Installing top tether anchor in Honda Accord Sedan - technical question

Momto2whosews · Mar 25, 2007

We just installed the top tether in my husband's 1999 Honda Accord sedan today and we have a problem. I hope someone who has done this before can help me.

The anchor bolts are installed so far back near the rear window and the window is at such an angle that there was NO WAY to get the torque wrench onto the bolt. The only wrench that will fit on the bolt is a crescent wrench (open on one side so it slides on the bolt) and the torque wrench is a ratchet style (head that fits over the top of the bolt).

The center bolt is farther forward and wouldn't have been a problem, but we need our dd's seats outboard. And the tether anchor is definitely necesary since we're installing a Safeguard GO for my 4 year old.

We did tighten the bolt with a crescent wrench, but obviously it's not the exact torque stated in the manual.

Again, if anyone has ever done this before and figured out a way to get around the problem, please let me know.

gobsmacked · Mar 25, 2007

Have you tried the dealership? Honda installed mine for me free of charge.

southpawboston · Mar 25, 2007

i personally wouldn't worry about the torque specs... just get it as tight as you can with the torque wrench. not trying to be a naysayer, but as someone who has worked on cars for years (and has three torque wrenches in my collection), i cna almost guarantee you that the dealer wouldn't even use a torque wrench in that situation. in fact, very few mechanics ever use torque wrenches for anything (even when it calls for it) except vital engine parts that require proper torquing, and that is more because of concerns about warpage than worrying about tightness. the bolts that are used with the tethers (and all seatbelt components) are aircraft grade high tensile strength steel or stainless steel, and can withstand a lot of torque. i would just get it in there tight. also, it is possible to estimate torque even using a regular wrench.

Momto2whosews · Mar 26, 2007

southpawboston said:
i personally wouldn't worry about the torque specs... just get it as tight as you can with the torque wrench. not trying to be a naysayer, but as someone who has worked on cars for years (and has three torque wrenches in my collection), i cna almost guarantee you that the dealer wouldn't even use a torque wrench in that situation. in fact, very few mechanics ever use torque wrenches for anything (even when it calls for it) except vital engine parts that require proper torquing, and that is more because of concerns about warpage than worrying about tightness. the bolts that are used with the tethers (and all seatbelt components) are aircraft grade high tensile strength steel or stainless steel, and can withstand a lot of torque. i would just get it in there tight. also, it is possible to estimate torque even using a regular wrench.

Thanks! This is exactly what I was hoping someone would say

It's definitely in there tight, but DH knows that he didn't overtighten it - and I watched him do it, so I believe him. He says the tether strap is putting more stress on that bolt than he did. I honestly do believe it's fine, but just wanted some reassurance. Thanks again.

Installing top tether anchor in Honda Accord Sedan - technical question

Momto2whosews

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southpawboston

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Momto2whosews

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