's. This is a direct fit replacement, no modifications necessary or required.

Tools required:
18mm socket or wrench
Torque wrench capable of up to 129 lb-ft
Awl or Phillips screwdriver (to align the LCA mounting hole for installation)
Breaker bar (optional)
Rubber mallet (optional)
Masking tape

Installation time:
1 hour


Installation:

Out of the box
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_3230.jpg

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1. On level ground, place a small piece of masking tape right below the shock tube cover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7406.jpg


2. Raise the rear of the vehicle high enough to provide adequate working room underneath. Do not forget to chock the front tires and always use jackstands.

Remove both rear wheels (Note: If you don't have an impact gun, be sure to loosen the wheel lug nuts before jacking up the rear)
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Stock LCA Drivers side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7411.jpg


3. Remove the e-brake cable from the brake assembly and temporarily route away from the LCA.

Note: Disengage the e-brake handle before attempting to disengage the cable. If removal is still difficult, try pressing down where the cable end is to give it a little more slack.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7416.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7421.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7423.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7424.jpg


4. Using a 18mm socket (or wrench), remove the forward LCA bolt. Use of a breaker bar may be required.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7414.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7418.jpg

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5. Using the same method as the front, remove the rear LCA bolt.

Note: Take note how the flag nut is positioned, it's this way you'll want to re-install it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7426.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7427.jpg


Comparison between the stock LCA and the Steeda billet LCA.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7428.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7440.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7441.jpg


6. Preparation of the Steeda LCA.
Using the supplied lube, generously spread across the black urethane bushing face on both sides, front and rear.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7430.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7431.jpg

Front: Supplied washer faces the OUTSIDE of the car.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7433.jpg

Note: The correct orientation of the LCA is to have the 'STEEDA' logo facing outwards AND the larger machined washer in the rear (offset) facing inwards towards the center of the car.


7. Starting at the front, raise the LCA into position (careful with the washer) and use an awl (or screwdriver) to help align the mounting hole. Install the factory bolt, but do not tighten all the way.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7435.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7436.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7437.jpg


8. Bring up the rear of the LCA and align it to the mounting holes in the rear axle bracket. Install the factory bolt, but do not tighten all the way.

Note: If you're supporting the rear axle by a floor jack in the up position as a safety measure, lowering the axle will aid in the alignment of the bolt hole.

Important!: Be sure the orientation of the LCA and washer placement is correct per the note in Step 6.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7438.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7439.jpg


9. While the rear is still supported on jackstands, raise the rear axle up to the masking tape line from Step 1 to simulate the car in static position. If just shy of hitting the mark (will start to lift the rear of the car if jacked further), that's close enough. This is the position it needs to be in for torquing the bolts.

Torque the front and rear bolts to 129 lb-ft.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7451.jpg


10. Re-install the e-brake cable and don't forget the retaining clip.

Note: I chose not to route the e-brake cable through the LCA opening because I felt it was too tight, especially when the LCA's start moving up/down when driving. I routed mine on top of the LCA without issues. I did not use any zip ties as it seemed more than secure resting against the LCA. However, the choice is yours on how this cable gets routed.


11. Repeat process on the Passenger side.

12. Install wheels and lug nuts, lower vehicle, and properly torque all lug nuts to factory specs.


Installation complete!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...IMG_7521-1.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/IMG_7535.jpg

Another X-mas present to yourself Bill ? :nice:

Looks great. I guess I'll be spending some more $$$ now... :hail:

You are starting to slip a little--I see some dirt on the forward LCA mount. :shame:

:grin: :grin: :grin:

Do these provide a notable handling increase?

do all cars have 'wheel hop' problems

I know my dad's Z06 has some problems. I would go as far as saying that its a problem on torque-y V8's:dunno:

Bill, All I can Say is YOU DA MAN !!!!!!

Thanks for all of your write ups, They really help a lot of us do it ourselves.

another great write up man!

what is wheel hop? do these eliminate it?

Under acceleration, your wheels bounce off the pavement.

Bill, did you notice an improvement in wheelhop:dunno: I was thinking about getting the steeda lca's.

Yup! These LCA's and the Prothane mounts were a gift to myself. :grin:
I figured that no one would buy these for me, so I might as well get them. LOL!



:lol: Thanks for noticing!
I'm trying to be a little less critical on the dirt thing. :jester:



I'm not a track guy (drag or autocross), so I can't really say. Maybe others with aftermarket LCA's who've raced them can chime in.



Some don't have that issue, like mine. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. :grin:



Never had an issue with wheel hop, but I'm sure these beefier billet LCA's are helping something.

Go with BMR.

I have the $134 from BMR. With that said if you've got the extra $$$ I'd say score the billet ones from Steeda. Not only will they be stronger but they're maintence free. JMO.

Nothing bad to say about BMR products. Heck, I have their front DS loop. :nice:

I went with the Steeda ones because they're maintenance free like Leo said, and I simply like the way they look.

Which ever brand anyone goes with, they're better than the stock ones.

Hey there TacoBill! Another great write up. I myself have come across a used set of BMR Adjustable rodend LCA'S and LCA Relocation brackets. Now i just have to decide if i want to get them and let the squeaking begin! I've really never noticed any rear wheel hop with my auto 06 while doing burnouts! Maybe i'm one of the lucky ones with no wheel hop. Please keep us posted on these billet steedas and if they start squeaking or not!

Steeda also has an economy set that they say work just as well , but I went with the billet for the looks ...

Mark , I've had them on for about 5 months now and there is no squeaking ...

I think you need to get a new upper control arm. My new suspension will be going on later this spring, and your write ups are far more helpful than the instructions that come with the parts.

TacoBill, I AM FRENCH.
how to do the adjustability On the controls arms with adjustability ? thank you