Uniq Performance Rigid Collars

[DRS]

Some threads up, the topic of galvanic corrosion came up. GREAT POINT! As any Expedition owner will attest (I am one), that is what caused the chaos on the aluminum rear hatches. Steel door latch components and trim touching the aluminum hatch. Get a bit of moisture that has pollution, minerals, or salt, and the whole hatch looks like a zinc sacrificial anode on a boat motor.

What will happen to these?

When pressed, any protection will be crushed and split. Any moisture between these two dissimilar metals, and the battery like electron loss begins.

Also, I bet once these are installed, periodic should check torque. Or tightness. Over time the Aluminum might compress and listen after install with road miles?

 

[Gen2]

I thought they were from Ontario. Anyhow, installed my last collar yesterday. Turns out that BOTH parts of the subframe on the front needs to be supported if the screws are not catching on.

As well, ramps are a lot better than using jack stands to get the collars installed.

These are made in Ontario as i have seen them being made at UNIQs shop which is like 30 min away from my place

 

[Rich_R-SPEC]

Just ordered uniq rigid collars today. Supposed to be here Monday. Most likely have to wait till warmer weather as I have my two other cars under cover in storage. Will have to see about possibly undercoating to protect from road salt. Only want to install once.

 

[MrBrady]

I just picked up a 2014 r-spec and have been reading about these collars.

Are these subframe braces or bushings for suspension components?

In my opinion this car is amazing. Plenty of power and the ride is very nice, while still responsive. I'm not necessarily looking to race or increase the performance at all and certainly don't want to negatively affect the ride quality or tire life.

So, would this mod still be for me?

 

[amartz]

They are not bushings, and they do not make the ride "stiffer". They do make the body and subframes more of a single solid unit, with less body flex, and improved handling.

 

[MrBrady]

They are not bushings, and they do not make the ride "stiffer". They do make the body and subframes more of a single solid unit, with less body flex, and improved handling.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Gen2]

Mr Brady
Did you end up getn a set?
If not highly recommended mod

 

[videopho]

I just finished installing these in my coupe which I think is by far the best mod for the bucks.
The coupe is 4 years old and on coilovers which makes the mod become a must have.
Driving on bumps or dips makes the ride a bit more tolerable in terms of comfort.

 

[MrBrady]

Mr Brady
Did you end up getn a set?
If not highly recommended mod

Not yet. Still deciding.

 

[FastDEW1]

I am interested in getting a set of these, However - I am very worried about the alignment. My Sedan drives straight as an arrow and doesn't pull or drift at all. The steering wheel is perfectly centered too. I know these cars historically have been difficult to get to drive perfectly straight with no pull or drift and the wheel on center. Mine does.

So I am very worried that installing these collars, I would not be able to have an alignment tech get it right or take the time needed to get it right.

Can anyone comment on this?

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[DRS]

I am convinced of the function. However, galvanic corrosion between steel and aluminum, as dissimilar metals is notorious. And accelerated by any non distilled water (meaning dirty street water, salted roads, or just salt). Which means over a few years there will be the insets will corrode, degrade, and possible cause loosening bolts and sub frames. There is no way I can see in preventing from all positions water entry. And no way to seal contaminated water from seeping inside along the lines between the metals touching..

BTW, this WILL be a huge challenge for GM with the new CT6. Half steel, half aluminum... Same for new F150. And people with Audi, Ford Expedition and many others are finding out Ziebart will not do the trick.

Otherwise these cool add ins would be installed in a heartbeat.

 

[consilius]

I am convinced of the function. However, galvanic corrosion between steel and aluminum, as dissimilar metals is notorious. And accelerated by any non distilled water (meaning dirty street water, salted roads, or just salt). Which means over a few years there will be the insets will corrode, degrade, and possible cause loosening bolts and sub frames. There is no way I can see in preventing from all positions water entry. And no way to seal contaminated water from seeping inside along the lines between the metals touching..

BTW, this WILL be a huge challenge for GM with the new CT6. Half steel, half aluminum... Same for new F150. And people with Audi, Ford Expedition and many others are finding out Ziebart will not do the trick.

Otherwise these cool add ins would be installed in a heartbeat.

Well, these are anodized to prevent corrosion.

 

[videopho]

I am interested in getting a set of these, However - I am very worried about the alignment. My Sedan drives straight as an arrow and doesn't pull or drift at all. The steering wheel is perfectly centered too. I know these cars historically have been difficult to get to drive perfectly straight with no pull or drift and the wheel on center. Mine does.

So I am very worried that installing these collars, I would not be able to have an alignment tech get it right or take the time needed to get it right.

Can anyone comment on this?

We all drive on imperfect road conditions and sooner or later your car overtime will need one anyway.
Installing the new collars may not require an all wheel alignment right away but it is recommended by UniqPerformance and several other experienced users.
I did my coupe right after the collar installation mostly because it needed one anyway.

 

[DRS]

So are boat motor out drives anodized. Does not matter with galvanic corrosion. And the anodize is broken down when the collars are smashed and compressed like they are.

I support doing this for those who choose to understand the risk. I have not made that choice yet to proceed.

 

[DRS]

And I agree with the alignment with a good shop. I bet those results will be amazing once the collars are installed.

 

[daviderle]

And I agree with the alignment with a good shop. I bet those results will be amazing once the collars are installed.

Indeed, the results are amazing at least in my case, I can vouch for both the 4.6 and R-Spec, even though the R-spec is going in for a second alignment tomorrow, as it still pulls ever so slightly to the right!!!.., while the 4.6 has been sublime, especially during the 2500 mile trip from ATL to NY and back late last year...

 

[amartz]

So I am very worried that installing these collars, I would not be able to have an alignment tech get it right or take the time needed to get it right.

You *will* need an alignment. After my collars were installed, the alignment wasn't even close. I pretty much expected that. It's one of the reasons I had my dealer tech install them for me. I'm pretty handy with tools, but some things I'll let the professionals do, and I've good experience with the techs at this dealer (Carolina Kia in High Point, NC). After installing the collars, he put it up on the alignment rack, and brought everything back to specs. He even had me climb up in the car on the rack, and turn the wheel back and forth until it looked centered both to me and the alignment computer. We both took turns driving it afterwards, and were both very happy with the results. After living with the collars for a while, I'd recommend this.

 

[amartz]

Installing the new collars may not require an all wheel alignment right away

Oh yes it will.

 

[Rey]

This not a big deal to "decide". They "work". It is that simple. It is cheap. When you install them yourself you will see just how much your subframe moves around by simply observing the tool marks the chassis bolts make on the subframe.

Incidentally, the Hyundai Genesis V6, V8, RSpec, and even Equus use exactly the same chassis bolts, so the kit fits everyone.

 

[Gen2]

100 percent what Rey mentioned above
These are proven that they work PERIOD and is best susepnsion mod hands down