2016-Oct-16
Replaced damaged left side mirror with an aftermarket part from Rock Auto.
Disabled automatic air conditioning, saving fuel and prolonging life of the compressor.
2016-Nov-29
Added WeatherTech floor liners and KDLINKS R100 dashcam.
2017-Apr-05
Added OBDLink LX
2017-Apr-30
Installed a Fumoto F106SX oil drain valve for easy, simple oil changes.
2017-Aug-23
Installed a ZeroStart 3100111 Engine Block Heater
2017-Oct-19
Adjusted clutch
2017-Oct-25
Added experimental warm air intake ducting from over exhaust manifold to air filter box inlet (Removed 2018-Jan-20)
2018-Jan-20
Battery replaced.
2018-Jan-30
Added grill block. Between the two, I think the grill block is more effective than the warm air intake.
2021-May-7
Fuel pump, gasket & lock ring replaced to address a Evaporative Emission System leak.
2016-Nov-02
Rear axle replaced.
2018 Jun 14
Installed Daox Rear Sway Bar
2019-Feb-13
Purchased an Air Lift 60724 1000 Series Air Spring Kit, to be installed soon.
2020-Dec-22
Removed broken Daox Rear Sway Bar and installed the Air Lift air bag suspension.
Increased tire pressure for improved fuel economy.
Summer Tires: 4 Dunlop Enasave (165/65R14) on Mitsubishi Mirage ES factory alloy rims (stock wheel set for the 2015 ES.)
Winter Tires: 4 Dunlop Wintermaxx (165/65R14) mounted on Mitsubishi factory steel rims.
2017-Nov-26
Picked up an extra set of Enasaves and the Dunlop Wintermaxx tires from forum member Zero.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
Sad news. After hearing some knocking at the rear axle I found my Daox sway bar has broken at a weld. Bummer.
The weather should warm up some this weekend so it'll come off then.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
MirageRally (12-17-2020)
Pics!
Yeah, the first version of the bar does seem to have a fairly limited life span. If you're interested in replacing it let me know. I've been offering a very steep discount on a replacement.
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
I'm sure you'll share more with us when you get the chance. I have the same vintage rear sway bar as you.
It's not much fun crawling under a car this time of year unless you have heated garage.
During installation, I had to lift my Mirage to slip one of the bolts past the rear springs on each side. If I end up having to replace my rear sway bar some day, I would probably just use the same bolts.
Bummer if it broke, but those things happen. I am very glad Daox took the time to develop/manufacture these, & it's great that he's also improved them.
That is due to the nature of the failure. It will slowly start a small crack, and that crack will grow over time. As the crack grows you will get less and less load put through the bar as the material yields more and more. It doesn't just crack all at once. So, its a gradual process, not an all at once kind of thing.
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
Here you go:
Daox, I see your point - according to the amount of corrosion on the break and inside the tube, it looks like this had been cracked for a long time.
This is a disappointment. The bolts were corroded - it was a big struggle to get them off. The break and the amount of rust on the whole thing is frustrating. And it's only 2½ years since I put it in so it didn't even last that long? Why couldn't it break in the warm summer instead of the cold of winter?? Ugh - I got a harsh reminder of working under a car while lying on the cold frozen ground at night cussing at bolts that wouldn't cooperate... And I found one of those bolts had been rubbing a groove into my spring. What's even more baffling is I don't drive hard or corner hard either.
I installed the Air Lift air bag kit. Here's my immediate thoughts after a ride around the block:
1. The anti-sway bar addresses sway only. It might help stiffen up the rear springs by tying the two sides together but that has a limited effect.
2. The AirLift air bags appear to address not only body sway but helps the rear suspension deal with heavy loads and keeps the headlights from blinding oncoming drivers as well as improve ride. Best of all, it's adjustable.
Like I said I'll give it some time but as of tonight I wish I had installed these air bags long ago.
Last edited by Eggman; 12-23-2020 at 01:25 AM.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
Daox (12-23-2020)
I appreciate the update Eggman. I need to crawl under my Mirage & see how things look. If my rear springs are being damaged, I would rather address that sooner rather than later. I can't really picture how the bolts would rub against the spring, because it would seem like everything would move up & down together. With the first generation sway bars, I was concerned about the sway bar fitting so close to the brake line brackets & causing a wearing issue with those.
After listening you, it worth taking a look for sure. I changed tires the other day, but didn't really check out that area. I really like the outcome of a rear sway bar. I would be willing to give the revised one a try before bailing on them. If my memory serves me right, I remember a white rear sway bar sold by another company (Ultra Racing Rear Sway Bar maybe?) also breaking at the welds. I am not going to search for that pic, because it may have been outside the forum?
I like the thought of the air bag suspension, too. You'll have to keep us posted on that, too! Could the air bags help reduce the strain put on a sway bar? Do we have anyone on the forum doing both air bags & sway bar?
Doesn't the revised rear sway bar have a solid bar instead of the hollow one?
Last edited by Mark; 12-23-2020 at 01:53 AM.