A question to the forum ...

I know that the space saver spare can be removed to increase the capacity of the boot but I've removed it for the first time today and find the mounting bar is a barrier to making the boot fully accessible.

So ...

Can I remove the bar or does it play some useful functional role eg suspension / stiffness etc.

Urgent help please!!!

I understand that the bar can be removed... it is part of the spare tyre add-on kit.

But, I'm no expert!

pricer, I'm not sure if it was intentional, but the factory install instructions for the spare tyre and mounting bracket were left in my car. If you need guidance on how to get it out, I'll scan it for you if you like.

NT - Thanks .... that would be great ....

Much appreciated

I am pretty sure the bar is fitted with the spare kit "in port", not factory. So I don't think it would be a problem to remove it.

It does take up a bit of useable space. It might add some stiffness - not sure.

I hope you get all your luggage in!

Cheers,
Hymee.

I've taken mine out, and asked my dealer the same question. Was told it 'might' add support between the struts but wasn't vital. Go ahead and take it out. Oh, er, I left mine in ;)

it goes where the rear strut bar do... I wonder it adds functional purpose when driving. What do you reckon?

I saw them putting it in. It just a few bolts so it is no problem at all

THanks to NT Rotor its been removed in accord with the factory instructions.

For the record

1) The bolts are a component in the damper towers so need to be replaced at appropriate tension - 37-51 Nm
2) The shims (spacers) are provided to ensure everything is tight down rather than stressed
3) The bar must be under pressure is it suggested that the fittings can snap if not tightened home appropriately.
4) And most importantly - the boot is HUGE without the tyre

Thanks everyone

Rob

NT RotorHead... please post the scans if you have done them... I may remove the bracket on long trips... and any info you have would be useful.

TIA

sco

pricer01, are you saying that the bolts need to be put back in if the bracket is removed? I drive around with the bracket out all the time but I have kept the bolts in the house with the bracket.

Ok guys, here you go. 14 pages to follow...

page 2

page 3

page 4

page 5

page 6

page 7

page 8

page 9

page 10

page 11

page 12

page 13

Lastly, page 14.

If anyone would like larger and better quality images send me a private message with your email address and I'll email the pics in a zip file. (1.4mb).

That strap looked interesting. My tyre is attached to the bar with a large bolt through the guts.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Thanks NT RotorHead... much appreciated.

Hymee ... it looks like the strap is only used temporarily to hold the tyre in place as you remove/install it. Mine is held in place using the same bolt through the middle.

1) The bolts are a component in the damper towers so need to be replaced at appropriate tension - 37-51 Nm


This is not quite correct... refer to the following thread for more info: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=22186

(Added this in case someone finds this thread in the future, like I did, and isn't aware of this additional info Gomez worked out.)

Is there any handling differences once the bar has been removed

skc

I removed my bar 3months ago when i had to use the spacer. Now i just keep it free in the back (no bar). I think its pointless (the cover too). Its in your manuel (white booklet) that shows you how to remove it.