View Full Version : DIY: Tips for an easy sway bar install


kma5783
09-04-2010, 05:07 PM
Tips for installing the front sway bar...

1. Remove Undertray and lower section of wheel wells... Takes like 5 min and it just gets it out of the way
2. Remove lower radiator brackets... It's just four bolts and it will allow the radiator to swing out a little so you have more room to work with. Don't worry the radiator won't fall out or go anywhere.
3. Detach Tie Rods from Hub/Spindle... One nut on each side and will allow you to easily swing the sway bar into the proper position. After removing nut just tap the tie rod end with a hammer and it will come right out...Note: When detaching the tie rod there's a cotter pin that you have to remove, I would recommend you replace it with a new one, this prevents the nut from loosening all the way so the tie rod doesn't come loose while driving.
4. Install Sway Bar from Drivers Side... To me it's just easier to maneuver from this side.

The rear bar is easy there's not really much to obstruct it. Not really any tips here it's very straight forward.

These are things that take a few extra minutes to start with but I guarantee it will save you time wrestling with the sway bar.

04Green
12-30-2010, 07:04 PM
This was very helpful. Car would still be in pieces if not for this post.. A few things to add, if I may...

Have the ends of the bar pointed down when you pass it through the wheel well on the far side (the side you did not start at). This will let you rotate it up to connect to the end link. I could not get it to work if the end was up. I had an adjustable bar that was longer than the stock one.

If you cannot get the last 2 ##$@% fasteners that hold the under tray in because they are the stupid little plastic ones and you cannot get to them, that is OK, just let the tray hang from them. The key is really the radiator brackets.

If you decide you want to install grease fittings, make sure they will clear the installation bolts. Parallel to the tabs on the fittings is NOT a good idea. Remember to drill through the bushing as well so the grease can get through to the bar. Also, if you install fittings, you will need to grind the inside part down flush or it will rub on the bar in the front. When you grind it down, the spring and ball will come out. Given that there are no bearings involved, this is probably OK. Just cover it with a rubber cap.

Be careful of the ABS lines. I unbolted mine from popped the wire ties lose from the fender liners. With the liners out, it is a good idea to do the ASH8 mod and open up the holes a little bit.

Again, thanks kma5783

kma5783
12-30-2010, 09:40 PM
No problem just glad it helped someone out!

I posted it thinking it would save a lot of people some time because some people around here make it seem like a sway bar install is so difficult, by doing these things it makes it way easier.

Good additional tips you added, definitely have to keep the ends of the bar facing down and I never thought about it but installing some grease fittings isn't a bad idea, hmmm...I may have to do that haha